Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has sharply criticized the opposition’s recent policy pronouncements, labeling their approach to national development as “shortsighted” and lacking in both vision and substance. Speaking at his weekly press conference, Dr. Jagdeo dismissed the opposition’s latest promises as “wild” and “vague,” arguing that they fail to address the core issues of education, healthcare, housing, and sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that the opposition’s proposals, such as cash handouts to Indigenous communities, do not include meaningful plans for village or community development. He described these pledges as superficial, noting that they ignore the pressing needs of thousands of Guyanese and lack any framework for long-term progress. According to Jagdeo, the opposition’s policy-making is characterized by a reliance on foreign consultants and a failure to adapt to local realities, resulting in strategies that are disconnected from the needs of the population.
Highlighting the difference between the current government and the opposition, Dr. Jagdeo cited the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration’s record investments in infrastructure, education, and social services. He emphasized that the government’s approach is rooted in careful planning and targeted interventions, including significant investments in housing, job creation, and skills training. These initiatives, he said, are part of a broader strategy to tackle poverty and promote inclusive growth.
Dr. Jagdeo also criticized the opposition’s performance in parliamentary debates, describing their contributions as uncoordinated and lacking in-depth analysis. He argued that the opposition’s inability to present logical, feasible policy proposals demonstrates a lack of capacity to govern effectively. The Vice President underscored that the government’s borrowing strategy is focused on investments for the country’s future, in contrast to what he described as the opposition’s history of borrowing for consumption.
With Guyana experiencing rapid economic growth and significant investments in key sectors, Dr. Jagdeo asserted that only a forward-looking, well-coordinated development strategy can ensure that the benefits reach all citizens. He warned that the opposition’s “shortsighted” and “amateurish” approach risks undermining the country’s progress and called for a renewed focus on evidence-based, inclusive development planning.
