–PM Phillips says; underscores significant economic growth, points to more opportunities for citizens under PPP/C Gov’t
–maintains administration’s unwavering commitment to achieve cheaper, reliable power for nation

THE government will not “throw back” and depend on oil and gas to propel Guyana forward, according to Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who underscored that robust and strategic planning will be the root of the nation’s development.

During the last day of the budget debate, the Prime Minister said that the nation’s transformation and the vast number of opportunities for citizens have the APNU+AFC “shivering.”

Despite heckling from the Opposition bench, Phillips was not deterred from outlining how far Guyana has advanced since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) assumed office in August 2020.

“This is all part of a holistic vision of growth. Our responsibility is to manage the oil revenues wisely,” he said, stressing that the diversification of the nation’s economy is a top priority of the government.

“We will not throw back and depend on oil and gas to move our country forward,” the Prime Minister told the National Assembly.

Stressing that this year’s fiscal package is “transformational,” he also said: “The allocations in this budget all form part of the necessary and imperative plans of our government.”

He went on to say: “Mr. Speaker, before August 2020, our nation was grappling with numerous challenges,” adding that these obstacles that stood in the way of the country’s development included poor economic infrastructure, inadequate policies and services, among other deficiencies.

Reflecting on the state of Guyana under the previous APNU+AFC administration, Prime Minister Phillips said that the current government has worked assiduously to return “our country and our people to a state of hope.”

“Total neglect with zero opportunities for economic growth and the improvement of the lives of our people,” was the hallmark of the period 2015-2020, according to Phillips.

Placing the coalition’s tenure under a microscope, he said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the citizens saw mismanagement of this major public health issue.

“So, our government knew that we had our work cut out for us, to turn it all around,” Prime Minister Phillips told the House.

He underscored that the PPP/C administration could “talk the talk and walk the walk,” so the party’s pledges always materialise.

The Prime Minister said that Budget 2024 further serves as an example of the PPP/C’s commitment to delivering on its promises. He said it is a vehicle to foster transformation and more opportunities for all.

Phillips also related that with the massive allocations to propel growth, the annual fiscal plan will “fast-track” development.

The Prime Minister debunked the opposition’s claim that the budget is solely about distributing wealth.

He argued that it serves as a vessel for strategic investment for the country’s foundation to craft a better future.

Moreover, while refuting the arguments from the APNU+AFC Parliamentarians concerning the funds set aside for infrastructure, the Prime Minister outlined how it could create opportunities for all Guyanese.

He then set the record straight and pointed out how a significant amount of money is being allocated to the education and health sectors to bolster their capabilities.

Prime Minister Phillips outlined how the government is crafting a robust framework, and did not shy away from pointing out that the government’s investments are being praised by persons regardless of their political affiliation.

Even though the Prime Minister, within his presentation, called for the Opposition to join with the government and support them in building out Guyana to benefit all citizens, he was met with resistance to unity by the APNU+AFC.

UNITED GUYANA

Phillips continued his presentation on promoting a united Guyana where all Guyanese will be able to reap a plethora of benefits that will give a better quality of life.

“Our people, both PPP/C and APNU+AFC supporters have embraced our government’s infrastructural and other projects,” the Prime Minister said.

He went on to say: “Mr. Speaker we have moved Guyana to a stage where the citizens are participating in the development of their country and their communities.”

The Prime Minister did not mince his words when he stated that his sector is not being left on the back burners and he is not immobile in his capacity as Prime Minister.

Phillips said: “This is not a Prime Minister without a portfolio… This is the people’s Prime Minister!”

He then remarked that the PPP/C administration is creating a nation that will benefit from its natural resources.

Prime Minister Phillips turned his attention to the numerous projects that are being rolled out by the government to foster clean and cheaper energy.

He related: “The government aims to incorporate a mix of clean and renewable energy – solar, hydro, wind, and natural gas energy resources to meet the country’s energy needs over the next five years. It is envisioned that this plan will help to add more than 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity capacity for residential and commercial users that can contribute to a fifty per cent reduction in electricity costs.”

The gas-to-energy project, which has been allocated $80 billion in Budget 2024, was spotlighted by the Prime Minister.

The Gas-to-Energy Project will see a 200km 12-inch diameter pipeline channeling natural gas from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to a power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will be built in Wales.

The conversion of natural gas from ExxonMobil’s offshore operations to electricity is a key component of the PPP/C government’s objective to lower energy costs by at least 50 per cent through an energy mix, which incorporates gas, solar, wind, and “hydro” power.