With the national elections now over, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo clarified that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is shifting its full focus to delivering on every promise made to voters. Speaking to representatives from East Coast Demerara (ECD) Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo emphasized that implementation — not campaigning — is now the government’s top priority.
The meeting, convened by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand, gave local leaders a chance to engage with the Vice President as the new administration begins its next five-year term.
In response to questions about his absence from weekly press conferences, Dr. Jagdeo explained that the focus is now on fulfilling commitments: “People don’t see me at press conferences anymore, and the elections are over. We must now deliver on our promises,” he told attendees.
He pressed on, highlighting the PPP/C’s results-focused approach: “I am committed to making sure that whatever we promised, we can deliver. That’s why we won with a landslide—because in 2020, we were careful about our promises, and we worked for five years, despite COVID, to fulfill them. And we will do so again.”
Reflecting on Five Years of Delivery
Dr. Jagdeo reminded citizens that the party’s performance from 2020 to 2025 was based on measurable results, despite the tough global challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration inherited an economy with slowed productivity, limited job growth, and a series of heavy taxes implemented by the former APNU+AFC government.
Upon returning to the office, the PPP/C quickly enacted an emergency budget that reversed over 200 taxes affecting families, workers, and businesses. These tax reversals included VAT on electricity, water, medicine, building materials, school supplies, and agricultural and mining equipment. The government also rolled back increases in land rent, drainage, and irrigation charges.
The Vice-President noted that over the past five years, more than 60,000 jobs were created, old-age pensions were doubled, public assistance more than doubled, and the income tax system was improved by lowering rates and raising the tax threshold.
The administration also significantly increased opportunities by training over 82,000 individuals through various skills programs and awarding more than 39,000 scholarships, nearly doubling its original pledge of 20,000.
Households received direct financial support through targeted subsidies and expanded cash transfer programs, including the reinstated and increased “Because We Care” grant.
Advances in Education, Healthcare, and Infrastructure
Transformative investments were also made in key sectors. Tertiary education was provided free of charge, and six new hospitals were built, along with significant upgrades to healthcare systems and facilities.
Guyana’s infrastructure experienced unprecedented growth, including the construction of the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge—part of a larger effort to improve connectivity. Toll-free access to major bridges, the development of new four-lane highways, and upgrades to key routes have further driven national development.
Looking Ahead: A Time of Historic Change
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has already outlined a comprehensive vision for the upcoming period, describing the post-2025 era as one of the most transformative in Guyana’s history. With economic growth accelerating and social improvements spreading widely, the president emphasized that the government’s long-term goal—ensuring a better quality of life for every Guyanese—is gradually becoming a reality.
Projections indicate that Guyana is on track to achieve some of the highest living standards in the Western Hemisphere by the end of the decade. As Dr. Jagdeo emphasized, the focus now is not on politics but on performance—and on ensuring that every promise results in meaningful outcomes for citizens.