— Nandlall tells Good Hope residents, says PNCR bankrupted Guyana, forcing thousands to flee in search of a better life

ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, declared that the focus for the next five years will be on creating wealth and securing the future of Guyanese families, as he urged citizens not to reverse the country’s progress by returning to the days of economic despair under the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), which is the largest member of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Addressing a large crowd at a public meeting hosted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Wednesday evening at Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara, Nandlall said Guyana is experiencing historic economic growth—boasting a 47 per cent annual rate—and must not squander this momentum.

“The next five years are about creating wealth for your children and securing Guyana’s economy,” he said, adding that the rapid growth being recorded is not coincidental but a direct result of sound policies and responsible leadership by the PPP/C Government.

He warned that such progress should not be taken for granted, especially given the country’s painful past. Reflecting on that era, Nandlall reminded the gathering that the PNCR dragged Guyana into bankruptcy during its time in power, resulting in widespread poverty and mass migration.

“Look at the PNC. Twenty-eight years they spent in government, and what did they do? They reduced your country to a state of bankruptcy—broke the economy, chased half the country away, rigged elections, murdered political opponents, and created fear in this land,” he said to loud applause.

He told the energetic crowd that they had experienced the success of the PPP/C Government, emphasising that when the PNCR returned to power between 2015 and 2020, “hardly anything changed” under their administration.

Nandlall contrasted this history with what he described as the remarkable economic turnaround under successive PPP/C administrations, especially in the post-2020 era.

According to him, 30 years ago, part of Good Hope was a dam, but the PPP/C has since transformed it into a modern housing scheme with electricity, roads, potable water, an efficient drainage system, a nursery school, a secondary school, and a water treatment plant.

“You all have lived through the transformation,” he stated.

He also accused the PNCR of perpetuating racial division, stating, “Every day, they preach racism.”
He therefore urged supporters, “In this election, we must make it very clear to them that the days of ethnic and racial voting are over.”

He argued that in politics, there is something money cannot buy — access to political leaders and government ministers. “There is no political party in the history of this country that has been more accessible than the PPP/C. Just go back to the last five years when they were in government. Which APNU+AFC minister visited Good Hope? Which one of them?” he asked, as the crowd responded, “None!”

For the 2015 elections, a coalition was officially formed between two main entities —APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

Nandlall pointed out: “This is why you must be proud to say that your party is the best representative of the people of Guyana, irrespective of race or political persuasion. What we have done in Good Hope, we have done in every single village in this country.”

He underscored several key national projects spearheaded by the current administration that he said are designed to secure long-term prosperity. These include the gas-to-energy project, which will slash energy costs and drive industrial growth, and the construction of a new Demerara River bridge to modernise transport infrastructure.

He added that the government is aggressively reclaiming Guyana’s title as the food basket of the Caribbean through expanded agricultural investment. The launch of the hemp industry, establishment of a Development Bank, and new gold mining operations are also expected to create jobs, diversify the economy, and increase national revenue.

All of these efforts, Nandlall emphasised, are positioning Guyana as “the most attractive business destination in the Western Hemisphere.”

“You think investors would come here if they didn’t see a future? You think they’d bring millions of US dollars and invest without confidence in our country’s direction?” he asked rhetorically, as the crowd responded with cheers.

Many residents in attendance, decked in party colours, expressed their continued support for the PPP/C and praised the visible developments in their community.

In closing, Nandlall urged voters not to “jeopardise” their future by backing the opposition. He specifically cautioned against supporting APNU, led by presidential candidate Aubrey Norton, or the newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, headed by US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

He stressed that the PPP/C Government has consistently delivered on its commitments across a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, social services, housing, healthcare, education, and job creation.
The Good Hope meeting is part of a broader series of community engagements by the PPP/C, aimed at rallying support ahead of local and general elections scheduled for September 1.