Prime Minister Mark Phillips has firmly rejected Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton’s reckless fearmongering about electricity subsidies in Linden.
Norton used blatant misinformation to mislead voters about the PPP/C government’s commitment to affordable electricity in the mining town.

His claim that connecting Linden to the national grid is a “nice way” to remove subsidies shows either a lack of understanding of energy policy or intentional deception.
The facts tell a different story. Since August 2020, the Irfaan Ali administration has given over $13.8 billion in electricity subsidies to Linden, Ituni, and Kwakwani. This significant investment has protected residents from the fluctuations in global fuel prices while ensuring reliable power supply.

The government’s dedication goes beyond just maintaining the current situation. The US$22.5 million contract for Guyana’s largest solar farm, a 15-megawatt facility in Linden, represents a major investment in the town’s energy future.

Norton’s timing is revealing. As Guyana approaches the September 1 election, he chooses to spread fear instead of offering solutions. His promise to maintain “cheap electricity” rings hollow compared to his party’s poor record.

During the APNU+AFC’s five-year term from 2015 to 2020, Region 10 received only $4.2 billion in total investment.
In contrast, the PPP/C government has committed an astounding $122.6 billion to the same region in just five years, a 29-fold increase that shows true dedication to the prosperity of Lindeners.

Norton’s political hypocrisy is striking. He criticises a government that has transformed Linden’s infrastructure while ignoring that his own APNU+AFC coalition cut electricity and water subsidies for seniors and eliminated the school cash grant. These were real hardships inflicted on vulnerable Guyanese, not made-up threats for political gain.

The Prime Minister rightly called Norton’s approach “political fearmongering,” aimed at diverting attention from APNU’s poor governance. While the opposition allowed critical infrastructure like the Soesdyke-Linden Highway to fall into disrepair, the PPP/C has invested over US$160 million to improve this vital transportation link.

The government has also fulfilled promises like the $2.66 billion Christianburg-Wismar Secondary School, which will serve over 1,000 students.

Norton’s desperation is even clearer when looking at his party’s current electoral chances. Recent analysis shows that APNU is running a “lacklustre, underwhelming and disastrous” campaign, with smaller crowds and less enthusiasm than in past elections.

Lindeners need a government that provides real results: paved roads, better health facilities, expanded educational opportunities, and reliable subsidized electricity. The PPP/C’s record since 2020 lays the groundwork for continued progress.

On September 1, voters in Linden must choose between empty promises and fear tactics or a proven track record of significant investment and a strong commitment to affordable electricity. The choice is clear.