Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Sunday told a massive crowd in Bath, Region Five, that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has delivered not only economic development but also freedom over the past five years and warned voters not to be swayed by “jokers” making empty promises.“We not only wearing the red, we voting red,” Phillips declared to loud cheers, as the crowd sang along to the rally jingle ‘Five More Years Pun Dem’.Recalling an encounter during Emancipation celebrations, he shared how a Berbice resident told him he “done get he freedom” because from August 1, 2020, the Berbice River Bridge became toll-free, saving him $40,000 every month.“That is not just development, comrades—that is freedom,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the previous APNU+AFC administration had imposed hardships through taxes and fees, which the PPP/C removed in keeping with its 2020 manifesto promises.Supporters and Baerbicians gathered at the PPP/C’s Bath rally (Photo: August 10, 2025)“Don’t let anybody drive fear into you…when you go to vote, take off all the shackles, be free and choose a better future for yourself and your children,” he added.Phillips accused the political opposition of hypocrisy, noting that they now promise to make the first $10,000 of electricity and $5,000 of water usage free, despite being the ones who put VAT on water and electricity in the first place.“These people are a bunch of jokers,” he said. “They make promises, get your vote and then screw you without grease. Don’t let them do it again… You already voted them out in 2020… keep them out.”He said only President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C can continue the past five years of economic growth, shared prosperity, and inclusive policies. The Prime Minister stressed that his party governs for every Guyanese, regardless of race or political affiliation, and that voters should reject divisive politics.Among the PPP/C’s achievements he listed:Surpassing the target of 50,000 house lots distributed.Increasing the income tax threshold from $65,000 in 2022 to $130,000 in 2025.Creating over 60,000 jobs despite inheriting an economy in decline and managing the COVID-19 crisis.Raising the old-age pension to $41,000 per month, a 14% increase from last year.Building or upgrading hospitals in every region and modernising health centres, including in hinterland areas.Paying for up to 8 CXC subjects and 5 CAPE subjects for students, plus $100,000 cash grants for newborns.Constructing 1,000 new community roads nationwide, with major farm-to-market roads in Region Five.Providing fertiliser grants to rice farmers and direct support to cash crop farmers.Phillips said the PPP/C has moved Guyana from where it was in 2020 to a far better position in 2025, but needs another term to take the country even further.“Comrades, don’t spoil it. We’ve come too far,” he urged. “The APNU and AFC are behind us—let them stay behind us,” the Prime Minister concluded.The post PM Phillips: ‘Don’t let the jokers distract you – PPP/C delivered not just development, but freedom’ appeared first on News Room Guyana.