It is not unprecedented for there to be conflict between a governing party and the actual government as it relates to the direction in which the country should be taken. But according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, his party is operating fully in tandem with the government.
He said this at his most recent press conference in response to a question posed by Guyana Standard. Jagdeo was asked if there is any element that his party wanted to have in Budget 2024 that was avoided by government.
He said that the competence of the PPP allows it now to overextend itself in promises to the people, and as such, has not put unnecessary pressure on the government.
He affirmed, “We worked on the manifesto, we knew the state of the affairs of the Treasury.”
“I don’t think at (PNCR Headquarters) Congress Place they can forecast revenue. They can talk off the top of their heads like Elson low saying you can fund salary increases from the NRF (Natural Resource Fund). We did a lot of that (forecasting). So when we presented our manifesto we knew we would accomplish (the measures therein),” said Jagdeo.
The General Secretary who also sits in government as Vice President said the PPP is moving beyond its promises. “There are lots of things we did not promise in our manifesto that we are doing now and you will see in the new budget, things that will enhance welfare. We are not limiting ourselves to what was promised.”
Jagdeo was sure to state categorically, “There is no conflict between party and government.” He said the party has the capacity to do its own research and therefore is fully prepared whenever it has to go to government for discussions.
