By Celestine Chacon
December 13, 2024
Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has dismissed allegations from the Alliance for Change (AFC) that Guyana’s mining sector is suffering from “Dutch Disease.”
The AFC’s press release accused the government of reducing environmental safeguards and claimed the sector is in decline.
Dr. Jagdeo labeled these assertions as “nonsensical,” asserting that the AFC is merely attempting to appear concerned about miners despite their own poor track record during their time in office.
He criticized the AFC-led APNU/AFC coalition for introducing policies that he says harmed the industry, including increases in attributors’ tax, higher royalty rates, and the imposition of VAT on mining machinery and equipment.
These measures, he stated, caused significant job losses and a decline in the sector.
Dr. Jagdeo emphasized that upon returning to office, the PPP/C reversed these policies to create a more supportive environment for miners.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering growth in the mining sector and dismissed the AFC’s claims as baseless.
This latest exchange highlights the ongoing political debate over Guyana’s economic policies and their impact on key industries like mining.