Modern model for development – Ali as PPP/C launches manifesto

…“you can rest assured that we have a clear plan for diversification of the economy” – Jagdeo

The governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has launched its 2025 elections manifesto, with pledges of creating a modern and international model for development in its plan for the next five years of Guyana.
Themed “One Country, One People, One Future Forward Together for a Better Guyana”, the Head of State delivered his address to hundreds of PPP/C supporters during the launch of the manifesto on Monday.
He boldly stated that the manifesto’s policies are designed to ensure international standards are met, linking Guyana to the global environment while remaining modern and up-to-date.
“I want to say to you today, that these policies and programs are carefully put together in the context of the international environment that we are operating in. And as a country, we have to be mindful of the volatility that exists in the international environment.”
These volatilities he stated are: the impact and implications of ongoing conflicts, the impact and implications of changes in logistics routes and circumstances surrounding the shipping sector, changes in international trade arrangements, and changes in international markets amongst others.
He further pointed out that these are important international policy factors and that the policy environment must be directly related to the manifesto.
He emphasized that external factors remain critical to the internal functioning of Guyana’s economy.
“So, I want you to understand that these plans are carefully designed in the context of the current international environment and with a deliberate understanding as to where future challenges will be, what those challenges will be, and how we mitigate against them,” he stated.
The Head of State explained that this is why many of the initiatives outlined are presented at a minimum level and are subject to upward adjustment, depending on the performance of the economy.
“There are some indicators that we have already plugged into the matrix that can change the situation. And we must understand—we’re not living on an island by ourselves. We’re in an international environment, and I want us to understand this context.”
Moving away from the practice in which others political parties tend to do – creating goals that are unrealistic to set – the Head of State emphasized that the PPP/C in contrast intends to include checkpoints and verifiable indicators to measure progress.
“And importantly, in this plan, you will see that we have placed targets in the plan because we believe that we must have verifiable indicators. We must have indicators and targets that the people can measure our performance against. That is why we are the only party that can campaign on a track record. Because when you look at the indicators, you can verify that we have delivered.”
He added, “I won’t lie to you, this would require 17 to 20 hours of work every single day. It is imaginative, but it is implementable and achievable. We do not believe in making promises we cannot keep. These plans were fashioned not in the back rooms, but from the ground up over the last five years.”
He further noted that the government engaged with different sections of society in the crafting of this plan. While many suggestions were listened to, they had to be weighed against the broader macro vision.
The Head of State also noted that the manifesto was shaped by ideas gathered from various sections of society, and he expressed gratitude to those who contributed their perspectives. However, he explained that while many suggestions were considered, they had to be weighed against the government’s broader vision and then organized into clear areas of priority. With only five years to execute, the administration had to determine which goals must be achieved first to form a structured economic plan.
He emphasized that the resulting plan is designed to guide Guyana’s development not only over the next five years but beyond, describing it as serious, structured, and strategic plan.
President Irfaan Ali, said the PPP’s proposals are grounded in broad consultations and fiscal responsibility: “I want to make it clear this is not a wish list… It is not empty rhetoric. This is a declaration of intent.”

Careful attention to potential risks
Meanwhile, PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said on Monday that his party has crafted its five-year social and infrastructural plans with careful attention to potential risks such as falling oil prices, Dutch Disease, climate change, and global shocks.
Launching the manifesto he noted, “every other party has spoken about only how they will use oil money… oil prices can collapse tomorrow. Where would that leave us, as a country?”
Warning against Dutch Disease, he said: “This could destroy your economy if not managed carefully.” To counter this, the manifesto outlines diversification into “new sectors, the new growth poles” including hospitality, agriculture, biotechnology, and stronger ties with Brazil, which he said would receive “vital policy attention.”
Jagdeo added, “you can rest assured that we have a clear plan for diversification of the economy.” He also pointed to the PPP’s track record in macroeconomic management: “Long before oil, we fixed all of those things.”
Highlighting climate risks, he cited investments in canals, kokers, and pumps to build resilience. On external shocks such as the Russia-Ukraine war, he stressed: “That’s not how you manage a company and an economy.”