By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

WITH the general and regional elections just weeks away, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service has called on residents of Crabwood Creek to vote decisively for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to secure Guyana’s path of progress and transformation.
Addressing a spirited community meeting, Dr. Singh stressed that the September 1 elections are not just routine but pivotal to determining whether Guyana continues along its current development trajectory or risks returning to what he described as a destructive past.

“We will continue along the lines of progress,” he declared, “or divert to destruction.”
Dr. Singh painted a vivid picture of Guyana’s political history, contrasting what he described as the destructive legacy of the PNC with the development-oriented governance of the PPP/C.
“In every period that the PNC has been in government,” he said, “it has been a period of destruction and hardship and punishment, and in every period that the PPP/C has been in government has been a period of progress and development.”

He recalled the dark days of economic despair, when, under previous PNC-led administrations, citizens were forced to flee the country “to escape dictatorship; to escape poverty, leaving their homes”. This image resonated strongly with the residents, many of whom nodded their heads in agreement as the minister recounted the exodus of Guyanese who left “just to survive”.
When the PPP/C returned to office, Dr. Singh said, they inherited a bankrupt country, and worked hard to restore financial stability. “Not a wealthy country,” he clarified, “but a country that was financially stable.”

Singh turned his attention to the promises made by the APNU+AFC coalition during their time in office.
According to him, those promises were left unfulfilled, causing immense damage to the economy. His comments were met with strong support from attendees, with one resident shouting, “No more chances for them!”

“You know what the closure of Skeldon Estate did,” Singh said, referencing the shutdown of one of the region’s key employers under the former administration. He pointed out that every business and community in the area felt the ripple effects. “Money na deh!” he said, adding:

“The entire economy collapsed when APNU closed the sugar estate. For five years they went on a rampage.”
He also criticised the Coalition for their treatment of public servants and rice farmers, accusing them of betrayal.
“They made promises to rice farmers, only to gain office and claim ‘Rice is private business’,” Dr. Singh said, adding: “They also take away money from the public servants, police and soldiers, among others.”

According to Singh, these decisions ultimately led to the Coalition being “booted out” by the people, who sent them back to the opposition benches.
In sharp contrast, Singh highlighted the PPP/C’s vision and ongoing projects under President Irfaan Ali’s leadership. He outlined major infrastructure plans that would transform Region Six into a hub for industrial and economic activity.

He spoke of the “brand new bridge across the Berbice River, and a four-lane bridge” which will serve as a critical point for Guyana’s second gas pipeline.
He explained that this pipeline will support a major industrial complex in the region, which will include “things like power generation, and fertilizer manufacturing right here in Region Six”.
Additionally, Singh spoke about the long-awaited deep-water harbour at the mouth of the Berbice River, and a network of new roads. These include a highway to Lethem and a four-lane highway connecting Guyana to neighbouring Suriname enabling the smooth flow of goods and trade across Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil. “Cargo and goods can move from Suriname to Guyana to Brazil,” he said, underlining the strategic importance of these developments.

He stressed that these infrastructure were included in President Ali’s vision “to unlock economic opportunities”.
Minister Singh then stated that President Ali comes with experience, as he’s held two major government portfolios before becoming President, and has now led the government for a term, which has been immensely successful. “Every day we make choices about track record and competence and capability,” Minister Singh said, “and when it comes to decide about who should formulate

and implement policies for the betterment of the country, we must choose the party that has demonstrated they have the capability and track record to do so. And that is only the PPP/C.”
He also mentioned the plans for a new road from Moleson Creek to Orealla, which would unlock new lands for cultivation and economic use. “There is a long list of projects I can go on and on about,” Singh noted, but he stressed that what matters most is the clear evidence of progress under the PPP/C government.

He emphasised that this election is not just about promises, but about choosing a path forward, and furthermore, he spoke about track record, competence, and credibility, all of which he said the PPP/C government can stand strong on.

Singh then ecncouraged activists to “work on everybody”, because they want every single household to vote solidly for the PPP/C. “We must teach them a lesson and wipe them out completely and show them that Region Six is 100%” for the PPP/c.

Also addressing the crowd on Tuesday afternoon was the Regional Vice-Chairman of Region Six, Zamal Hussain, who echoed Singh’s sentiments, and emphasised the need for continued support for the PPP/C. “The PPP/C will continue the development and the progress in this country,” he said. “If you look around Crabwood Creek, you will see the evidence that we as a government over the last five years have transformed the community.”

He pointed to improved infrastructure, noting, “Every single road has been done with a few only left now to rehab.”
Hussain urged residents to ensure that the momentum of development is not lost. “If we don’t do the right thing on September 1, then we will put ourselves in serious problems,” he warned. He reminded the audience that under the APNU+AFC administration, the people of Crabwood Creek were struggling — a far cry from the current situation where many have become “self-sufficient.”

He concluded by reinforcing the PPP/C’s commitment to direct engagement and community involvement. “We have been coming to this community regularly. Many ministers come to Crabwood Creek… and we will continue to work with you,” he assured residents.
As the meeting drew to a close, the message was clear: For Singh and Hussain, the upcoming elections represent not just a choice between political parties, but a decision about the direction of Guyana’s future.

Both leaders urged residents to vote solidly for the PPP/C on September 1 to ensure continued stability, growth, and transformation. As Singh put it, “This election is an important one”, and the people of Crabwood Creek appear to be listening.