Region Four Vice Chairman and member of the Opposition People’s National Congress (PNC), Samuel Sandy, has lauded the economic initiatives outlined in President Irfaan Ali’s recent address to Parliament, describing them as reflective of a “visionary leadership” aimed at securing the country’s future amid global challenges.
Sandy highlighted noted the series of measures introduced by the Ali administration, which he believes demonstrate a deep commitment to both immediate relief for citizens and long-term sustainable development.
These initiatives, he said, position Guyana to not only weather economic turbulence but also to thrive in an evolving global landscape.
A key focus of the president’s recent budgetary address, Sandy noted, was the introduction of a one-off payment of $200,000 to every household.
This measure, he argued, is a clear demonstration of the government’s responsiveness to the concerns of its people, particularly in light of rising living costs.
The payment, Sandy said, will help ease the financial burden on families struggling with global inflation, enabling them to maintain purchasing power despite external economic shocks.
“President Ali’s administration has shown an ability to respond with agility—an essential trait for governance in today’s interconnected global economy,” Sandy stated, commending the administration’s proactive approach to economic management.
Sandy also praised the proposed increase in public sector wages, which guarantees that by 2025 no public servant will earn less than $100,000.
According to Sandy, this move is a significant step toward reducing inequality and promoting economic fairness.
“This is not just a short-term fix,” he said, “but a strategic investment in the public sector, a vital component of Guyana’s service delivery and overall productivity.”
The vice chairman also welcomed the administration’s efforts to improve healthcare, particularly the universal healthcare voucher programme aimed at providing 500,000 Guyanese citizens with access to essential preventative healthcare services.
Sandy emphasised that this initiative will not only address current healthcare gaps but also foster a culture of health and well-being, reducing the long-term strain on the country’s healthcare system.
Turning to broader economic management, Sandy applauded the continued stability in food inflation, which he attributed to targeted support for the agricultural sector.
While many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are grappling with soaring food prices, Sandy argued that Guyana’s resilience is a testament to Ali’s foresight and prudent economic policies.
He didn’t stop there, Sandy called on the opposition to acknowledge the benefits of the government’s initiatives and to adopt a more cooperative stance. Instead of focusing on minor criticisms, he urged political stakeholders to support policies that uplift the nation.
“Guyana is firmly on a path of progress under President Ali’s leadership,” Sandy asserted.
“All political parties should work together to ensure the country continues to move forward in a spirit of unity and collaboration.”
