THE main Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has pledged its continued support to those policies inherited by the APNU+AFC Administration from its 23 years in Government. Those continuing policies can be found in the airport expansion project, wage increases to public service workers, expansion of road networks and further development of the health sector.
Executive Secretary of the PPP/C Zulfikar Mustapha, made this disclosure during his maiden presentation during the 2015 budget debate on Tuesday in the National Assembly.
After a lengthy recount of the PPP/C’s “developments” during its 23 years in Government, the former Chairman of Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) concluded that the party is anticipating Government’s “diligent” response in executing the aforementioned programmes before the end of the financial year.
“I say this because the figures relate to a formidable amount of works to be done, huge amounts of monies to be expended – and we shall be paying close attention,” said Mustapha.
On August 11th, Minister of Finance Winston Jordon presented the 2015 budget to the tune of $221B, displaying its continuing efforts to fulfil promises in the ‘100-Day Plan.’
Government has committed to infrastructural development through the construction and rehabilitation of roads in urban, rural and hinterland areas.
A whopping $13 billion has been allocated for enhancing the roads and bridges network throughout Guyana, besides Government’s $1.2 billion proposal for the completion of the East Bank Demerara highway which will provide improved transit from Providence to Great Diamond.
An additional $1.6 billion is also budgeted for the upgrade of the Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue road, which will create an improved road linkage between the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara. More allocations were, however, sought during the budget presentation for the expansion of roads. The whopping $13B will also account for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project.
Detailed in the ‘100-Day Plan’ during the APNU+AFC’s campaign were: “Significant salary increases for Government workers, including nurses, teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary education; security personnel; and civil servants on the traditional payroll.”
Mere months after winning the elections, the new Administration has kept its promise by allocating a five per cent salary increase for public servants, plus an additional $5,000 per month, and a new basic salary of $50,000 for a public servant. Pensioners were also given an increase from $13,125 to $17,000.
Also budgeted is $23.2 billion for development of the health sector as Government aims to reduce health inequalities, expand primary health care, arresting non-communicable diseases (NCDs), eliminating maternal and infant mortality and providing universal health coverage.

By Shivanie Sugrim