–Minister Walrond tells citizens to examine party’s track record; don’t fall for flashy slogans, fantasy economics
— Dean of UG’s Faculty of Engineering & Technology urges young people to stay the course with the PPP/C
WHILE standing firm on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s track record, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond, tore into the opposition’s legacy of subpar performance and prioritising self-interests.
At a public meeting in Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, on Friday last, Walrond reminded citizens that the September 1 General and Regional Elections are about which party has truly passed the test, and firmly stated that the PPP has already done so.
Minister Walrond reflected on the country’s history and pointed out how the PPP rescued Guyana after the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – now the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU)-left Guyana in an economic blackhole.

“There was no kind of development,” Walrond stated, as she urged young people not to fall for the opposition’s empty promises. Reflecting on the APNU+AFC’s most recent term in office, she did not mince words in criticising their underperformance between 2015 and 2020.
Labelling the former administration as “callous,” she reminded citizens that not only did they fail to deliver on their flurry of extravagant promises, but they also revoked critical social benefits that had been implemented by the PPP. Among these were the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for children, and water and electricity subsidies for pensioners-initiatives, she emphasised, that were stripped away from the most vulnerable.
In addition to what she described as a grave injustice to the people, Walrond reminded the electorate that the APNU+AFC government gave itself a salary increase shortly after taking office.
Since the PPP returned to office in 2020 under the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Walrond noted, the country has seen a renewed sense of unity, the breaking down of barriers, and significant development across the nation. She also affirmed that the PPP remains true to the philosophy of its founder, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and continues to work every day to improve the lives of all Guyanese.
“The PPP/C government is a party that has been tried and tested. Tried and trusted. This party is a party that is trustworthy. We are not a fly-by-night party,” she said.
While stressing that trust is earned, not promised, the minister warned voters against being seduced by flashy slogans and fantasy economics.
“If you’re going to vote, you’re going to put your life in the hands of a party that makes decisions about your future, it has to be a party with a track record, a sound track record,” she further stated, positioning the PPP/C as the party that checks all the boxes.
The Tourism Minister also pushed back against the opposition’s repeated excuse for their poor performance – the lack of oil revenues – emphasising that the PPP/C had competently managed Guyana’s economy even without the benefit of an oil windfall.
The numbers back her up, as under the PPP/C’s stewardship, Guyana now boasts one of the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios in the region.
“Let us not stop this growth, this trajectory upward that we are on, and vote the PPP/C government back in for another term because I believe we’ll be robbing ourselves if we don’t,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dean of the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Kofi Dalrymple, told citizens that the PPP/C does not make empty promises and, based on its track record, works assiduously to better the quality of life for all.
Appealing to young people, he pointed to the basket full of opportunities for them under the current government and reminded them how the previous coalition administration had sidelined them.
He said, “It’s time to move forward. Let me say this loud and clear: we cannot build a future with a party that is stuck in the past. We have to move forward, and we are going to move forward with the PPP/C.
“So, to the young people here tonight, I say this: this is your time. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow. You are the builders of today. So, take your turn, shape this country, lead it and own it because this government is ready to walk with you, to invest in you and to build with you.”