THE recent promises of the opposition have further highlighted that it is, as a matter of fact, a classic case of fiscal irresponsibility and political desperation. People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo was rather quick to brand them for what these were: “pure nonsense”.

The opposition’s tactic seems to be little more than a thinly veiled attempt to rewrite their own sordid history, with the added agenda of co-opting and inflating the initiatives of the current government.

What is worse, this approach does not only insult the intelligence of Guyanese voters but demonstrates a dangerous lack of economic understanding.

For example, consider the opposition’s pledge to raise public sector wages by 35 per cent. This single pledge would be amazingly expensive: $517 billion, more than the total allocation of oil revenue in Budget 2025. Economically, it would be disastrous, risking runaway inflation and fiscal instability. This is populist rhetoric at its worst, completely divorced from economic reality.
Equally disturbing are the contradictions in the opposition: on one hand, they accuse the government of having badly managed oil revenues; on the other, they promise plans that contemplate a doubling in spending from the same source. This inconsistency shows an absolute lack of coherent economic policy and the readiness to say anything, no matter how unrealistic, in order to win votes.

What is most disturbing, though, is the seeming consideration by the opposition for Guyana’s economic position. Whereas the PPP/C government is offering policies within the framework of economic realities for the long term, it seems content for the opposition to promise anything and everything, never taking into consideration their feasibility or possible long-term ramifications. “Any fool, a clown, a donkey could say I’ll do ten times more,” Jagdeo says aptly himself.

The opposition’s lamentation and efforts to rebrand themselves as “people-centered” ring hollow when juxtaposed with their historical record. From banning basic food items to the institution of over 350 new taxes between 2015 and 2020, their record has consistently demonstrated a disregard for the welfare of ordinary Guyanese.

On the other hand, the government of the PPP/C has been committed to sustainable development and gradual improvement in the standard of living. A recent agreement with the Guyana Teachers’ Union, which saw teachers getting a 10 per cent increase in salary, is a prime example of responsible governance.

Guyana is at a point in time when it is navigating the newly acquired oil wealth, and this requires leadership that can balance this fine line between immediate benefits and long-term sustainability.

Reckless promises and fiscal irresponsibility only go to underline that they are unfit for this important task. Guyanese voters will be well advised to see these promises for what they are: a desperate attempt to regain power at any cost.