Safer streets, affordable living, home ownership for NA – President Ali

…town no longer APNU stronghold
…now a people-centered town – PM Philips

President Dr Irfaan Ali has pledged to provide the people of New Amsterdam with the improvements they seek during the second term of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.
Speaking passionately in front of Freedom House, Main Street, in the country’s oldest town at a PPP/C-hosted meeting, Ali said that after engaging with local residents, he fully understands their needs and priorities.
“And what do the people of New Amsterdam want? Like anywhere else, you want safer communities,” President Ali pointed out.
He said as part of the improved security system, the Government will be installing cameras on every utility pole in the township to enhance security.
“You want a life of affordability, one in which you can go to the markets, to the supermarkets, and afford to full your basket; one in which you can afford to give your children a bright and beautiful life; one in which you can live a life of decency and comfort; one in which you can retire in dignity; one in which you know the Government will not only increase salaries and pensions and grants, but one in which the Government will create more opportunities, reduce the taxes, increase your disposable income, and give you back more in your pocket. You want a life of affordability, so that if you want to go to Georgetown, you now go toll-free,” President Ali pointed out, noting that some of those desires are already being fulfilled.

Now, persons have in excess of 200 less taxes than they had five years ago.
Noting that an affordable life is a desire of all, President Ali explained that the goal is to ensure that all can own their own homes.
Howe ownership will become cheaper, easier, and more accessible, the President promised.
“You must be able to own your own home, not only own your own land, and we are going to invest to ensure that we have enough land developed, so that every family who needs a house, can get a house. But far more important than that, it is about you building your home, and owning your home. That is why your next PPP/Civic Government will transfer resources directly to you, so you can build your own home.”
Those who are desirous of owning a small business, the President said, will be assisted in their efforts of doing so. According to President Ali, the Government will co-invest with the banking sector, so that interest rates for small loans will be drastically reduced.
“We will lend at zero per cent; we will give more small business development loans, we will help you in financial planning, we will help you in the development of technology.”
The Head of State did not shy away from acknowledging that everyone desires to have more money in their pockets.
“How do you get more money in your pocket? We are going to give you the best education, without any one of you spending a single cent,” he said.

Something bigger
President Ali promised the best healthcare for persons, which will be cost-free. Additionally, there will be improved infrastructure, reduced taxes and an expanded income base.
He said they will be creating new opportunities that will create jobs and enable the town and neighbouring communities to be empowered. This, he said, will be done by building new professional opportunities.
President Ali alluded to the fact that all of the other political parties on the campaign trail are proposing salary increases.
“While they speak only about salary, we are speaking about something much bigger,” the president disclosed.

No longer APNU’s stronghold
Prime Minister (PM) Mark Philips, who also addressed the political meeting, said that the town of New Amsterdam has traditionally been known as a stronghold for the Peoples National Congress (PNC) which now operates under the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) banner- but this has changed.
“New Amsterdam is no longer a stronghold. New Amsterdam is the people’s town, and as a people, your vote is for people’s self-development that will be provided,” the PM said.
He however, cautioned residents to stay focused, noting that the PPP/C will continue to deliver.

“We got into office when the economy of this country was in shambles, and to add insult to injury, we had COVID-19. A lot of people died from COVID-19, and you had a Government that did nothing to help the people. When we took office, there were no personal protection equipment for the nurses and the workers. We changed everything, and in less than two months – remember they opened a COVID hospital; they called it an infectious disease hospital. They just opened a building with a fancy sign – in less than two months we ensured you had oxygen. You had all the equipment. You had the nurse and the doctors…”
“New Amsterdam must no longer be a stranglehold… Tonight is the night to unshackle yourselves,” he added.
Phillips also took the opportunity to comment on the recently implemented system for the promotion of police officers.
Only a few days ago, also in New Amsterdam, while at a political meeting hosted by APNU, Presidential candidate Aubrey Norton said if his party is elected to Government, it will rescind all of the promotions that came into effect from August 1, claiming that it was the PPP/C’s way to try to bribe police officers to vote for their party at the upcoming elections.
However, PM Philips said the Government is in no way trying to bribe police officers to vote a certain way.
“…What we are doing is dealing with a moral issue in the Discipline Services and we are the only Government who have done that.”
Also addressing the meeting, Councillor on the Town Council, Carol Bagot-Trim, pointed out that while the PPP/C traditionally only had one seat on the council, it was increased to three seats in 2015, and at the last local Government elections the PPP/C took six seats. Since then, she said, there has been massive development in the town.