Zero-interest loans for aspiring entrepreneurs in next PPP/C term – General Secretary

…“our people will not only survive, they will thrive” says PM Phillips

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has announced a bold initiative to further support economic empowerment in Guyana, promising zero-interest loans for aspiring entrepreneurs during its next term in office.
This commitment, delivered by General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo during a rally in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Sunday, formed part of a broader vision for deepening development, particularly in hinterland and Amerindian communities.

“The communities are changing. We’re getting better education and health, better roads, more support for agriculture. And so, we’ve made it clear now we have to support the income-generating activities in these communities. But what are we going to do so that you can have a better life, every one of you and your children? ”
“In the next term, anyone who wants to start a small business or a medium-scale business will get a loan at zero interest rates so you can start small businesses. The women and young people in your community will get special grants to start small projects so that they too can do well, they can generate income in their communities,” the General Secretary announced.
Addressing the considerable gathering of residents, Jagdeo highlighted the PPP’s historical record of advancing Indigenous rights, pointing to the passage of the Amerindian Act, the resumption of the land titling programme—resulting in 16 percent of Guyana’s territory now in Amerindian hands—and the creation of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
He also underscored the government’s efforts in expanding scholarships, improving education access, and integrating Indigenous youth into key professions, including medicine, teaching, and the military.
Reflecting on the five years of the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change) administration, Jagdeo accused the former government of neglecting Amerindian communities and failing to deliver on its promises. In contrast, he pointed to the PPP/C’s record since its return to office in 2020, citing $14 billion in support channelled through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), $11.7 billion from the Amerindian Development Fund, 4,000 scholarships awarded, and 36,000 solar panels distributed to hinterland villages.
Each of the 214 Amerindian communities, he said, had also received equipment to boost local development.
Jagdeo stressed that as substantial as these achievements have been, much more remains to be done, particularly to improve livelihoods at the family and household level. To this end, he added, support will also extend to home construction and improvement, cash and business grants, and enhanced assistance for farmers, including access to fertiliser, planting material, and food processing facilities.
“We’re going to ensure that anyone who wants to build a house can get a grant to build a house — or those who need to improve their homes, that they too can get a grant to improve their homes in all the villages. The cash grant will continue. The business grant will continue. The 100,000, as you heard from Mark Phillips, more and more people will get those… We will make sure that your villages, the farmers, get full support. We’ll build factory shelves so you can process more of your food”.
“We’ll make sure that more equipment, fertiliser, pesticides, planting material for the farmers so that people can have a better life. In terms of education, we want everyone to study. All of our young people to have the best quality education in the world without leaving their villages,” he declared.

Our people must thrive
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips fired up the large crowd in Region Nine on Saturday night, declaring that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC) has delivered on its promises and is ready to do even more for Guyana over the next five years.
Addressing the massive rally in Lethem, the Prime Minister described the event as a show of unity, strength, and support for development, sovereignty, and the vision of “One Guyana.” He said the turnout in Rupununi was proof that the “Red Army” of supporters had grown into a “Red Tsunami” sweeping across every corner of the country.
Phillips reminded residents that the PPP/C’s return to office in August 2020 was marked by a commitment to deliver five years of development—and that those promises had been kept. He pointed to tangible projects in the region, including the commissioning of four to five brand new concrete bridges, the Moco Moco and Kumu mini-hydropower projects, the rehabilitation of transmission lines, and the establishment of a solar farm in Lethem.
“Electricity is here for you—compliments of the PPP/C government,” he told residents, noting that the distribution system is being expanded to ensure every household in Region Nine is connected. “This is what we believe in: power to the people.”
The Prime Minister also recalled the government’s relief and welfare measures, the government’s support for agriculture during floods and droughts, eye-care subsidies, and annual increases in public servants’ salaries totalling 46% over five years.
“Comrades, promises made, promises delivered,” he declared, stressing that the PPP/C government not only builds schools, roads, and health centres, but also ensures citizens share directly in the nation’s prosperity.
Looking ahead to the September 1st elections, Phillips urged residents to remain focused, share the government’s vision with their families and neighbours, and secure another five years for President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the PPPC team.
“Better is already here, and you are enjoying it,” the Prime Minister said. “Under the PPPC government, Guyana will continue to develop, and our people will not only survive—they will thrive.”