Dear Editor,
In February this year, President Ali besought teachers and all categories of workers to exercise patience as his Administration continues to make the lives of Guyanese better one day at a time: not only through sustainable wages and salaries; not only by implementing various measures to subsidize the cost of living; but by greatly improving the infrastructural landscape of every region of Guyana.
Today, the teachers are happy with the increases in their salaries and other benefits. Patience has won.
Everywhere the eyes behold, there has been a vast improvement in the landscape of the country. In the recently concluded CPL, the commentators were vociferous in lauding the immense transformation taking place in Guyana. In fact, they were unanimous in declaring that every time they come to Guyana for CPL matches, the progress and economic growth of the country is evident.
This is not the observation of only these commentators, but is that of each and every visitor, especially Guyanese living abroad.
Today I listened in awe and admiration as President Ali outlined the endless list of numerous socio-economic developments which were achieved since he assumed office in 2020, and what will be achieved in 2025. Hardly has a government been able to achieve even an iota of what this Government has achieved.
The President highlighted the progress of his government in each and every sector of this country and in each and every Region; no one has been left behind, especially the vulnerable members of society (old people, children, single parents, differently abled, etc).
This is what a government should be proud about, and what the electorate would use as the barometer to elect a government. The APNU and AFC cannot stand on their ‘achievements’, which highlight corruption, mismanagement, squandermania and cronyism. Their major ‘achievement’ was probably the 5-month-long attempted rigging of the 2020 General Elections.
Today the numerous complaints of residents have been reduced significantly, and I am positive that this caring Government would address each and every complaint in real time, as has been the hallmark of this Government.
The President’s announcement of a cash grant of $200,000 for every household, which would cost $60 billion in total, is yet another measure to buffer the cost of living. This is in addition to the income tax allowance for each child, which means more disposable income for parents; a minimum of $100,000 for public servants by end of 2025; free UG education from January 2025; and a $10,000 basic health care voucher.
These are just a few measures, but the 2025 Budget would roll out a lot more.
The naysayers should listen to President Ali’s speech and be enlightened. Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. Better things are yet to come.
Yours sincerely,
Haseef Yusuf