AS Guyana moves closer to the September 1 General and Regional Elections, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud, has emphasised that the People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) remains committed to bettering the lives of all Guyanese.
He was at the time addressing party supporters at the Better Hope Market Square, on Wednesday evening, when he spoke about how the administration has improved the lives of Guyanese and ots plans for the future.
While stating that the PPP/C was formed in 1950 and led by the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Minister Persaud said the party has always been a “pro-poor, people-centred and a working-class” party.
Reflecting on past struggles of our nation under prior opposition-led governments, the minister underscored that under the leadership of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, Guyana has seen transformation and development.
He said that when crafting the 2020 manifesto, the party made commitments to Guyanese and has fulfilled these commitments with surplus achievements across the board.
This includes the reintroduction of the education cash grant for Guyana’s youngest citizens in public and private schools; the distribution of more than 50,000 house lots; the creation of some 60,000 jobs; the start and completion over 29 miles of brand-new highways and thousands of community roads and the one-off payment of a $100,0000 cash grant for each Guyanese 18 years and over.
He congratulated the gathering, stating: “You may not realise that, but each and every one of you played a part in the development of this country.”
Looking to the future, Minister Persaud stated that in the next five years, Guyanese can expect cheaper electricity, significantly improved infrastructure and cheaper cooking gas, in addition to other modifications.
He noted that there will be more increases in wages and salaries for all public servants, members of the joint services, increase in old-age pensions and NIS pensions, an increase in public assistance, additional cash grants, more GOAL scholarships, and the opening of an excess of 100,000 acres of arable farmlands, and investment in agro-processing hubs.
At the local government level, Minister Persaud recognised that the main problem affecting many citizens is garbage collection. To rectify this, the minister informed the residents of Better Hope that government has set aside 50 garbage trucks for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) throughout Guyana.
These trucks will be deployed across Guyana, the minister confirmed.
Additionally, he added that soon, contracts will be awarded for the construction of concrete drains in all communities.
“We have already secured in excess of 100,000 streetlights because we want to light up Guyana come September 1st, 2025,” the minister emphasised.
Minister Persaud also told Better Hope residents that the PPP/C’s track record remains unblemished.
He noted, “Anywhere in Guyana, we can stand and defend our track record. We have a President in Irfaan Ali as a competent and recognised leader. Democracy and freedom will prevail.”