When the APNU+AFC Party contested the May 2015 elections, it committed to fulfilling 21 promises which included the liberalization of the telecommunications sector, within the first 100 days of being in office.
But in his recent writings, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo acknowledged that perhaps the promises were “overambitious” especially when it is considered that a budget was only passed until August of that year.
Even though all of his party’s 100-day promises were not fulfilled, Nagamootoo said it cannot be disputed that the intention of the Coalition was honourable, noting that it worked diligently and consistently to produce results.
In this regard, he reminded in the first 100 days, the Coalition reduced the tolls for Berbice River Bridge crossings. Tolls for passenger cars and buses were brought down by 13.6% from $2,200 to $1,900. Tolls for other categories of vehicles were cut by 10%.
Nagamootoo also recalled that pensions for senior citizens were increased by 30%, from $13,125 to $17,000 monthly while noting that there was the waiver of duties and excise taxes. In its first budget (2015), the Coalition waived duty on fuels, tools and small-scale mining equipment such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), jackhammer drills, matting, pumps, engines, etc. Tax exemptions were extended to fishing boats, fishing equipment, spare parts, and supplies for use in seafood processing.
With respect to the fight against corruption, Nagamootoo noted that his government sent a powerful signal by commissioning several forensic audits which exposed revenue leakages and corrupt practices in unbelievable proportions.
With the experience gained, Nagamootoo noted that the party’s recently launched manifesto for the March 2nd General and Regional elections offers very realistic promises which includes a form of cash transfers and free admission at the University of Guyana.
The Prime Minister said, “It is par for the course for political parties to make promises at elections time. But, as President Granger observed, promises have to be realistic, and ought to be matched as against prospects for delivery.”
He concluded, “They should not be made in order to bamboozle the electorate…”
