Norton criticises parents’ spending of “Because We Care” cash grant, removal of bridge tolls

The opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) took its campaign to Linden on Sunday, where presidential candidate Aubrey Norton delivered a speech heavy on criticism of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and light on detailed plans for Guyana’s future.
Addressing a rally in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), where APNU’s support has been waning in recent years, Norton devoted much of his time to attacking PPP/C policies and its General Secretary (GS) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.
While he offered a few broad promises, specific policy outlines were largely absent.
On healthcare, Norton pledged to train more professionals, an initiative already underway under the current administration. “We are saying to you, we are going to ensure we train quality nurses. We train quality doctors. We ensure that those hospitals have the equipment and the pharmaceuticals they need. Because what you need is a system that delivers health services,” Norton said.
In the education sector, he vowed to increase the “Because We Care” cash grant – a PPP/C programme that APNU had scrapped during its time in Government from 2015 to 2020. However, Norton simultaneously criticised the way parents, particularly mothers, spend the grant, accusing them of using the funds carelessly.
“We want you to do it for you, not to do your hair. You’re all done good looking. You don’t have to dial up. We’re giving you it for you to ensure that your child stays in school and gets an education,” he insisted.
Norton also took aim at the Government’s recent decision to make the Wismar, Demerara and Berbice bridges toll-free, questioning the value of the move. He further dismissed several of the administration’s ongoing infrastructural projects, insisting that an APNU-led Government would deliver them more effectively.
“How much a bicycle is paid for crossing the bridge? Anybody know? How much a car is paid? $60. How much a 4×4 is paid? $500. You all know how much your friend the truck got to pay? Huh? High. High. $10,000 and above. You see. They are trying to make it look as if they are interested in you. But they are doing two things at the same time. The first thing they are doing is again helping their friends, family and favourite. And the little miniscule thing you used to pay. It can sound like if you get help. But keep your eyes on the ball. So do not be carried away. They have no interest in you,” the Opposition leader told the crowd.
Despite the criticisms, Norton declared APNU to be the “only party that can take the country forward” and urged supporters to see the party as the nation’s “only hope for prosperity.”