–President Ali reminds of PPP/C’s ‘all-weather’ track record
–points to gov’t policies, programmes to cut taxes, increase disposable income, generate wealth

FROM paper to reality, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) can proudly boast a track record of not only formulating policies and programmes but implementing them, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.
The Head of State was on Friday evening addressing a mammoth gathering of Party supporters at Industry, East Coast Demerara.
“If you can’t apply the formula, and if you can’t apply the theory, and if you can’t apply the substance, then how can you resolve the problem?” President Ali said, taking a dig at the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) opposition and the newly-formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party headed by United States-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

Urging supporters to reflect on APNU’s track record, which was marred by rhetoric, empty promises, and deceptions, and not be fooled by a party that has no clear vision or track record to build upon, President Ali said:
“It is not only about copying ideas, but also about having the capacity, the leadership, and, of course, the team to implement those ideas and to transform those ideas from paper to reality.”
Noting also that many lack the capacity to apply the necessary formulas, theories and substance to solve problems and create strategies to support development, he said:
“It is a matter of philosophy, and not a simple matter where you write a series of words or sentences on paper. Everybody can shout ‘oil money’,” but one needs to look beyond those who may come with lofty promises.
“But let me educate them once again, only 37 per cent of the budget is financed from resources and revenue from oil and gas. And oil and gas is not wealth; it is revenue. It is our ability to take that revenue and create growth, development, opportunities, jobs and transformation that takes the country forward.”
DELIVERED
He reminded that the PPP/C administration has provided across-the-board increases to the public sector, amounting to a whopping 46 per cent from 2021 to 2025.
The government had also implemented polices that have seen freight charges being maintained at a level, saving consumers just about $6 billion annually. Taxes that were implemented by the previous government were also slashed, putting billions back into the pockets of citizens.
President Ali also pointed out that the income tax threshold was increased from $65,000 to $130,000, increasing disposable income for workers to $18 billion, while removing some 60,000 persons from the tax net.
Aside from the foregoing measures, he also drew attention to the social policies to ensure that the elderly are supported and given a life of dignity.
Against this backdrop, he announced the coming of a new digital payment system meant to make pension payments much easier.
The president explained that with the aid of this new system, pensioners will be able to stay in their homes and no longer have to visit their local post offices to withdraw their money.

The PPP/C government, he noted, is not pursuing “a sterile vision, but a very comprehensive and well-thought-out strategy” to grow wealth and improve the lives of citizens.
In a bid to rally support for continued investments and progress, the president candidly called on supporters to not allow hesitation and indecision to “creep” into the momentum that has been built.
“We are not done yet,” he said. “We will not be done until every family is lifted out of insecurity, of poverty, until all our people rise in glory, rise in prosperity, rise in strength, all our people have access to good healthcare, good education, good recreational facilities in which our parents, our grandparents can live their old age in dignity, honour and pride.”
He stressed that elections are a serious matter, and cautioned citizens against compromising their dignity by being easily influenced. He underscored the PPP/C’s track record of delivering tangible results and implementing policies aimed at improving the lives of the people.
He also thanked supporters for standing by the party and remaining committed to its philosophy and vision for national development.