APNU+AFC has no plan, just a list of promises heading into the 2025 election

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has labelled the opposition’s approach to the 2025 elections as a mere collection of promises with no clear plans for the future of the country.

Referencing the opposition’s campaign flyers, which are currently circulating among the public, Jagdeo questioned the credibility of the promises being made by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and the Alliance for Change (AFC).

“Don’t allow yourselves to be duped again,” Jagdeo urged, drawing attention to the lack of substance behind the opposition’s claims.

Among the promises outlined by the opposition are pledges to guarantee every household a “liveable income” free from financial woes and worries, as well as commitments to subsidised food, subsidised rent, and an increase in the old-age pension to $100,000.

Jagdeo, who also serves as the General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), expressed doubt over the feasibility of these proposals. He noted that this new promise echoed the vague slogan used during the 2015 campaign: “The Good Life for Everyone.”

“It’s the same vague promise they made in 2015, and it’s no different this time,” he said.

The Vice President also questioned the opposition’s ability to craft a practical economic plan.

“You never craft a plan to say how you’ll earn money as a country. If you have to spend money, you have to earn money,” Jagdeo remarked.

He pointed out that this philosophy was what led to the country’s economic troubles in the past.

“They have never gotten it right on the economic side,” he added. “They are incapable of crafting a plan…you plan first, but they want to promise and then turn that into the plan.”

Jagdeo also addressed the recent postings by Nigel Hughes, Leader of the AFC, on social media where proposed creating a bank for women in business in Georgetown.

“Obviously, they are trying to fool the people in Georgetown,” Jagdeo concluded with laughter.

Further examining the opposition’s proposals, Jagdeo referred to their call for the restoration of cemeteries in Georgetown, a project that the PPP/C is already undertaking.

“Anyone who believes this would need to have themselves examined because how can you allow yourself to be duped so often?” Jagdeo questioned.

He also spoke directly to young people, reminding them that the APNU+AFC may be promising to focus on youth now, but reminded that when they were in government, they sidelined young people despite making the same lofty promises.

Contrast that with the PPP/C, Jagdeo said the PPP/C has managed to complete and surpass every promise made in the 2020 manifesto and again urged people not to be fooled by the slogans and empty promises of the opposition.

He said the PPP/C will not make empty promises but wants every Guyanese to own a home, not live in rented houses. Every Guyanese will have access to first world healthcare and high-quality/free education and all people regardless of age will have access to training.

Jagdeo also talked about an expansion of the economy outside of oil and gas, support for women, children, and the elderly and a reorientation of the tax system to ensure people pay less taxes and keep more money in their pockets.

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