By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Guyanese people during a visit to Number 48 Village, Corentyne, on Tuesday, stating that the PPP/C administration has successfully delivered on all the promises made during the last election cycle.

While stressing that his government is one that doesn’t just make promises but also delivers on them, Minister Mustapha highlighted the government’s bold strides in agriculture.

He also pointed to tangible progress—better roads, improved drainage, more support for farmers—proof that the PPP/C is working for the people, not just making empty pledges.

“As a government we are responding to the needs of the farmers,” he stated as he stressed that the current PPP/C government has been one of the most responsive governments in the country’s history.

He then emphasised the government’s dedication to improving the lives of citizens through various developmental initiatives, policies, and programmes.

Minister Mustapha also highlighted key achievements across sectors such as infrastructure, education, housing, and health services, underscoring the government’s ongoing efforts to uplift communities.

“You know our government is a very responsive government. We are on the ground listening to the people; listening to their concerns and proposals and seeing what proposals we can take on board,” he said.

Turning his attention to government’s legacy in the last four years, he said that there has been significant transformation in the country with the future of Guyana being “very bright.”

“For the first time in the history of our country we have seen a party in government that has delivered on all its commitment made to the people,” he underscored.

With this historic achievement, the minister pointed out that the government has always been in support of the farmers, workers and the people of Guyana.

“Today in our country we have seen in the rice sector, we have seen tremendous growth.”

Noting last year’s historic production of rice where over 700,000 tonnes were produced, Minister Mustapha said, “this year again, I am very optimistic that we will witness a record- breaking production.”

“We are empowering people economically; that is the philosophy of this PPP/C government. We are not coming with empty promises, we are not coming with rhetorics, we are doing it,” he declared.

Touching on free university education, the minister noted that “these are things that empower people.”

“We reverted over 200 taxes that were implemented by the last government. We rehired workers who lost their jobs,” he said adding the government was working to develop the Corentyne corridor to open up thousands of acres of land.

He stressed that his government will continue to bring relief to the people of Guyana as he pointed out the numerous one-off cash grants that have been disbursed in the various sectors throughout the country.

Meanwhile, in calling out the opposition’s attempts to spread falsehoods about the government, Minister Mustapha slammed the APNU+AFC, reminding citizens that they had their chance to govern Guyana but they failed miserably.

“What we have been seeing is work to ensure that the future of this country is safeguard”, he stated.

He told the gathering that this is a crucial year, as individuals are suddenly emerging and making all sorts of promises in a desperate bid for support. He reminded his audience that under the former APNU+AFC administration, farmers were told rice was private business and young adults were told to sell cook-up.

In contrast, under the part-time programme in Region Six, 4,600 persons were employed, mostly women and housewives who were empowered by being given a chance to contribute financially to their households.

“We have to look at who have your interest at heart. We also have to look to see where we are going”, he reminded the gathering while stressing, “we will continue to develop the agriculture sector and all the other sectors in this country.”

Importantly, Mustapha reminded that there was an attempt to deny the Guyanese people of their birth right to elect a government and derail democracy in 2020 stating, “we must never give them another chance, we must always stand for progress, we must all stand for development and the only party that you can trust is the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.”

He urged those gathered to stand united and rally behind the PPP/C and President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who continues to work tirelessly day and night to improve the lives of every citizen and drive Guyana forward.