PNC criticises Government over cost of living, drug seizure ineffectiveness, political patronage

The People’s National Congress (PNC) has condemned the rising cost of living in Guyana, calling it a crisis that is “killing” citizens across the country. In a scathing press statement, the party emphasised that despite government claims, many Guyanese are still struggling to meet basic needs. Construction materials are beyond reach, small businesses are suffering due to high input costs, and transportation expenses continue to soar, leaving families with little to no income for essentials like food.

“The cash transfer scheme introduced by the government, while seen as a short-term relief measure, is inadequate,” the PNC said. “People told us that the $100,000 transfer does little to alleviate the financial burden they face, especially when used to pay off existing debts.”

The party accused the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government of incompetence in the cash transfer implementation, claiming that they had urged for a more efficient system that would have seen all eligible individuals receiving funds without chaos. The PNC also rejected accusations from Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who criticised their stance on the programme, reiterating that it was the Opposition’s pressure that forced the government to introduce the scheme in the first place.

As a solution, the PNC proposed comprehensive measures aimed at improving the financial wellbeing of citizens. These include doubling pensions from $41,000 to $100,000 per month, raising public sector salaries by up to 35%, exempting individuals earning $400,000 or less from income tax, and providing rent, mortgage, and utility subsidies. The PNC also vowed to stimulate the economy by investing in small businesses and agriculture to create a more sustainable, demand-driven economy.

Touching on drug trafficking, the PNC criticised the government’s approach, labelling recent drug busts as facades. Despite high-profile seizures by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the PNC argued that these efforts do not result in convictions or lead to the capture of the criminal masterminds behind drug and gold smuggling.

These large, sporadic busts are nothing but a public relations exercise, the PNC said. If the government were truly committed to fighting these crimes, they would invest in better surveillance and tracking systems, utilise plea-bargaining legislation, and depoliticise the police force, the Party advised.

The Party also accused the PPP of being complicit in these illegal activities, citing the government’s “symbiotic relationship” with criminal enterprises like narco-trafficking and gold smuggling. The PNC reiterated that under a future government led by them, significant reforms would be made to curb illicit activities and improve security in the country.

Lastly, the PNC criticiSed the government’s use of political patronage in Sandvoort, Canje, where residents claimed that PPP activists were controlling government equipment for drainage and irrigation services. The PNC said that only those willing to join the PPP were able to receive these vital services, which it argued is an example of the government’s increasing politicisation of essential public services.

In summary, the PNC’s press statement highlighted a wide range of issues, including the rising cost of living, ineffective government action against drug trafficking, and political favouritism in the distribution of public resources. The opposition party positioned itself as the solution to these problems, promising reforms that prioritise the well-being of Guyanese citizens and remove corruption from the government.