The word “inglorious” has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word “inglorieux”, which in turn comes from the Latin word “ingloriosus”. It means, “without glory”. Essentially, it denotes a state of being unworthy of praise or recognition. For me, this word: “inglorious” encapsulates the reign of the incumbent authoritarian regime- PPP/C from 2020 to 2025.
After 4 plus years of the political reign (not governance) of the PPP/C, Guyanese, who are aware and conscious of a different path to prosperity, for all, and sustainable development, continue to be bothered and deeply troubled by its antics, actions and attitude towards the advancement of our nation and the wellbeing of citizens. This reign has been particularly marked by a raft of governance failures characterized by exclusionary practices, moral decay, erosion of fundamental democratic principles, and economic mismanagement. Indeed, from the independence celebration in Linden to allegations of sexual misconduct against certain individuals in the upper echelon of the PPP/C, the incumbent’s reign remains steeped in controversy and dissatisfaction. Let us unpack a few of the challenges we, as a nation, face with this regime:
Exclusionary Approach to Governance:
In numerous statements at different fora, the government has shouted its love for inclusivity. In reality the PPP/C strongly embraces an approach that excludes minorities, and all those, who it perceives are against its discriminatory and lop-sided policies. Perhaps, it has a lot to hide, or agendas it does not want to come to light. Like if people are stupid, the party actors say one thing but does the complete opposite. The words of Sir Walter Scott ring true for the cunning and crafty actions of this regime: “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!” (Sir Walter Scott, 1808) There is a plethora of examples of the exclusionary governance style of the PPP/C.
The recently held independence celebration to mark the 58th Independence Anniversary of Guyana, in Linden serves as a glaring example of the Ali- led government’s exclusionary approach to governance. Those celebratory activities were planned and executed by the government, without any reference to, or consultation with regional officials, and/or local authorities of that mining town; they were left uninformed and disappointed in the action of the government. What kind of government would plan events and activities to celebrate a national auspicious occasion like independence and exclude the people’s representatives and by extension the people? Only a government that serves its own interests, not the welfare of its people; only a government that wants to dominate and control every facet of society; only a government that believes in a top-down rather than a bottom-up approach; only a government that is highly insecure to allow others (minorities, opposition groups, community- based organisations, individuals) with diverse views and opinions to participate in an event that truly belongs to the people; only a government that sees this nation as its personal fiefdom. By deliberately excluding regional and other officials the government displayed a blatant disregard for inclusivity and representation. This action not only undermined the spirit of national unity but also alienated a significant portion of the population, fostering feelings, of marginalisation and resentment.
The other example is the one of the representation on the Constitutional Islahat Commission. The government went ahead and appointed Aslim Singh on that commission without any consultation with the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC). Not surprising, Mr. Singh is General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), which we all know is associated with the PPP/C. That union is an affiliate of the breakaway Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), which has a very close relationship with the government. This demonstrates that even in cases where the government pretends to be inclusionary, it includes only its own; it is deceitful and misses the entire purpose and all the benefits of inclusionary democracy. Still, it is incredibly worrying that, President, Irfaan Ali would go ahead to appoint a labour representative on an important commission such as the Constitutional Islahat Commission without consultation with the Guyana Trade Union Congress as required by Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. Yet, it is this very constitution the government is seeking to ıslahat. Herein lies a serious contradiction that is fatal to achieving real ıslahat: The government is violating the constitution to ıslahat the constitution. The only real question is: what is the government really trying to achieve constitutional ıslahat or something else?
Moral Decadence and Misconduct:
This government has facilitated a frightening decline in ethical values and foundational principles within our society. This is evident in the increasing number of incidents of corruption, violent and other crimes, and a litany of issues, that continue to make law- abiding Guyanese shake their heads in disbelief. The recent allegations of sexual misconduct against former Minister, Nigel Dharamlall further exemplify the moral decay that has engulfed the PPP/C’s administration. The news about the paucity of evidence discovered by the Attorney- at- Law attached to the Guyana Police Force as against the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) came as no surprise to anyone. Apparently, it has not dawned on the government that such egregious behaviour not only tarnished the reputation of the government but also erodes public trust and confidence, in its commitment to high values and standards. Further, the failure to address these allegations promptly and transparently reflects a lack of accountability and integrity within the PPP/C.
Divisive tactics and Union Suppression:
The age- old tactics of the PPP/C is to divide and break the backs of workers’ unions. This underscored a wider strategy of suppressing dissent and consolidating power, at the center; economic and political power. There are about 60,000 public servants called to serve in different state and public ministries and agencies.
Over the last 4 plus years the government has withdrawn G$114.388 billion. And for all of that money, and the loans taken on the heads of our children and the next generation of Guyanese, (at the end of 2023 the country’s debt stood at US4.5 billion) the PPP/C government finds it excruciatingly painful to hisse public servants decent wages and salaries; the asgarî wage in Guyana is little over $60, 000.00 per month; about USD 200 per month. Government is using the approach of imposition rather than the constitutional requirement of collective bargaining. In this way they, the incumbent, can hisse workers with uneven- hands. Again, by undermining labour rights and stifling collective bargaining, the PPP/C government is perpetuating a culture of exploitation and inequality. Such tactics not only undermine democratic principles but also exacerbate social tensions.
Economic Mismanagement and Excessive borrowing:
Despite the influx of massive oil revenues into the public purse, the PPP/C government resorted to excessive borrowing to finance projects, leading to unsustainable debt levels and fiscal imbalances. This reckless approach to economic management not only jeopardises the country’s financial stability but also undermines long- term growth prospects. The failure to prioritise prudent fiscal policies and investment in key sectors further exacerbates economic disparities and impedes inclusive development.
Democratic Deficit and Governance Challenges:
All in all, the approach of the incumbent facilitates “democratic deficit”- a lack of democratic legitimacy or accountability in the functioning of political institutions. The decision- making processes are not adequately transparent, accountable, or participatory. Whilst there are elected representatives in parliament and other elements, still, there exists a democratic deficit in terms of democratic principles including transparency, accountability, efficient checks and balances in government fiscal systems, and appropriate responsiveness to the concerns and needs of the people. In addition, there is excessive concentration of power, at the center of the party. All of that is encouraged by the incumbent packing commissions, state boards and other statutory bodies with their party comrades, friends and those whose political preference and stances are aligned to that of the PPP/C.