“We revived a dead economy, breathed new life into it” – PM Phillips at Diamond rally

Prime Ministerial candidate for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, declared on Tuesday evening that his party “revived a dead economy and breathed new life into it” after taking office in August 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 crisis.
Speaking to a large gathering of supporters Thursday at a public meeting in Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, Phillips made a strong case for the PPP/C’s re-election at the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections, recalling the Administration’s track record on economic recovery, tax reform, and social welfare.

PM Phillips speaks at the PPP/C’s Diamond rally on Thursday

“When we took office, we took over a dead economy and breathed life into that economy,” Phillips stated. “When we got back into office in 2020, it was a rescue operation. We bought COVID-19 vaccines for every single Guyanese. We delivered,” he reminded the crowd.
Phillips credited the PPP/C’s swift and strategic interventions for stabilising the country during one of its most challenging periods. He emphasised that the PPP/C Government, without introducing any new taxes, not only managed the economic fallout from the pandemic but also repealed more than 200 taxes and fees imposed under the previous APNU+AFC Administration.
“We ensured there were no new taxes, and we stuck to that promise,” he recounted.
The Prime Ministerial candidate pointed to key achievements, including massive infrastructure development, youth and women empowerment initiatives, and increased welfare spending.

A section of the large crowd

“Guyana is one huge construction site,” he declared. “We are building roads, we are building houses. We had sustained economic growth thanks to Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and his team. There is development for all the people.”
As the campaign intensifies, Phillips also pushes back against outlandish welfare promises being made by other political parties, accusing them of over-promising.
“They cannot stand by their figures. They’re telling you that to get your votes,” Phillips cautioned.
In contrast, Phillips assured supporters, under the PPP/C future, social support will remain tied to economic growth.
“We gave you $100,000 this year… Next year if the figures say we can give you more, you will get more, because we believe once the economy grows, you will get more,” he pledged.
“When you vote PPP/C, you vote for your children’s future in Guyana, for the empowerment of our youths in Guyana, for the empowerment of our women of Guyana,” he stated.
With just days to go before the elections, the PPPC is banking on its incumbency record and promises of continued development to secure another term.