Guyanese are “worse off” after one year of Coalition Govt – Jagdeo

The Government has come under severe fire once again for its failure to develop and implement a tangible plan for the country’s further development with the issues of economic growth and crime being addressed at the forefront.

Opposition Leader and former Head of State, Bharrat Jagdeo, today at a press conference roasted the administration for its failure in improving the current situation in the country, especially as it relates to the economic situation and addressing the rising crime rate.

Jagdeo blasted the coalition for the present condition of Guyana’s economy where many citizens are being badly affected especially since the government is lacking in the introduction of alternatives that would alleviate some of the burdens being faced.

According to the former President, Guyanese are “worse off” in one year since the APNU+AFC Government gained power in comparison to previous years under the former administration. He said it seems as if there is no improvement to be made in light of the path that the current government is heading down.

Jagdeo emphasised that while the country’s economic growth rate is slow at this point in time, this situation can be addressed and fixed; however, the administration is yet to put forward a plan that would support the fact that it wants to make a positive impact by addressing the slowdown of Guyana’s economy.

Referring to an explanation given by Finance Minister Winston Jordan that due to the easy flow of illegal substances (drugs) being reduced, there is a reduction in persons spending “freely” in the economy, Jagdeo lashed out at this reasoning stating that this is not so since the economy is suffering tremendously as a result of a lack of investment.

This lack of investment is directly linked to the government’s policy and the administration has no plan in place to fix the sluggish economy because it (government) has no vision, the former President contended.

He posited that should the coalition grasp at the reasoning that the spending in Guyana’s economy is slow or badly affected because illicit drugs are not moving freely as before, then the government would miss out on a mammoth chance of fixing the economy.

The former Head of State also lambasted the APNU+AFC Government for its move to increase taxes for the masses, arguing that there was “politicisation” of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

He further noted that the touting of the administration over its “achievements” after only being in office for one year is nothing short of “pathetic”.

Jagdeo declared that in light of the negative impacts that many are facing as a result of the slowdown in the economy, the APNU+AFC coalition must task itself with putting plans in place to save the economy, simultaneously urging new investments if the country is to recover and move forward.