I am a student of economics and an avid reader of the local newspapers. I would like to express my views concerning the terrible picture of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) that has been painted by the media. Under the PPP, Guyana has seen tremendous growth in standard of living, land, life expectancy and economic stability. During the PPP/C reign, we have seen a dramatic increase in the per capita Gross Domestic Product Purchasing Power Parity (GDP (PPP)). In the year 1992, the per capita GDP (PPP) was US$509.37 and was ranked 133 globally. By the year 2013, the CIA estimated Guyana’s per capita GDP (PPP) at US$8500 and was ranked 104. This represents a growth of $308 per year growth in per capita GDP or a 17 times growth.

There has also been an increase in overall standard of living as shown by the Human Development Index. In the year 1990, the Human Development Index of Guyana was 0.509, by the 2013 it has increased to 0.638. Guyana has moved 0.129 points up the index. This shows an overall increase in the living standards of the country.
Over the last 23 years, Guyanese have seen increases in life expectancy. In the year 1992, the average life expectancy was 62 years, by the year 2012, the life expectancy had risen to 66 years. This represents an increase in life expectancy by 4 years. This is due to tremendous improvements in the diagnostic capabilities and overall improvement in the health sector.
Under the PPP, the inflation rate has been stabilised. The total inflation of the Guyana dollar in relation to the US$ from the era before the PPP was a massive 3150% while in the era of the PPP was 66%. This represents a massive reduction in inflation or an average inflation of 2.9% in comparison to the US$.
Another triumph of the PPP was the overall reduction of debts and the reduction of the debt to GDP ratio. In the year 1992, the Debt to GDP ratio amounted to a massive 602%, in comparison, Guyana’s present public debt only amounts to 60%. This is a massive reduction and a very important one.
These facts are just the tip of the iceberg. Guyana now boasts the fastest growing economy in the Caribbean, better access to healthcare, better accessibility, better schools, press freedom and democratic elections. According to the GRA, there are approximately 36 new car owners per day and 8 persons who will own a home for the first time each day. Guyana has also experienced 8 successive years of economic growth.
The points presented are only a small part of the many improvements we have seen under the PPP. A lot of these improvements are now things we take for granted. The freedoms and improvements we now see were simply not possible before. I think these improvements deserve some respect.
DAVENDRA KISSOON