SPEAKING during the 2025 budget debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud, strongly defended the government’s fiscal plan while dismissing opposition critiques as baseless and misleading.
Persaud underscored the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration’s track record of economic growth and social development, highlighting the direct benefits the budget would bring to Guyanese citizens. He condemned the opposition’s repeated objections to successive budgets, stating that their arguments lacked substance and failed to acknowledge the progress made in recent years.

The Minister emphasised that Budget 2025 is structured to continue Guyana’s transformation by prioritising investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and local governance. He noted that the PPP/C government has consistently worked to uplift citizens by increasing wages, enhancing public services, and providing targeted relief measures to ease the cost of living.

“Budget after budget, we hear the same tired, recycled arguments from the opposition,” Persaud said. “Meanwhile, this government has been delivering real improvements in the lives of Guyanese. Roads are being built, bridges are being constructed, and our people are seeing tangible benefits.”
He pointed to the government’s achievements from 2020 to 2024, which include the construction of thousands of kilometres of roads and bridges, expansion of community development programmes, and increased allocations for public services.

Minister Persaud outlined key allocations in Budget 2025 aimed at strengthening local governance and enhancing infrastructure. He highlighted: $209 billion for roads and bridges, including the expansion of the Linden-Mabura Highway and the construction of the new Corentyne River Bridge; $143 billion for healthcare, supporting the development of regional hospitals and a new paediatric and maternity hospital at Ogle; $112.6 billion for housing, with plans to distribute 25,000 new house lots; $88 billion for energy projects, including the completion of Phase 1 of the 300 MW Gas-to-Energy project; and $23.1 billion for water infrastructure, aimed at expanding access to potable water nationwide.

Persaud asserted that these investments will significantly improve the quality of life for Guyanese, ensuring better connectivity, increased economic opportunities, and stronger local governance structures.

Taking aim at the opposition, Persaud accused their members of spreading misinformation and failing to recognise the positive impact of the budget. He likened their objections to false prophesies, referencing a passage from the Bible to characterise their rhetoric as deceptive.
“The opposition continues to mislead the people with empty rhetoric. They claim that nothing is being done, but the facts speak for themselves,” he argued. “Ordinary Guyanese can see and feel the progress—whether it’s new roads, improved healthcare, or enhanced social services.”

Persaud further criticised the opposition for their stance on economic policies, highlighting their past governance failures, including the implementation of burdensome taxes and the shutdown of key industries such as sugar. In contrast, he pointed to the PPP/C’s efforts to revitalise sectors like agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, ensuring sustainable growth for the nation.

Minister Persaud concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring economic prosperity and social advancement for all Guyanese. He noted that Budget 2025 is people-centered and designed to address the needs of citizens from all regions, including hinterland communities and urban centres.
“This budget is not just a financial plan—it is a vision for Guyana’s continued development,” he said. “The PPP/C government remains committed to progress, prosperity, and delivering for the people.”
With its emphasis on infrastructure expansion, social welfare improvements, and economic growth, Budget 2025 sets the stage for continued national development, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive Guyana.