PM Phillips urges West Demerara to return PPP to office because of its all-round accomplishments

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has urged residents of Stewartville and the wider Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) community to once again throw their support behind the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections, declaring that their decision in 2020 to return the party to office was “the best political decision of their lives.”
Addressing what he described as “the largest political gathering in Region Three,” PM Phillips rallied supporters with a call for “five more years” of leadership under President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
“In February 2020, we stood right here and asked you to give us five years,” Phillips told the enthusiastic crowd. “You delivered and your vote changed not only Stewartville or Region Three, but all of Guyana. That was the best decision you made in your political life.”
“Your vote is the most powerful weapon that you have, and we respect your vote. And that’s why we’re here, asking you for your vote. Your vote and our diligence in implementing our manifesto plans, projects and programmes to you is what has resulted in us being here today, thanking you and asking you for five more years. Five more years of development. Five more years of economic growth and economic empowerment. Five more years of youth empowerment. Five more years of empowerment of our women folk,” Phillips assured.

Promises made, promises kept
The PM pointed to major developments achieved under the PPP/C Administration since assuming office in August 2020, citing new roads, water treatment plants, health facilities, internet connectivity for hinterland communities, and major education sector expansion. According to Phillips, the Government has constructed 42 secondary schools, 45 primary schools, and 67 nursery schools across Guyana in the past five years. He also highlighted advancements in healthcare, including the building of 12 new hospitals and the introduction of telemedicine in remote areas.
“When I get sick as Prime Minister, I go to the same health centre or hospital as you,” Phillips said, underscoring the administration’s push for equity in healthcare access. The PM also reminded supporters that upon taking office, the PPP/C Government reversed over 200 “burdensome taxes and fees” introduced by the previous A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration, while restoring initiatives such as the “Because We Care” cash grant for schoolchildren.
This year, the grant reached $50,000 per child, and Phillips revealed that in 2026 it will increase to $200,000—split between a $100,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant and a $100,000 transportation grant.
He also cited salary increases of more than 46 per cent for public servants, along with major infrastructural projects such as the imminent completion of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge.
“You must get free services in this country. Free facilities in this country. And that’s why education is free. That’s why health facilities is free. That’s why the bridge is free. Shared prosperity. We promise that and we deliver on that. All these free services for the people,” the PM reminded.

Convert this tsunami into a super majority
As the crowd roared in approval, Phillips urged voters to turn their numbers into a decisive victory at the polls. “This gathering tonight is a tsunami. On September 1, we must convert this tsunami into a super majority for the PPP/C,” he declared. “Your vote is the most powerful weapon you have. Five more years means five more years of youth empowerment, women’s development, economic growth and shared prosperity.”
In a pointed critique of the opposition, Phillips dismissed APNU and AFC as “a waste of time” and “dead meat,” while assuring supporters that the PPP/C would continue to deliver on every promise made. “Guyana’s economy is getting better every day. And as we earn more money, we will ensure more services of a high standard are delivered free to you, our people,” the PM concluded.