Promise

Achievement

Reduction of the Berbice Bridge Toll

With effect from September 1, 2015, the toll for passenger cars and buses will be reduced from $2,200 to $1,900, a 13.6% decline. The toll for all other types of vehicles will be reduced by 10 %

Salary increases for Government workers (including nurses, teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary education), security personnel and civil servants on the payroll

With effect from July 1, the following new salary structure will be implemented  

Additionally, workers will no longer be paying income tax on their national insurance contributions, which will result in a net increase in the disposable income of workers

Phased reduction of VAT and removal of VAT from all essential items

List of zero-rated items significantly expanded

Increase in Old Age Pensions

A 30% increase in old age pension from $13,125 to $17,000 monthly. Approximately 42,397 pensioners will benefit. In addition, all registered pensioners will benefit from water and electricity subsidies.

Reduction of the President’s pension and other benefits

The Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) (Amendment) Bill 2015 was debated and passed in Parliament. The Bill, now an Act, caps the benefits that former leaders can enjoy at the expense of the State.

Establishment of passport and birth certificate offices in Berbice, Essequibo and Linden

There are now existing passport distribution centres in Regions 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 (Region 6 being the most recent). The Ministry of Citizenship is working to have another such centre set up in Region 1. Moreover, the Ministry is looking to identify secure buildings in each region so that the full service of passport and birth certificate application and processing can be decentralised

Return of Television station to Lindeners

Prime Minister Nagamootoo is working with the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) on a specific channel placement.

Waiving duties on fuel, tools, and small-scale mining equipment, bought by identifiable holders of concessions

Eligible gold miners will be exempted from the payment of customs duties on fuel, matting, ATVs, jack hammer drills, flex hoses, expanding metals, pumps, pump housing, impellers, shaft and engines, as announced in the National Budget.

Set a date for the holding of Local Government Elections

The Government is working to have these long-awaited elections, held before the end of the year.

Establishment of the Public Procurement Commission

Government will be naming its members, but the Commission cannot be properly constituted without the provision of nominees from the Opposition.

Establishment of a National Cane Workers and Cane Farmers Conference

This forum was held on August 14 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre where the Government made it clear that it will not allow the sugar industry to fail.

Establishment of a National Rice Farmers and Rice Millers Conference

This Conference was held on July 27 under the theme ‘Sustainable Development Amidst Challenges’. It brought together all relevant stakeholders with a view of mapping the way forward on making the industry viable.

Establishment of an Investigative Commission on Corruption

The State Asset Recovery has already been established and Government is actively considering drafts for an Anti-Corruption law

Establishment of a Task Force on Crime and Security and on Road Safety

A high-level body comprising heads of law enforcement agencies has been established by President David Granger, which meets on a weekly basis. Meanwhile, the Public Security Minister is working towards the development of the task force.

Holding of a National Conference on Women and bi-partisan women working group as part of the Healing of the Nation and National Unity thrust of the APNU+AFC. The Gender policy will be collectively drafted by women across Guyana as an output from the conference

The National Conference on Gender Policy is being held on Thursday, August 27 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

Establishment of a Code of Conduct for Parliamentarians, Ministers, and other holding high positions in Government public office to abide by , including mechanisms for demitting Office if in violation of a Code of Conduct

This document has already been drafted by Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman and is slated for Parliament shortly. It will address issues of transparency and corruption, misconduct in public office and bribe taking.

Convening of a National Youth Council with the mandate, terms of reference, and programme of action produced for endorsement at a National Youth Conference

This forum was held on July 3-4. A draft of the National Youth Policy has been completed. It caters to the needs of the youths in the age-group of 15-35 years, which constitutes over 50% of the population.

Holding of an Indigenous Rights and Resources Conference and the National Toshaos Council re-assessed and de-politicised

This conference commenced on August 17 and will conclude tomorrow. At this forum Amerindian leaders were told of the Administration’s plans and programmes that are in the pipelines for the development of their villages.

Liberalisation of the Telecommunications and ICT sectors

A consultancy agency has been hired to complete the drafting of the Telecommunications Bill. A draft of this legislation is expected to be completed by September

Adoption of a long-term sustainable economic development plan to realise the vast potential of Guyana

A task force on economic planning has been established. It is being headed by Professor Clive Thomas

Implementation of an amended Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act

The Bill was debated and passed in the National Assembly on June 26. The amendments are in keeping with the requirements of the Caribbean Action Task Force (CFATF) and its parent body the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)