Addressing a massive crowd at an A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) rally last evening, businessman and candidate Dr. Terrence Campbell called on Guyanese to make a defining choice in the September 1 General and Regional—between poverty and prosperity, injustice and fairness.
“Come September 1, Guyanese must decide how this country is governed,” Campbell declared. ‘You must choose between poverty or fair distribution of our wealth, between corruption in land deals, contracts, GPL, the Police Force, and firearm licenses—or justice.’
Outlining APNU’s plan for economic transformation, Campbell promised the creation of 40,000 new jobs, increased public sector salaries, a tax threshold of $400,000, and a package of fiscal measures to tackle the high cost of living.
Drawing a sharp contrast between the APNU+AFC administration (2015–2020) and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Campbell said the coalition had inherited a faltering economy from the PPP. “In 2013, economic growth under the PPP was 5.2%. By 2014, it dropped to 3.8%, and in 2015, to 3%.” He noted that the APNU+AFC government stabilised the economy and pushed growth to 4.7% by 2019. “Even in 2020, when we ran the country for just eight months, growth hit 43.5%,” he said.
Campbell reminded supporters at the rally in New Amsterdam, Berbice, that during its five-year term, the APNU+AFC created 15,000 jobs, increased public sector wages by 77%, and improved electricity supply across the country.
Turning to the Irfaan Ali administration, Campbell criticised the government’s management of Guyana’s oil wealth. He took aim at the US$1.1 billion Gas-to-Shore Project, saying it was launched without a proper feasibility study.
Since oil production began in December 2019, Guyana has earned over US$5 billion.
As a member of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Investment Committee, Campbell accused the Ali administration of reckless spending. “They send a letter saying they want $300 million, without explanation. They’ve spent 95% of our oil revenue every year. A few years ago, it was 75%, but now they’re drunk on the money,” he charged.
He also slammed the PPP’s infrastructure claims. “They boast of billions spent on development, but the people are left with substandard roads, broken bridges, and hospitals that are understaffed and ill-equipped.”
Promising fiscal responsibility, Campbell vowed that an APNU-led government would save at least 25% of oil revenues annually and place the funds in the Consolidated Fund with full public accountability. Citing Ghana as a model, he said, “In Ghana, if they build a dog kennel, it’s accounted for. We will do the same. This is your money—we will account to the people.”
