PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said the country has seen rapid progress under the ruling party’s leadership, pointing to expanded education spending, housing initiatives, and support for Indigenous communities, while accusing the opposition of neglect during its time in office.
Speaking at his weekly press conference at Freedom House, Dr. Jagdeo said Guyana’s education budget had risen from $ 53 billion to $185 billion over the past five years under the PPP. He pointed to measures including free university education, expansion of the school network, payment for CXC and CAPE examinations, and the restoration of the school children’s cash grant.
“In contrast, when they were in office, they increased UG fees by 35 per cent and took away the children’s grant. How can they credibly speak about having a sound education policy?” Dr. Jagdeo said.
He criticised the APNU+AFC’s performance in the housing sector, claiming there was “practically zero investment,” and cited the current administration’s countrywide housing initiatives as evidence of progress.
Dr. Jagdeo also said the PPP had renewed support for Amerindian development, including the reinstatement of the Community Support Officers (CSOs) programme, presidential grants, and infrastructure upgrades in hinterland areas. He cited a $130 million investment in the Moruka to Kwebana road as an example of “tangible progress.”
Addressing criticism of the current government, Dr. Jagdeo acknowledged shortcomings but argued that Guyana had undergone “transformational change” over the last four years. He said the PPP would continue to focus on issues such as traffic congestion, road safety, garbage disposal, community cleanups, and the development of recreational spaces.
He stressed the importance of financial inclusion and entrepreneurship, referencing a local businessman who uses drones to apply fertilisers and pesticides. He said the government intended to establish a development bank to support small and medium-sized businesses.
In agriculture, Dr. Jagdeo said the sector was evolving through technology-driven projects such as a shrimp farming initiative in Region Five, aimed at entering the $ 6 billion international shrimp export market. He also pointed to the expansion of corn and soy production, and the use of tissue culture labs and imported seeds to boost onion output.
“Agriculture is not just for one group or community anymore—it’s for everyone,” he said. “This is the kind of agriculture that can attract our best scientific minds and create high-value jobs.”
Dr. Jagdeo added that the PPP’s housing policy focuses on enabling home ownership through mortgage rate reductions and tax reform. He said these initiatives would be central to the next phase of Guyana’s development.
