Kaieteur News Reports : Presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed addressed a gathering on Friday during an outreach hosted by his party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), claiming that more than 50 percent of the Guyanese population lives in poverty. While he did not provide specific statistics, he emphasized the struggles faced by families, particularly parents unable to afford basic necessities for their children.
Mohamed contrasted Guyana’s status as one of the fastest-growing economies, largely due to oil revenues, with the harsh reality many citizens face. “Barrels of oil, fastest GDP… but more than 50 percent of this population is living in poverty,” he stated, questioning how many individuals can access substantial savings: “How much of us have $200,000 in our bank account or even $200,000 in cash?”
Addressing the rising cost of living, Mohamed highlighted specific examples of inflated prices, such as $600 for a pound of chicken and $1,200 for a piece of pumpkin. He accused the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of failing to address these issues effectively.
Responding to criticisms regarding his lack of political experience, Mohamed asserted that his business background equips him with the necessary skills to lead. “They fail to realize that the same Mohamed that they are criticizing ran one of the biggest businesses in this country,” he said, emphasizing his contributions to the economy through tax payments.
Mohamed discussed the scarcity of U.S. dollars in the market, citing difficulties in accessing foreign currency for transactions. He pointed out that the exchange rate is currently at $230 for one U.S. dollar, complicating matters for businesses and individuals alike.
In contrast, PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo acknowledged the issue but attributed it to hoarding by businesses and foreign entities, suggesting government measures could mitigate the shortage.
Mohamed criticized the government’s spending of $4.5 trillion since taking office in 2020, alleging that corruption has prevented these funds from benefiting citizens. He claimed that 57 percent of the budget is lost to corruption and vowed to address this issue if elected.
His proposals included:
Larger cash grants for vulnerable populations, promising more than $55,000.
Immediate salary increases for public servants and part-time workers.
A commitment to providing free housing for those in need.
Mohamed described the current government’s approach as “disrespectful,” particularly regarding the $100,000 cash grant distributed after five years of oil production. He assured residents that under his administration, they would receive more substantial support and timely payments.
As Azruddin Mohamed continues his campaign, he positions himself as a candidate focused on addressing poverty, economic disparity, and corruption, aiming to resonate with citizens disillusioned by the current administration’s performance.
Adriana Younge’s Death :International Investigative Team Reviews Circumstances
