Prime Minister calls for ‘super-majority’ to drive development, praises Ali’s leadership

Prime Minister Mark Phillips Saturday night urged voters to deliver the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) a “super-majority” in Monday’s general elections, saying it is needed to accelerate development and raise living standards.

Speaking at the PPP/C’s final rally at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, Phillips said Guyana’s oil wealth must be used to empower citizens through education, affordable electricity and social programmes. He noted that the government had already removed fuel taxes to cushion global price shocks and promised that electricity costs would be cut by half as early as next year when the gas to energy project comes on stream.

To ensure the PPP governs without hindrance, he told voters the Parliamentary numbers are needed.

“We want a super-majority government to pass the bills in Parliament to bring a better standard of living,” he told supporters.

The Prime Minister highlighted President Irfaan Ali’s international reputation, contrasting it with Guyana’s past when the country was classified as a heavily indebted poor country (HIPC) and plagued by rigged elections.

He dismissed opposition figures, including Nigel Hughes, as “wishing” for the PPP/C to become a minority government, and declared that only Ali’s tried, tested and “performing” leadership could safeguard Guyana’s progress.

With oil and gas revenues rising, Phillips said the government’s focus would remain on education, social protection and youth empowerment.

“Development, development, development” and “empowerment, empowerment, empowerment” is the path of the PPP, he said.