APNU Demands Transparency on Government’s Undelivered Cash-Transfer Promise

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has renewed its criticism of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP) administration over what it describes as a continued failure to deliver on a publicly announced Christmas cash-transfer, warning that the government’s silence has intensified public frustration and eroded trust.

In a statement titled “Transparency on Broken Cash-Transfer Promise,” APNU said it remains deeply concerned about what it views as the government’s disregard for a commitment made directly to Guyanese citizens during the 2025 election campaign. At “this eleventh hour,” the coalition noted, there are still no specifics or public timeline for the promised cash-transfer. APNU also criticised the manner in which the pledge was announced, describing it as “vulgar,” and recalling the statement made to voters: “If you behave yourself, you get it this year.” The coalition said the absence of clarity has raised serious doubts about whether the pledge was ever intended to be honoured, calling it “a shallow and disrespectful election gimmick.”

During the 2025 Election campaign, the PPP pledged to provide every Guyanese adult with a $200,000 Christmas cash grant, a promise aimed at easing household financial burdens during the holiday season. On August 26, President Irfaan Ali sought to reassure the nation, declaring, “We will have a beautiful Christmas,” signalling that the cash grant would be delivered. This assurance was reinforced on October 2 when Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo stated that “whatever the President said on the campaign trail will be done.”

However, despite these public commitments, no concrete implementation plan has been announced. Last month, President Ali told Stabroek News, “Our government has always delivered. I have said that there are a series of initiatives that I’ll be announcing. And whilst you may restrict your thoughts to just a cash bonus, this government has a very elaborate agenda for the upliftment of your life.” APNU argues that such statements, without timelines or details, have only deepened uncertainty among households that planned and budgeted based on the promised support.

APNU maintains that promises of direct financial relief made during elections must be honoured, stressing that families now deserve “an immediate, factual update.” The coalition said that if the PPP never intended to fulfil the promise, “it should not have made it in the first place.” At a minimum, APNU insists, the government should be “transparent and honest with the people, instead of holding them at ransom for a cash grant.” If the administration still intends to proceed, APNU said, “the belated concrete public timetable for payment must be immediately disclosed to the Guyanese people.”

The issue has also drawn attention from other opposition and civic voices. APNU had earlier called for a $150,000 cash grant while the We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) Leader Azruddin Mohamed has publicly urged the government to deliver on the full $200,000 promised during the campaign.

According to APNU, the government’s failure to honour its commitment has intensified pressures on families already struggling with rising commodity prices and has further undermined public confidence in the management of national resources at a time when Guyana’s fiscal position is “positively and rapidly changing.”

The coalition also pointed to its public protest on Monday, December 8, 2025, as evidence of its continued advocacy. APNU said the demonstration underscored its solidarity with the Guyanese people and its determination to keep what it described as the PPP’s “duplicity in sharp focus.” The protest, APNU said, amplified public discussion, highlighted widespread frustration, and reinforced the urgency of resolving the cash-transfer issue.

APNU concluded by reiterating that Guyana’s oil wealth should mark a turning point that lifts living standards for all citizens, rather than becoming “a source of deeper inequality.” The coalition said it remains committed to accountable management of national resources, fair wages for public servants, and immediate relief for youth and households affected by what it describes as broken promises, pledging to continue pressing the issue until the government complies.