In Guyana today, politics is a fight for the soul of the nation and those politicians who do not understand this must exit the political arena. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has mastered the arka of wielding power—not through fairness or service to the people, but through division, extrajudicial killings, propaganda, threats, discrimination and a relentless focus on maintaining control. Against such a brutal regime, taking the so-called “high road” is no longer an option for the opposition.
The PPP has shown time and again its willingness to misuse state resources, deploy propaganda, and marginalize communities to maintain its grip on power. For too many Guyanese, this means being left behind as oil wealth enriches a select few. Infrastructure projects often benefit the privileged, while inequality grows, leaving communities—particularly the 50% living in poverty—feeling excluded from the country’s progress.
Facing such a regime requires more than passive resistance. The opposition must first unite. Divisions, whether rooted in race, class, or party loyalty—only weaken the collective effort to challenge the PPP. Opposition leaders must set aside personal ambitions for the greater good and present a united front.
Once united, the opposition must organize. Grassroots efforts—town halls, door-to-door outreach, and community networks—can empower people who feel abandoned. When individuals or communities are targeted by the regime, the opposition must respond swiftly and publicly, showing their supporters they are defended and valued.
The PPP’s attacks must not be met with silence. As Democratic strategist James Carville advised, “Don’t just defend. Use the opportunity to go on the offensive and highlight your opponent’s weaknesses.” The PPP’s record is full of vulnerabilities; corruption, uneven oil wealth distribution, and failures in education, healthcare, the list is long. These must be exposed loudly and consistently, alongside a clear alternative vision for Guyana’s future—one where wealth is shared fairly, and opportunities are available to all.
Engaging the Guyanese diaspora is another critical step. Many overseas Guyanese have offered their voices and safety to speak out courageously about PPP injustice. Many are eager to support their homeland but lack a clear way to easily connect with local political entities. The opposition should leverage this untapped resource, drawing on their networks and influence to amplify their message locally and internationally.
Citizens take their cues from their leaders. Political leaders who are disorganized, silent, or unwilling to defend their supporters only deepen fear among the people. This fear leads to silent suffering, defections to the oppressive ruling regime, or disillusionment with politics, causing citizens to disengage entirely. Opposition leaders must inspire courage in their supporters and show that change is not only possible but worth fighting for. This is about more than politics—it’s about standing up for fairness, justice, and empowering citizens to take control of their future. The people of Guyana are waiting for bold, unified leadership. The time for hesitation has passed. The time for decisive action is now.