CONTINUING to cement its position as the only political party that is serious about national development, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), in its next term, will focus on transforming communities throughout Guyana and responding to individual needs.

The PPP/C’s General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, made that commitment on Thursday during a press conference at Freedom House, Georgetown.

At the time, the General Secretary was reflecting on the national consultation on the PPP/C’s 2025-2030 manifesto that was held on Wednesday.

Dr Jagdeo thanked the large number of citizens who show up to be a part of the national discourse.

With a clear focus on community upliftment, Dr Jagdeo pledged the installation of security cameras and lights, better garbage collection and the creation and rehabilitation of recreational facilities, if re-elected.

Since assuming office in 2020, the General Secretary said that the government has focused heavily on building out key infrastructure; but for its next term there will be an enhanced focus on bettering communities.

The General Secretary said: “These promises that we’re making for the next five years were informed largely by what our experience has been on the ground for the past several years, interacting with communities, listening to people, hearing their concerns, making our own assessments and then from the suggestions that they recently submitted.”

He added: “We listened, and we ensured that their biggest concerns are reflected in our policies for the next five years.”

He emphasised that the community-level focus is a direct response to citizens who have actively voiced their needs.

CREATING A PROSPEROUS GUYANA

At the Ramada Princess Hotel on the East Bank of Demerara, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Dr Jagdeo and other party executives listened to the opinions of Guyanese from all walks of life for several hours.

Outlining his ambitious roadmap to chart Guyana on a course of advanced global development, President Ali touched on several plans, ranging from fewer taxes, more support to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), rural infrastructure and tourism.

At the end of the engagement, President Ali thanked the massive audience for taking the time out to join the PPP/C on its “Forward Together for a Better Guyana” vision.

President Ali’s vision for Guyana is one of prosperity, inclusion, and technological advancement.

He told the massive audience about plans to modernise the banking sector, reduce borrowing costs and eliminate unnecessary collateral requirements.

“The next five years are important because these are the areas that will lay the bedrock; the foundation through which the development will take place, creating a united and prosperous Guyana where there is stable management of our macroeconomic framework, where opportunities are created for our people, where our borders are defended, where our national sovereignty and territorial integrity is [sic] intact, where there is free expression of speech and democracy, where we have an open society, a vibrant society, a society in which people can achieve their aspirations,” he said.

During the consultations, both President Ali and Dr Jagdeo pledged to expand sectors that will further enhance the lives of all Guyanese, including children, women, the elderly, as well as the vulnerable.

President Ali said that the government will carry on with pursuing policies that will generate wealth, stating, “The country must not only grow. Individuals, families, businesses, every single person must grow.”

Continuing on his pro-growth agenda, the Head-of-State said that the PPP/C will advance further support to the business community.

Also, a cornerstone in a modernised Guyana is the digitising of government services, allowing citizens, especially the elderly, to avoid the hassle of standing in long lines.

He also touted financial literacy and other innovative investment instruments that will allow Guyanese to tap into financial growth and reap returns.

Beyond the massive infrastructural projects, the President echoed his government’s commitment to building out the creative industry and tourism sector.

The PPP General Secretary also stated that since it welcomed the submissions of suggestions, the party has received over 5,000 submissions from 2,000 persons.

In April, the PPP/C invited members of the public to make recommendations for initiatives that they would like to see implemented by a new PPP/C administration.