APNU campaign launch filled with unsustainable promises – Jagdeo

The promises made by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) during its campaign launch are unsustainable, according to General Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

One of the promises made by the APNU is a 35% salary increase for government workers.

Jagdeo pointed out that this is not feasible as it leaves no revenue for investments in education, healthcare, road construction or other important projects.

“Our current budget for employment cost is $246 billion, so if you give 35% in the first year, it becomes $326 billion, in the second year $448 billion, third year $605 billion, fourth year $817 billion and by 2030 – the end of the term – $1.1 trillion dollars only on wages,” he said, adding that this sum is higher than the 2025 budget.

Another unsustainable promise made by APNU is to give Guyanese $1 million annually, an amount Jagdeo said would exceed the country’s entire oil revenue.

“You have to be taken from the mad house to make a promise like this but they actually did this on their campaign trail,” Jagdeo expressed.

The APNU also promised an increased income tax threshold to $400,000, a monthly $50,000 stipend to each student pursuing post-secondary studies, an increase in the old-age pension to $100,000 and a cash grant to every child of $120,000 annually.

But according to Jagdeo, these are just empty promises.

“That’s what we got from the rally, a lot of extravagant promises that are unsustainable and it seems as though they don’t coordinate with each other,” the General Secretary said. This is evident as one member indicated that the sugar industry will be closed to make way for ganja cultivation but this position was later ‘corrected’ by APNU Leader, Aubrey Norton in a press statement.

Furthermore, Jagdeo said the APNU campaign launch featured divisive rhetoric and subtle racism.

In contrast, the PPP General Secretary said his party will be “generous, but smart about managing the resources. And it has to be sustainable. We want long-term prosperity for our people, our children, and our young people.”

The PPP will be launching its campaign on Sunday, July 13 at the Kitty Market Square.

“Our launch will be different,” Jagdeo said. “We’re talking about changing this country for all our people.”

At the PPP’s campaign launch, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Dr Jagdeo, who also serves as Vice President and other speakers are slated to address the event.

And according to Jagdeo, his party will not be engaged in optical politics, but will outline its programmes and initiatives that will ensure Guyanese prosper in the long-term.