LINDEN, GUYANA – Outrage is mounting in the town of Linden, a majority African-Guyanese and historical People’s National Congress (PNC) stronghold, over the Local Government Ministry’s delayed release of the 2024 subvention funds. Residents and officials have accused Local Government Minister Sonia Parag of withholding the $18 million allocated to the Linden Municipality as an act of “political punishment,” further inflaming tensions in the already marginalized community.
An anonymous source close to the matter did not hold back, calling the delay “abusive, racist, and demeaning.” The source said:
“This is an insult to the people of Linden. Minister Sonia Parag has shown nothing but disdain for this predominantly African-Guyanese town. Her refusal to release the funds is nothing short of an abuse of power. It’s demeaning, and it reeks of racial and political discrimination.”
Despite Minister Parag’s assertions that subventions are released based on approved work plans, Linden’s municipality finds itself at an impasse. Mayor Sharma Solomon revealed that the Council’s initial proposal to purchase a generator system for its administrative building was rejected outright by the Ministry. A revised work plan, which proposed acquiring a mini-excavator and road-building materials to address critical infrastructural needs, was also denied.
“We’ve followed the procedures outlined by the Ministry, yet our work plans continue to be dismissed without justification,” said Mayor Solomon. “Meanwhile, other municipalities, like New Amsterdam and Anna Regina, have received their subventions in full. Why is Linden being singled out?”
While Minister Parag has claimed that the delay stems from Linden’s failure to meet bureaucratic requirements, many in Linden believe the real issue is political bias. As a PNC stronghold, Linden has long been at odds with the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Critics argue that the delay is part of a broader pattern of neglect and hostility toward regions that have not aligned politically with the government.
“This is nothing new,” said the anonymous source. “The people of Linden have been treated like second-class citizens for years. We are tired of being punished for exercising our democratic rights. This isn’t about work plans; it’s about silencing and stifling opposition voices.”
The disparity in the distribution of funds has not gone unnoticed. New Amsterdam, Anna Regina, and Rose Hall—all regions without Linden’s political and demographic profile—have each received their full $18 million subventions. Even Georgetown, which has faced its share of conflicts with the Ministry, has received 50% of its $30 million allocation. Linden, however, has been left empty-handed.
“How can the Minister justify such glaring inconsistencies?” asked a frustrated resident. “Other regions seem to have no trouble getting their funds. But when it comes to Linden, there’s always an excuse.”
In a press conference, Minister Parag attempted to deflect criticism, stating that some councils “need to do more for their citizens” and pointing to complaints about inefficiencies in garbage collection and drainage issues. However, these remarks have only fueled accusations that the Minister is scapegoating councils to justify withholding critical funds.
“Her comments about councils needing to ‘do more’ are laughable,” said the source. “How can we do more when the funds we need to operate are being withheld? This is nothing but deliberate sabotage.”
The people of Linden have vowed not to remain silent. Community leaders are calling for immediate action to hold the government accountable and ensure the timely release of the town’s subvention. Mayor Solomon has promised to resubmit the Council’s revised work plan but warned that patience in the community is wearing thin.
“Linden has endured enough injustice,” he said. “We will not stand idly by while our town is neglected and disrespected. We demand the release of our subvention, and we demand it now.”
Observers warn that the Ministry’s actions set a dangerous precedent. The deliberate delay in releasing funds to Linden undermines the principles of local governance and fuels racial and political divisions in an already fractured society.
“If this can happen to Linden, it can happen anywhere,” said the anonymous source. “It’s time for Guyana to reckon with the systemic racism and political discrimination that continue to plague this country. Linden will not be silenced.”