–Dr Singh tells Fort Ordinance residents

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Saturday passionately defended the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and its developmental legacy across Guyana.

Speaking at a community meeting in Fort Ordinance, East Canje Berbice, Dr. Singh emphasised that without the PPP/C, communities like Fort Ordinance would not exist, highlighting the tangible impact of the party’s governance on the ground. He noted that every corner of the country is being transformed under the PPP/C’s leadership.

Challenging the opposition to point to their own achievements, Dr. Singh declared, “Show me a single community that exists today as a result of their vision! You will search forever; you will get tired, you will get weary, you will get old!”

He continued his sharp criticism of the former APNU+AFC government, questioning whether they could identify even one hospital they built during their time in office. According to Dr. Singh, rather than creating jobs, the opposition actively took them away.

“Did you see the 20% salary increase that APNU promised? Instead, you saw the doors; people were sent home.”

The Finance Minister condemned the former administration for firing workers without considering the devastating ripple effects on families, communities, and the broader economy.

“Not for one minute did APNU stop to think about what would happen to those workers, their families, and the entire village. In the history of Guyana, we have never seen a more brutal and callous government than the APNU+AFC,” he said.

Dr. Singh pointed to infrastructural achievements under the PPP/C, like improved connectivity and transportation, all hallmarks of their commitment to modernising Guyana.

“Today, you drive straight across the bridge, and you reach your destination,” he said, adding: “Sometimes we take these things for granted.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Singh assured citizens that more transformative projects are coming in the next term of office. He outlined the ambitious plans for a new four-lane bridge, continued construction of all-weather roads, and highways connecting regions across the country from Lethem to Brazil and Suriname on the Corentyne Coast.

He credited President Irfaan Ali for this expansive vision, stating that under his leadership, Guyana is experiencing unprecedented national development and regional integration.

“A major international stadium; the people who used to wake up at 4 in the morning and go to Georgetown will now be able to go to Palmyra to watch cricket,” he said, adding:

“When you build an international stadium, think about the whole ecosystem around it; the international hotels, the malls, the restaurants, the business opportunities that are created. And who better to take advantage than the people who live right here.”

He told the residents gathered, “You can see that development; it is not a dream, it is happening before your very eyes. When you go past Palmyra, you can see it.”

As such, Dr. Singh said that the future of Guyana is a bright and an exciting one under President Irfaan Ali.

With the gas pipeline project slated to be established at the mouth of the Berbice River, Minister Singh projected a wave of industrial development that will redefine the economic landscape of the region. He emphasised that the scale and impact of this initiative will be unlike anything Guyana has seen before, describing it as a catalyst for unprecedented success in manufacturing, energy production, job creation, and regional investment.

He noted that the pipeline will not only power major industries, but also unlock the full potential of Berbice as a new industrial hub, transforming it into a driving force of national growth and prosperity.

“The message I want to give you is that the only party that can outline a vision for Region Six and the people of Guyana is the People’s Progressive Party/Civic,” he said.

And, hailing Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo as a towering regional figure, Dr. Singh said: “The political legend and hero of the Caribbean, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, without whose leadership Guyana would have been in a military dictatorship today.”

He urged unwavering support for the PPP/C, underscoring the vital importance of participation in the upcoming elections.

“Comrades, you have a simple task, and that is to make sure that every single person that you know; everybody in your house, everybody in your street, everybody in your village comes out and votes for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic!”