Merciful vs. Merciless: Suresh Singh challenges opposition on legacy in first parliamentary speech

Suresh Singh, the newly sworn-in government Member of Parliament, stirred the National Assembly on Monday with his passionate maiden speech during the 2025 budget debate.

In an address that electrified the House after eight long hours, Singh tied his presentation to the principles of mercy, illustrating a stark difference between the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government and the APNU+AFC coalition.

The young parliamentarian described the opposition as “merciless,” reminding of the closures of several sugar estates under the APNU+AFC coalition. He recounted how 7,000 sugar workers, and by extension, their families, were impacted when the coalition shut down key estates.

“You are merciless,” Singh declared, pointing to the economic and social toll this decision had on communities including his along the East Coast of Demerara.

In contrast, Singh presented the PPP/C as merciful, dedicated to uplifting the nation’s people through a series of social initiatives and investments in education and youth development.

Singh’s speech was peppered with references to the opposition’s failures, particularly in delivering on promises made in their 2015 manifesto.

He cited broken promises on job creation, youth development, and the economy, framing the APNU+AFC as a party that “neglected” and “deprived” the people they were meant to serve.

“Ask them what they have done for you,” Singh urged the Guyanese public.

Highlighting the increase in the cash grant for children, Singh praised the party’s commitment to improving the lives of young Guyanese.

The MP went on to defend the government’s record, stating that over 9,000 Guyanese had graduated from the University of Guyana under the current administration, while thousands more benefited from the GOAL Scholarship programme.

Singh also highlighted the administration’s efforts in housing, pointing out that 41,000 house lots had been distributed, with more than half going to young people.

Singh who held the position of Director of Youth, particularly focused on youth empowerment, mentioning initiatives such as the robotics and coding programme, which had seen the creation of 66 training hubs across the country.

Furthermore, he lauded the revitalisation of the President’s Youth Award, a programme he claimed had been abandoned by the previous government.

The speech was met with loud interruptions from the opposition, but Singh remained unwavering. He concluded with a declaration that the PPP/C was dedicated to ensuring that every Guyanese had the opportunity to succeed.