Saying it believes that Guyana needs to make the right turn on to the right track and in the shortest period from day one, the AFC’s Action Plan sets out 26 changes that the party promises to deliver within its first year in office.
Among the changes is a reduction in VAT, from 16% to 12%. It also proposes to reduce the non-commercial (manufacturing) corporate tax from 30% to 25% in the first year and to 20% at the end of the first term. It adds that it would reduce the income tax from 33.3% to 25% and increase the PAYE tax-free threshold to $50,000.
In a bid to reform governance, the party promises to initiate a national discussion for constitutional reform and propose amendments for the removal of the executive presidency in addition to implementing local government reforms and hold local government elections.
Listed as a “First Month” promise is re-engagement of the UK on its offer to reform the police force, which it notes that the PPP/C refused—in reference to the collapse of the UK-funded security reform project that triggered concerns about “sovereignty” on the part of the government. Also a “First Month” promise is allowing the US’s Drug Enforcement Agency to set up an operation in Guyana, which the party says has also been rejected by the ruling party.
To signal its commitment to transparency, the party says it will license private radio stations based on transparent rules and regulations and implement the Freedom of Information and Broadcast legislation. It also says it will commission a group of forensic auditors to reduce corruption and white collar crimes and facilitate civilian oversight.
Another change it proposes to undertake to boost transparency is the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to examine the finances, investments, and administration of the National Insurance Scheme, with a special emphasis on contributors’ records. It adds that it would de-politicise the Head of the Presidential Secretariat. A technocrat, it says, will take the position with the understanding of transforming the public service into a meritocratic and effective organisation.
The party says it will announce that UG will become a research university and a panel of experts would be appointed within the first 100 days to best accomplish this objective. It also plans an immediate upgrade of technical schools for vocational training in areas such as carpentry, computer repair, electronics repair, refrigeration, landscaping, hospitality management and other vital skills. It adds that it would create job placement programmes that will ensure those who are trained in technical areas are placed in jobs. Moreover, it says it would create small business financing for those trained in vocational areas, while adding that landscaping enterprises will be given immediate priorities for the purpose of national beautification.
The latter will see the launch of a national beautification campaign, which will include tree-planting and gardens and the development of parks in major towns and villages. Additionally, it says it would empower the Georgetown municipality to clean up the garbage, drains and overall image of the capital city so it can reclaim its old glory.
The party also promises to implement a Diaspora policy that encourages investment, harnesses their talents and expertise and makes re-migration easy. Further, it adds that it would move towards Diasporal representation in the National Assembly. It says too that it would task foreign missions to secure markets for Guyana’s products and attract foreign investments.
According to the party, it will take steps to establish a state development bank with a different mandate relative to private commercial banks. It proposes also to implement a National E10 (10% blend of ethanol with gasoline) mandate to create a captive market for domestic ethanol use. This policy, it says, will save the Demerara and West Berbice sugar estates.
The party also says it would institute copyright laws, subsidies and other assistance for the cultural and arts industries.
