-more jobs, lower electricity on the cards

By: Indrawattie Natram

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has reaffirmed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) commitment to the people of Essequibo, assuring that the party has stood by citizens through both “the hard and good times.”

Addressing a massive crowd at the PPP/C rally in Anna Regina, Vice President Jagdeo said the region has seen significant transformation and development under the current administration. He reminded supporters of Guyana’s difficult past under the opposition.

“The PNC took away Guyana’s freedom and destroyed the country’s economy and that’s why we say, ‘never again’. We have stood by the people of Essequibo and we will continue to deliver on those promises,” Jagdeo stated.

Dr Jagdeo detailed a wide range of upcoming measures aimed at improving the lives of Guyanese. These include job creation, increased pensions with better benefits, and higher salaries for public servants. He emphasised that the government remains committed to easing the financial burden on families.

“We will ensure that you don’t have to pay for your children’s education,” he said, adding that the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant will be increased and that transportation grants will also be provided to schoolchildren.

“We have to get the best health care. We are building a new hospital to provide quality care so you don’t have to spend your money on your children’s education,” Jagdeo said.

He also announced that electricity rates in Essequibo will be reduced by 50 per cent and cheaper cooking gas will be made available to benefit households, especially housewives.

Addressing the global cost-of-living crisis, Jagdeo said the PPP/C government has taken proactive measures to cushion the impact on the people of Guyana.

“Only a caring government will provide those measures,” he said, noting that these initiatives reflect the administration’s responsiveness to the concerns of citizens.

He added, “More jobs will be provided, and we will help those who don’t have a house to build one, so many families can enjoy a better life.”

Responding to criticisms from the opposition, Jagdeo said they falsely claim that all of Guyana’s oil money is being used irresponsibly.

“All the oil money is only 37 per cent of the national budget,” he explained. “When the government spends on education and roads—that’s all the oil money. We are ensuring more people get access to resources.”

Jagdeo emphasised that poverty reduction remains a top priority.

“We are working every day to change poverty, and we will not rest until every single family is lifted out of poverty,” he pledged.

He also reminded the audience of the struggles under the previous administration:

“Seven thousand sugar workers had lost their jobs and 2,000 Amerindians were terminated under the APNU government.”

Speaking directly to Indigenous communities, he said:

“Imagine life before 2020—there was no help for the people, and there was very little access to education. That is changing because of the People’s Progressive Party.”

Vice President Jagdeo closed his address by urging Essequibians to make wise choices at the polls.

“Be wise and make wise choices on September 1,” he told the energised crowd.