AFC Unveils Private Sector, Region 5, and Immigration Policy Plans
By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News
Guyana — The Alliance For Change (AFC) yesterday continued its rollout of manifesto promises, revealing detailed policy proposals aimed at strengthening Guyana’s private sector, transforming Region 5’s agricultural potential, and modernizing immigration and citizenship frameworks.
The Private Sector Policy focuses heavily on ICT integration to boost manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The AFC says embedding technology throughout the economy will remove barriers, drive value-added production, and foster a modern, diversified, and inclusive economy.
Turning to Region 5, one of Guyana’s richest agricultural zones, the party proposed targeted initiatives to make the area the “national center of livestock transformation.” Plans include agribusiness incubators, access to land grants or soft loans, technical training, and guaranteed market access—particularly for young people, women, and vulnerable groups—while ensuring livestock and crop systems meet both local and international market needs.
On citizenship, immigration, and refugee policy, the AFC pledged a humane and efficient framework to address refugee and humanitarian needs, especially from crisis-hit neighbors such as Haiti, Venezuela, and Cuba. The plan includes:
- Categorizing skilled, investment-oriented entry and fast-tracking medium-term permits (3–5 years) with performance reviews.
- Restricting voting and citizenship eligibility for permit holders.
- Offering permanent residency after five years of continuous legal stay with proof of economic contribution.
- Restricting foreign nationals from owning agricultural or strategic lands, while allowing leases of up to 99 years.
The party emphasized that these proposals are designed to reduce poverty, create jobs, preserve rural livelihoods, and protect national interests while supporting growth in an evolving oil-rich economy.
