–Dr Jagdeo says; reaffirms manifesto promises are sacred

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has maintained that his government, despite challenges, has kept their promises and Guyana has seen a new chapter of development under the current administration.

During a press conference, he said: “We hold sacred those promises, notwithstanding the unnecessary distractions that sometimes come our way and the criticisms, many of which are unjustified that are levelled against us. We remain focused on what we promised the people of this country and we are committed to ensuring that we deliver on them.”

Addressing the state of the nation under the previous coalition government, the PPP/C General Secretary said that APNU+AFC did not keep their promises to the people of Guyana and thus, the country saw a “period of retrogression in national development.”

In three years of PPP/C governance, the removal of taxes and implementation of numerous initiatives have put more disposal income into the pockets of every Guyanese, Dr Jagdeo said.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, earlier this year, highlighted that, in just under three years, the government has removed taxes on food items, electricity, water, fuel and medical supplies. Additionally, taxes were removed from the importation of vehicles, cellphones and data.

“Since we came to office, our policy has been pursuing initiatives that put more money in people’s pockets that create and expand employment, and foster an environment for building prosperity for all, and ensuring that we build a strong resilient and sustainable economy,” the Head of State had said.

Dr. Ali said that the government has almost completed the implementation of its manifesto promises that were made during the 2020 general elections campaign season.

“The more than 200 taxes and fees that we removed, including D&I [drainage and irrigation] charges, vat on exports and building materials; all of those vats and taxes we removed completely, benefitted all of Guyana, putting tens of billions of dollars in the pockets of the ordinary people, the farmers, every household, ordinary workers, this is where these recourses go,” he said.

The Head of State said too that the government has created thousands of jobs and the right conditions for the private sector to employ persons; restored and increased the Because We Care cash grant, increased old age pension, and offered other incentives to improve the lives of Guyanese.

Further, the government has invested heavily into ensuring that all Guyanese can be proud homeowners.

“More than 25,000 house lots have already been allocated, investing in people’s welfare; giving them the opportunity to own their own homes, not only giving them the opportunity, but bringing down the interest rate,” Dr. Ali said.

He further reminded of the cement and steel subsidy initiative that was implemented to accelerate home construction, and support home builders across the country.

Additionally, the government has facilitated pay increases for public servants and recorded a 25 per cent cumulative pay increase since assuming office.