SUSTAINABLE development is a term used by developmental practitioners to describe a situation in which there is a reliable and predictable revenue stream to ensure that the economic and social well-being of citizens are not only met, but are consistently enhanced.
This is important in the life of every nation. It determines the extent to which people can repose trust in the administration that life will get better and that their future is secure.
Guyana’s development has never been more sustainably secure than at this current conjuncture in time, thanks to sound fiscal and monetary policies and visionary leadership by the PPP/C leadership. The macro-economic fundamentals of the country are consistently strengthened along the path of sustainable development.

This is one of the most authentic measures of development. The rapid and consistent increase in the size of the economy with checks on the rate of inflation meant in effect that the purchasing power of Guyanese consumers are safeguarded and are not being eroded by a general rise in the prices of goods and services.

It does not require a trained economist to recognise that a rise in income beyond the rate of inflation meant a bigger basket of consumer goods and services and a consequential increase in the standard of living of the Guyanese people.
Salaries for 2024 increased by 10% while the rate of inflation stood at 2.8% in 2024. This is quite an impressive achievement especially when seen against a global inflation rate of 5.8%. The fact that the PPP/C administration has been successful in containing the rate of inflation despite rising inflation rates in the region and the world as a whole is nothing short of spectacular.

All of this speaks to sound fiscal and monetary policies by the current administration. It also speaks to sound economic health of the country, buoyed by strong export earnings and a favourable balance of trade.
As pointed out by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, democracy and the rule of law are critical components for a sustainable, resilient and strong economy. This is why the PPP/C administration is putting great emphasis on the creation of a democratic national framework, buttressed by free, fair and transparent elections where the will of the majority must at all times be the basis for governance.

Development is all about people and their well-being which must be enhanced and sustained. It is much more than anecdotal acts of charity and handouts by individuals and groups which seemingly are influenced more by ego gratification and selfish interests, rather than addressing the genuine concerns of the populace as a whole.

This is the fundamental difference between a caring administration and those who purport to have the interest of the Guyanese people at heart. Any fool can make promises, but it takes a leader with commitment and strategic vision to create an enabling environment for growth and development along sustainable lines.

This is the essential difference between the PPP/C administration and those in the political opposition, who profess to have the interests of the Guyanese people at heart. The proof of the pudding, it is said, is in the eating. The PPP/C administration has not only delivered on its manifesto promises to the electorate, but as noted by President Ali, has exceeded expectations for which it deserves full credit.