WITH the passage of the 2025 budget estimates by the National Assembly, the stage is set for an acceleration of the developmental momentum which has now become a hallmark of the PPP/C administration.
Over the past week, the estimates were subjected to rigorous scrutiny by the political opposition but the government through its elected representatives did an excellent job in defending the budgetary allocations to their respective ministries and agencies.

This is indeed a democratic and accountable process which bodes well for the body-politic and the democratic health of the nation as a whole.
As noted by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, this year’s budget is expected to build on the remarkable growth with record-breaking allocations and innovative solutions designed to accelerate economic growth and enhance the quality of life of the Guyanese people.

These developments, both at the local and international levels, have positioned Guyana to play a leadership role in a number of strategic areas such as climate change, food and energy security and for a more just and equitable world order.

Massive investments in the area of infrastructural development such as roads, bridges, internet connectivity and hotel accommodation have created an enabling environment for private sector development and direct foreign investment which for the most part was stultified under the previous APNU+AFC administration.

The overall objective is to continue to expand the size of the national pie and ensuring that all Guyanese benefit from that increasing pie.
But there are other significant developments as well. Guyana is no longer viewed by the international community as a “pariah” state as was the case under the previous PNC administration.
This is perhaps one of the most notable achievements since the return of the PPP/C to power on October 5, 1992. The country is now a respected member of the international community and Guyanese are no longer treated as “second class” citizens by other CARICOM countries.

The fact is that there are not many countries in the world that provides free university education to its citizens and allow for toll-free crossings on their highways and bridges. This is much more than a question of affordability.

This is a manifestation of people-centered development in which the benefits of growth and development are utilised to enhance the material, cultural and spiritual well-being of the society as a whole.
This is the fundamental difference between the PPP/C and other political parties in the country. The idea of putting people first is fully ingrained in the DNA of the PPP since its formation seventy-five years ago.
This is why the PPP/C is so much liked by the Guyanese people. Indeed this is why its popularity with the Guyanese people remained so strong over the decades. This is why the PPP/C continue to win national and regional elections in Guyana.

This coming elections due later in the year promises to be no different from those of the past in terms of electoral support for the PPP and its civic alliance.
The tabling of Budget 2025 under the theme “A Secure, Prosperous and Sustainable Guyana” is from all indications another manifestation of the political longevity of the PPP as the only viable people-centered party in the country. Guyana is undoubtedly in safe hands under the caring and visionary leadership of President Ali and Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.