…Badal says as Change Guyana launches ‘Guyanese-first’ manifesto

LEARNING from the work and shortfalls of past administrations, political newcomer, Change Guyana, has strung together and unveiled a “Guyanese-first” manifesto, just 18 days ahead of the general and regional elections.

The manifesto brings a “new level” of strategic thinking, said Presidential Candidate of the fledgling party, Robert Badal, during a press briefing at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday. “The manifesto outlines a more balanced and regional development plan, rather than something that is central to Georgetown…we have a Guyanese-first policy in the manifesto,” said Badal, adding that the party, if elected to government, will ensure that every Guyanese has a stake in the economy.

Badal was confident that his party’s manifesto includes “pragmatic solutions” for a better economy, which were carefully crafted by the Change Guyana team. Speaking about the creation of the manifesto, Badal said: “The team was able to think through the problems of today and come up with pragmatic solutions…these solutions are based on principles that affects lives and those that created economic underdevelopment in this country.”

Among some of the proposed solutions to existing “economic problems” were the increase of the income tax threshold to $100,000 and the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) to 12 per cent from 14 per cent. Additionally, the party plans to abolish property and capital gains taxes, and to remove taxes from mobile data plans, water and education.
“There will also be no import taxes on machinery for farming, mining and other manufacturing industries…our focus will be on ensuring that there is more money and less taxes,” said Badal as he laid out his party’s promises.

The manifesto, he said, also outlines the party’s plans for job creation and wealth creation, which are ‘key’ elements of a successful economy. Although the party’s plans for job creation were not specific, Badal said they (Change Guyana) will make youth employment and entrepreneurship a critical component of the macro-economic framework of the country.

“We will also make schools and university curriculum more responsive to the needs of the economy; stem the tide of mass migration by UG graduates by creating jobs through an expanded economy; and look at tax incentive mechanisms to encourage employers to provide on-the-job training for youths,” said the leaders of the political party in their manifesto.

The list goes on, said Badal, adding that the manifesto forms a “list of deliverables” which the party is committed to and will be held accountable for. Persons interested in viewing the party’s full manifesto can do so by visiting the following website: https://changeguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CG-Manifest-Final-Digital.pdf