-PM Phillips tells Canje residents, says party must be re-elected to continue the country’s development

AT a spirited rally held at Adelphi Square, East Canje Berbice, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips passionately called on citizens to re-elect the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for another five years, emphasising the government’s record of development and inclusivity.

“I am ready to be your prime minister for another five year,” Phillips declared to loud cheers from the crowd.

Expressing gratitude to supporters, he continued by thanking them for making an important decision five years ago by electing the PPP/C to government,” adding that it has been “one of the most important political decisions in the country’s history.”

Now on the final stretch, Phillips reminded attendees of the critical need to maintain focus.

“We are on the home stretch,” he noted before adding,“The only way they can remain in opposition is with you coming out and voting for us so the progress can continue in Guyana.”

He stated that the continuation of national development depends on the re-election of the PPP/C. “In order to continue the developnment, the PPP/c government must be re-elcted.”

Reaffirming the party’s inclusive and multi-ethnic approach, Phillips urged citizens not to be swayed by fear or division. “Don’t be afraid to vote for the PPP/C on the first of September because the PPP/C has brought developnment to every village, every community and we will do it again with your vote come the first of September.”

Addressing the crowd’s concerns on key economic sectors, Phillips revisited the hardship caused by the closure of the Rose Hall Sugar Estate under the previous administration.

“Sugar must always be the govenrment’s business in Guyana. Sugar built Guyana,” he said.

The prime minister also criticised the APNU+AFC for distancing themselves from the agriculture sector. “Rice farmers were told that rice is private business,” he reminded supporters.

Phillips did not hold back in his critique of the opposition, questioning their priorities and integrity.

According to him, the former government’s mission was to put money in their pockets, emphasising that the PPP/C had a different agenda and vision for Guyana.

He said the PPP/C government made promises and delivered them to the people.

The prime minister also pushed back against attempts to racialise the political discourse. According to him, the opposition is attempting to include race in its addresses to Afro- Guyanese telling them to vote for their own, “Guyanese, all Guyanese benefitted from the policies from the PPP/c and all of them will vote overwhelmingly on September.”
During his address, Phillips highlighted his party’s achievements. He said that there are some key economic indicators that were very beneficial to citizens. With the income tax threshold being increased by 100 per cent, Phillips said, that 60,000 Guyanese have secured employment under the PPP/c administration, pointing out that there will be increases and allowances for part time workers.

He outlined the PPP/C’s future development plans for the next five years which includes the gas-to-energy project at Wales which when completed would guarantee that electricity will be slashed in half, better pay for public servants who have received increases, empowerment of youths and establishing an interest free bank for small businesses, youths and women.

Turning his attention again to the opposition, Phillips sharply criticised their leadership.

The crowd, when asked, firmly rejected We Invest in Nationhood’s (WIN) Azruddin Mohamed. They said they would not give him their vote.

“With your vote, we don’t want a single majority, we want a super majority so we want you to tell everybody. Share the message of developnment, share the message of empowerment.”

Outlining further infrastructure plans, Phillips pointed to transformative projects in the pipeline for Berbice, “With more infrastructural developnment, Phillips pointed to the deep water harbour and the four-lane highway from the hinterland to the coastland, “We want to create more employment, more business opportunities for people here in Berbice.”

“We are ensuring that you have a better life in Guyana. We are ensuring that the money is spent to improve your life and livelihood in Guyana.”

Appealing for continued support, Phillips asked, “Would you risk voting for another party…knowing that a brighter Christmas beacons.” He reassured citizens, “You have a government that will put the people first in everything that they do.”

Emphasising the PPP/C’s prudent financial management, he said, “From 2020 to 2025 there has been no new taxes in Guyana because of the PPP/c government. You are paying the same rates for electricity that you would have been paying in 2019.”

He added, “We are a government that is here with you during bad times and during good times,” later outlining ongoing and future plans.

He stated, that when you vote for the PPP/C you vote for more scholarships, expansion of farming in Guyana with the provision of more lands, infrastructure, cheaper electricity, world-class education, among other developnment initiatives. “You have a bright future in Guyana but that future will only get brighter if you reelect the PPP/c government on September, 1.”

As he concluded, Phillips emphasised the rally’s significance. Noting the size of the crowd, he said that it must be converted into a “large voting turn out on Elections Day.”