Norton says APNU’s manifesto complete, will be made public soon

Opposition Leader and Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC) – the largest party within A Partnership for National Unity – Aubrey Norton has announced that the APNU has finalised its manifesto after what he described as four years of wide-ranging engagements with citizens, professionals and coalition partners.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Norton said the document – which he described as the product of genuine consultations and expert advice – will be formally launched in the coming days as the party intensifies its preparations for the next General and Regional Elections.

According to the Opposition Leader, the manifesto captures the essence of APNU’s People-Centred Development Strategy (PCDS) — a blueprint which promises to tackle poverty, guarantee a livable income for every household, expand social protection and transform communities.

In its previous term in office, the APNU+AFC coalition had unveiled plans for initiatives such as the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, the allocation of oil revenues to long-term infrastructure and education projects, and support for small businesses and agriculture to diversify the economy away from oil dependency.

How much of those plan were delivered on is debatable.

While details of the newly completed manifesto are yet to be released in full, Norton said it will outline updated measures for the equitable management of the country’s oil wealth.

The plan is also expected to include proposals for quality healthcare and education, stronger social services, targeted poverty reduction, and the protection of Guyana’s territorial integrity — a reference to the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

In past pronouncements, APNU has hinted at direct cash transfer mechanisms for vulnerable households, targeted subsidies, and increased support for pensioners — ideas Norton reiterated when he spoke about “guaranteeing each household a livable income and creating a comprehensive social protection system.”

The party says it will be “relentless” in its efforts to take this message to communities across the country in the coming weeks. Norton expressed confidence that ordinary Guyanese are responding positively, despite what he described as “ongoing intimidation” of opposition supporters and the ruling party’s alleged use of “large infusions of money to buy support.”

In recent months, the APNU leader has also spoken about strengthening local government institutions, reforming the public sector, and creating more jobs through investments in infrastructure, agro-processing, and manufacturing.

The final manifesto, he noted, reflects the coalition’s ongoing efforts to harmonise the views of its various partners and supporters — a nod to the multi-party nature of the APNU alliance, which has at times faced internal tensions.

The manifesto is expected to be unveiled at a major campaign event soon, after which the coalition will roll out village meetings, community outreach, and other activities to sell its vision under the rallying call of “Putting People First.”