Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has assured residents of Region Two that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) remains committed to improving lives across Guyana.
Outlining the government’s development agenda at a major rally in Anna Regina, Dr Jagdeo said the party has 30 promises for the next five years.
These include job creation, higher public sector salaries, increased pensions, and greater support for families. Among the headline announcements was a 50 per cent reduction in electricity rates, a move expected to significantly reduce household expenses.
Dr Jagdeo also announced that cheaper cooking gas will soon be made available, particularly to benefit women and families managing household needs.
“We will ensure that you don’t have to pay for your children’s education,” Dr Jagdeo stated, as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding social support programmes. He said the “Because We Care” cash grant will be increased and transportation stipends will be provided to help children get to school.
Healthcare is also a top priority. “We have to get the best health care. We are building a new hospital to provide quality care so you don’t have to spend your money on your children’s education,” Dr Jagdeo noted.
The vice president reminded residents that the government is shielding citizens from the effects of the global cost-of-living crisis.
Electricity and water rates have been subsidised, and pensions and salaries have increased. A series of grants have also been provided to citizens, including $100,000 to all Guyanese to cushion the effects of the cost of living.
“More jobs will be provided, and we will help those who don’t have a house to build one, so many families can enjoy a better life,” the vice president told Essequibians once elected.
Dr Jagdeo also addressed opposition claims that Guyana’s oil wealth is being misused.
“All the oil money is only 37 per cent of the national budget,” he explained, adding that “When the government spends on education and roads—that’s all the oil money. We are ensuring more people get access to resources.”
Poverty reduction, he said, also remains a top focus of the government.
“We are working every day to change poverty, and we will not rest until every single family is lifted out of poverty.”
Reflecting on the hardships faced during the APNU+AFC administration, Dr Jagdeo reminded the crowd that
seven thousand sugar workers had lost their jobs and 2,000 Amerindians were terminated under the APNU+AFC government.
Speaking directly to Indigenous communities, he added:
“Imagine life before 2020—there was no help for the people, and there was very little access to education. That is changing because of the People’s Progressive Party.”
He urged Essequibians to stay the course and support continued development, contending that the former APNU+AFC government destroyed the economy and it was the current government that restored it.
