By Mark DaCosta- As ordinary citizens grapple with soaring living costs, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has issued a stern warning about the repercussions of five years of alleged mismanagement by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). The statement, released on December 5, 2025, underscores a crisis that continues to deepen, with households struggling to cope as prices rise sharply and support from the government remains scant and unclear. The APNU is calling for urgent and accountable actions from the ruling government, outlining how recent economic challenges have necessitated increased support for those in need.
In the past five years, the average Guyanese has witnessed a substantial increase in day-to-day expenses, particularly regarding essential goods. Official economic indicators reveal a relentless increase in consumer prices, with food costs climbing at an alarming rate. Independent assessments corroborate that staple items have become significantly more expensive since 2020, forcing many families to reduce their meal portions and cut back on basics. “Basic food items and everyday goods are many times more expensive than in 2020,” the APNU states, voicing concerns that such challenges strip families of their necessary resources and increase pressure on vulnerable populations.
According to the APNU, the government’s responses, primarily centred on cash-transfer promises, have been vague and inconsistent. President Irfaan Ali’s recent remarks — “If you behave yourself, you get it this year” — were deemed disrespectful and politically manipulative rather than a genuine show of concern for the public’s welfare. The APNU contends that such rhetoric undermines the national social policy framework, instilling doubt about the government’s commitment to promptly assisting struggling families.
In light of these pressing issues, the APNU has proposed a fortified cash grant of at least $150,000 per citizen aged 18 and over. This increase aims at alleviating financial burdens, especially during the demanding holiday season. With projections showing that about 604,000 citizens may qualify for the grant, the total cost would total around $90.6 billion, a figure that APNU argues is manageable given the government’s anticipated revenue growth. “This amount represents a manageable percentage of the total projected government revenues, proving the feasibility of this proposal,” they assert.
Amidst the proposed cash transfer initiatives, the backdrop of poverty in our nation cannot be ignored. Recent reports indicate that approximately 58 percent of Guyanese live below the poverty line, highlighting the dire need for immediate cash support measures. The APNU believes that an influx of cash into local economies can provide a much-needed boost, facilitating access to essential goods and stimulating demand across various sectors, which could, in turn, generate employment opportunities.
The proposed cash grant is not simply an expenditure — it’s framed as an investment in the lives of our citizens. APNU representatives assert that the pressing needs of citizens living in poverty, alongside the growing demands of the population, warrant this increased financial support. They maintain that the government’s promises regarding cash assistance must be fulfilled without delay, especially before the upcoming festive season.
Furthermore, beyond economic hardship, the statement from the APNU draws attention to additional concerns about national security and governance. The government’s recent budget announcements, which included substantial increases for defence allocations, raise questions about whether the resources allocated translate into effective measures to confront evolving challenges. APNU cautions that evolving geopolitical threats necessitate robust strategies backed by sound fiscal management, proper planning, and readiness to respond to both conventional and hybrid risks.
To address these crises, the APNU is urging for immediate governmental action that includes publishing complete plans for cash transfers, aligning long-term budgetary frameworks with government commitments, and conducting independent national security assessments. They advocate for transparency in government dealings to rebuild public trust and ensure that taxpayer money isn’t misappropriated or wasted.
It is essential for the government to shift its approach from vague promises to tangible solutions that genuinely safeguard the welfare of our country’s citizens. The APNU stands ready to collaborate constructively in parliament and seeks to implement sensible, evidence-based policies aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Guyanese. With mounting pressure on households, it is clear that the time for action is now. The future of our citizens and the integrity of our nation’s governance depend on it.
As debates continue and citizens observe, the APNU calls upon the PPP/C government to deliver on its commitments and ensure that support reaches those in need without undue delay — demanding nothing less than the protection of the hardworking citizens who deserve better from their leaders.
