MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has assured Guyanese that the 2025 budget reflects responsible governance and prioritises the well-being of citizens. Speaking on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government, Edghill emphasised that the proposed expenditures are not excessive but are targeted at improving lives and sustaining livelihoods across the country.

Highlighting the PPP/C’s track record, Minister Edghill stated that the government has consistently delivered on its promises, ensuring that the economy remains sustainable while addressing the needs of citizens. “When we talk about the 2025 budget, we are talking about fulfilling commitments. When the PPP/C says they will do something, they get it done,” he asserted, calling for the removal of divisive politics in favour of a unified effort to develop the nation.

SHARING OIL WEALTH AND ADVANCING INFRASTRUCTURE
A key feature of the 2025 budget is the distribution of Guyana’s oil wealth. According to Minister Edghill, the government remains committed to equitable sharing, ensuring that all adult citizens benefit from cash grants.
The Minister also outlined significant investments in infrastructure, including the completion and rehabilitation of roads and bridges across all regions, from the hinterland to the coastland. These developments aim to enhance connectivity, foster business opportunities, and improve the quality of life for all Guyanese.
“Roads and bridges are not just about improving the landscape; they are about empowering people,” Edghill stated. He highlighted that better infrastructure would facilitate commerce between hinterland and coastal communities, reducing costs and increasing productivity. “It’s no longer a headache for people to travel or access essential services. Every community is being developed.”

TANGIBLE BENEFITS FOR CITIZENS
Minister Edghill pointed to the tangible improvements under the PPP/C government, such as tax reductions, increased home ownership, job creation, and cash grants. These initiatives, he noted, have reduced the financial strain on families, enabling many to rise above a paycheck-to-paycheck existence.
He dismissed criticisms about prioritising infrastructure over basic needs, stating, “People say you can’t eat roads, but because of those roads, people are eating. Accessibility has made life easier for everyone, from schoolchildren to business owners and even those in wheelchairs.”

RESPONDING TO OPPOSITION CRITICISM
Addressing criticisms from the opposition, Edghill was candid in his remarks, accusing them of broken promises and governance failures during their time in office. He contrasted this with the PPP/C’s efforts to empower young people, support pensioners, and fulfill commitments to public servants.
“The opposition failed to earn the people’s admiration because they did not deliver. Instead, they left a legacy of hardship and frustration,” he said. “In contrast, our government has proven its dedication to uplifting every citizen, ensuring a better future for all.”

LOOKING AHEAD
The 2025 budget underscores the PPP/C government’s vision for a prosperous Guyana, where the benefits of economic growth and natural resources are shared widely. As the country moves forward, Minister Edghill remains confident in the government’s ability to deliver transformative development and improve the lives of all Guyanese.