–Jagdeo tells citizens; rallies their support for crucial elections ahead

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has once again underscored its commitment to national development, inclusive governance, and tangible transformation across Guyana.

Vice-President and General Secretary of the PPP/C Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking at a series of meetings in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Friday, reiterated the government’s pledge to continue this aggressive pace of development.

Importantly, Jagdeo signaled that President Dr. Irfaan Ali is expected to make a major announcement this weekend which would directly benefit families.

He said that parents in particular should look out for the increase in the school cash grant, which is expected to cost around $40 billion, alongside a transportation grant, both aimed at easing the cost of living and preparing children for the new school year.

According to him, nearly 2,000 community roads have already been completed in the region, and the government is committed to building more “until the last one is completed”.

These infrastructure upgrades are part of a broader national effort to improve connectivity, uplift communities, and improve living standards.

In addition to roads, he outlined a transformative national vision, including a new four-lane Corentyne highway estimated to cost over US$400 million, for which works have already commenced; and a toll-free, high-span Berbice River Bridge, which he described as “some of the bigger things” in the party’s next term.

Jagdeo further hinted at significant investments in community upgrades, including concrete drains, 100,000 ordered streetlights to light every lantern post, upgraded recreational grounds in every village, and the installation of security cameras.

“When you live in a community, it must be cleaner, safer, with good recreational [facilities],” he told residents.

In addressing the various gatherings of people, Jagdeo urged a massive turnout on September 1, calling on Region Six residents to vote solidly for the PPP/C, emphasising the party’s unmatched record of delivery.

“These elections are critical; a lot is at stake,” he reminded.

Jagdeo did not hold back in his criticism of the former APNU+AFC coalition administration, accusing them of peddling misinformation and failing the people during their time in office.

“No one with any sense will ever believe what the APNU is saying,” he declared.

Jagdeo described the coalition’s tenure as a period of economic stagnation, widespread job losses, and democratic betrayal, referencing their attempts to subvert the 2020 general elections.

“We have to now ensure that all of you assist over the next few weeks; we leave nothing to chance,” Jagdeo emphasised, urging grassroots mobilisation in the lead-up to the vote.

Reflecting on the challenges faced after the closure of the Rose Hall Estate, he spoke about the hardships endured by families.

Jagdeo related: “Many people were sad; they saw what was happening by the APNU government, and they recognised that we would not have any progress.”

He noted that since the estate’s reopening by the PPP/C, the area has seen renewed growth and job creation, adding: “Every group of Guyanese has gotten back help, has seen progress, has gotten help from the government.”

VISION FOR LONG-TERM GROWTH

Jagdeo also addressed the Party’s long-term vision for a modern Guyana, saying that the last five years were about reversing taxes, creating jobs, developing a modern healthcare system, along with developing the education sector with the cash grants, and free university.

He said: “Next term you are going to see some big things, and then some smaller things.”

Jagdeo outlined additional plans to increase pension payments, expand public assistance, boost children’s grants, and provide further support for rice farmers, including through enhanced drainage and irrigation systems.

“Once the PPP says it; it will be done,” he affirmed, making it clear that this level of delivery cannot be matched by any of the other political parties.

Jagdeo also drew sharp contrasts between the PPP/C’s leadership and that of the fragmented opposition, noting that the APNU+AFC has been splintered into several factions, while there is now also the sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed of the WIN party.

The future of Guyana cannot be entrusted in the hands of people like Norton and Mohamed, who have no comparison to President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips, he stated.

Jagdeo said: “We got to make sure that people are not misled by the lies they tell.  They tell a lot of lies; like they did in 2015. So, I expect all of you to make sure you talk to people; go to every home. We can’t risk the future again; we can’t go back to 2015. I remember those days coming here how tough it was.”

He reminded residents that in 2015, he had warned the public about the APNU+AFC’s plans to close sugar estates, only to be dismissed by opposition figures like Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo.

“Eventually, they did just that,” he said, stressing that thousands of jobs were lost under the coalition’s rule.

Jagdeo emphasised that the PPP/C remains the only political force with a clear plan for development, equity, and prosperity for all Guyanese, noting: “These are just some of the things in the next term we want to focus on.”