President Dr. Irfaan Ali asserted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) inherited a range of “free-fall” sectors from the previous administration, particularly the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).
In a live broadcast on his official Facebook page, President Ali emphasized that his government, since assuming office in 2020, has strategically planned for the holistic development of the country.
The President highlighted the decline in major industries during the APNU+AFC’s tenure. Output levels for traditional sectors like sugar contracted by $21 billion, and the productive sector witnessed a decline.
Additionally, the country’s reserves experienced a decrease between 2015-2019, and the deficit of the Central Government escalated from $9.3 billion to $30 billion.
President Ali expressed the need for his government to unravel the consequences of the coalition government’s actions to implement its developmental plan for the country.
He criticized the coalition government for putting financial pressure on the private sector, leading to the folding of several companies.
As budget debates were set to begin, President Ali challenged the opposition, specifically the APNU+AFC, to defend their record during their time in government.
The President’s statements underscore the ongoing political discourse in Guyana, with the current administration outlining the challenges inherited and calling for accountability from the previous government.