Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Friday rose to defend Budget 2026, framing it as the continuation of a transformative journey for Guyana, and issuing a sharp rebuke to the opposition for their “unpreparedness” in the budget debates.

PM Phillips said, “You can only keep us on our feet if you read. Leaders are readers. It will be a lot of readings, and you have to do it all if you’re going to be effective here.”

He dismissed claims of government failure as “half-truths and untruths,” specifically addressing allegations regarding the energy sector.

The prime minister confronted assertions about the Kato hydropower project in Region 8, clarifying that lights were not “off” but rather in the final stages of a commissioning process that included training female staff.

“The lights never went on at Kato. You know why? Because we constructed the hydropower dam  and we’re wiring the 32 buildings to take the current. We finished wiring 28,” he clarified.

He urged the opposition members to engage in deeper research rather than relying on social media snapshots. “If you’re going to come to this house and criticise the policies, at least do some research. It’s only a lot of reading if you do it all,” he remarked.

PM Phillips noted that even artificial intelligence recognises Guyana’s current trajectory.

“AI will give an overview of Guyana’s budget. It reflects a shift from pandemic recovery and economic stabilization to rapid oil-driven infrastructure transformation and social development.”

He maintained that Budget 2026 is the primary tool for maintaining the country’s upward momentum.

As Guyana approaches its 60th independence anniversary, the Prime Minister presented Budget 2026 as the ultimate tool for “steering the ship of development.”

He dismissed the appeals of what he termed the detractors, arguing that the reality of the country is now defined by rapid growth rather than the stagnation of the past.

“The people of Guyana sent a message. Loud and clear. We want the PPP/C in government for the next five years.”