Dear Editor,

AS we approach the upcoming elections, much discussion has rightly centred on the release of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s 2025 manifesto.

I wish to offer my perspective as a citizen who has carefully examined this document, which I believe is the boldest and most revolutionary five-year plan ever presented to the electorate in our country’s history.
Of course, a full review of the manifesto would require far more space than a single newspaper column can accommodate. Nevertheless, there are several important elements that deserve recognition, especially by those who seek an objective analysis of what this manifesto represents for Guyana’s future.

Firstly, the manifesto draws on decades of policy formulation as it incorporates strategies such as the National Development Strategy (NDS), Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers I and II (PRSP), the National Competitiveness Strategy, and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). What stands out is the way these frameworks are synthesised into a forward-looking plan that directly addresses the present and future challenges facing Guyana.

If the PPP/C continues its strong record of delivering on commitments, citizens can be assured that critical issues such as the cost of living, energy security, food security, poverty reduction, private sector competitiveness, and climate resilience will be comprehensively addressed over the next five years.

Secondly, the manifesto emphasises the continued diversification of our economy—a policy that has already borne fruit. Unlike the dependency on a few primary sectors during 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s, which left us vulnerable to global shocks, the PPP/C’s economic diversification strategy has allowed Guyana to withstand and even grow through multiple crises, including the 2007/08 global economic and financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and supply chain disruptions stemming from the Russia/Ukraine conflict.

These are not mere coincidences but a direct result of the successful implementation of the manifesto by successive PPP/C governments. I am encouraged by the fact that the 2025 manifesto not only promises to build on our past successes but also ensures that our economy is more resilient, sustainable, and capable of generating high-paying jobs across multiple sectors, which in turn will allow citizens to benefit directly from our economic transformation.

Thirdly, the PPP/C’s 2025 manifesto also speaks to other dimensions of development. Specifically, it sets out measures to strengthen social justice, social equity, and social harmony by creating a country where every citizen can study, work, live, and retire in dignity. Importantly, the manifesto is not limited to the well-being of humans alone. The 2025 manifesto makes clear that biodiversity, our forest, and even animal rights form part of the PPP/C’s vision, underlining the party’s commitment to the well-being of every living entity in Guyana.

Finally, the PPP/C’s manifesto positions Guyana as a global leader on issues of climate change and environmental stewardship. This innovative policy document envisions a “green economy” where environmental sustainability is not a trade-off but a driver of innovation and global leadership and an important source of substantial non-tax revenue.

As voters, we should carefully consider this vision as well as the capability of political parties to deliver on their promises. Any review of our post-independence history would reveal that the only party that has delivered on all its visionary policies since independence is the PPP/C.

Yours faithfully,
Kevin Persaud