Dr Singh made the announcements on Tuesday at a press conference.

In a statement issued yesterday the AFC said it would have been unconscionable to expect struggling Guyanese to be able to survive where their essential items were being heavily taxed. At the same time, it noted that the imminent implementation of VAT continues to be a source of grave concern for the overwhelming majority of the people and it urged that the Minister and Government act responsibly by doing what is in the people's best interest. As a result, the party urged consideration of other useful changes, and courses of action being proffered such as the deferral of the commencement date for the new tax.