PNCR/APNU Pledges Livable Incomes, Says PPP’s Economic Measures are “Desperate Gimmicks”

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition have issued a strong critique of the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP), accusing it of offering “sporadic” and “inadequate” measures to address economic hardship. In a press statement released Friday, the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a national policy of living wages for workers and livable incomes for all households, if elected to government.

“As the next government, we will ensure all workers—both in the public and private sectors—receive living wages, and all households receive a livable income,” the statement declared. The coalition also claimed it was confident these goals could be achieved within its first year in office.

The statement positions the PNCR/APNU’s economic platform in stark contrast to what it described as the PPP’s “piecemeal and politically motivated” attempts to ease public frustration ahead of elections. “The PPP’s sporadic, inadequate, or one-off measures will do little to ease the cost of living, ensure food security, eradicate poverty, or raise living standards,” the coalition said, calling the government’s recent announcements “gimmicks” that “shortchange the people and do nothing to transform their lives.”

Among the PPP initiatives under fire was the recently announced $10 billion transfer to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to fund one-off payments to near-threshold pensioners. The opposition labeled the payout “unjust and deceptive,” arguing it falls short of the value of workers’ lifetime contributions.

Also criticised was the government’s decision to increase subventions to local councils. According to the coalition, the increases are insufficient to cover even basic expenses, such as garbage collection. “Development of our communities requires much more than increased yearly subventions,” the statement argued, citing the need for local development plans, better stipends for councilors, training, and an end to alleged political interference by the PPP.

While welcoming the PPP’s move to cover full CSEC examination fees for students—a decision likely to benefit struggling families—the coalition said the measure was not backed by a broader strategy to retain teachers or improve student performance.

The PNCR/APNU also issued a warning about what it claimed are efforts by the PPP to exploit tensions in politically sensitive regions. “As time runs out on the PPP government, we will see not only desperate acts that will do little to help families, but also acts that will attempt to stir up social and political unrest,” the statement said, referencing recent events on the Essequibo Coast, Corentyne, and in Linden.

Calling on citizens to “stand united and focused,” the opposition urged Guyanese to use the upcoming elections to usher in what it described as a “new dawn” for the country. “Under a PNCR/APNU government, Guyana can become one of the best countries to live in for all its citizens,” the statement concluded.

The press release marks an escalation in political messaging ahead of expected general elections, as both major political forces begin to lay out their competing visions for Guyana’s economic and social future.