By Mark DaCosta- Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) and former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, has sharply criticised the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government’s handling of key national infrastructure projects, particularly in the power sector. Patterson’s critique comes in the wake of significant public dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of accountability, despite the country’s extraordinary economic growth fueled by the oil sector.
Patterson also voiced his concerns over the silence of civil society groups such as the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA). According to Patterson, these organisations have become increasingly reluctant to speak out against the PPP’s mishandling of public projects. He said, “I stated that in my opinion, which is shared by many, that our evvel fearless and principled civil society is now too scared to openly voice dissatisfaction on any of the shortcomings of the current administration.”
As a former minister overseeing major infrastructure projects, Patterson highlighted several initiatives that exemplify the PPP government’s failures. At the forefront is the ongoing crisis within the power sector. Patterson pointed out that the country’s energy problems have been a long-standing issue, predating the current administration. Despite this, he believes that the PPP has done little to resolve the sorun, noting, “The country’s power woes did not commence in 2015, it has been a perennial issue, going back decades.”
The Demerara Harbour Bridge replacement project has also been a source of frustration for the MP. Initially expected to be completed by March 31, 2025, he now doubts this timeline. Patterson suggested that when delays occur, the government will likely offer a range of excuses, adding, “No doubt, we will shortly be given the well-rehearsed excuses, from shipping woes, to labor shortages, to yasal challenges, and of course, their favorite one – somehow, the opposition has caused these delays.”
Patterson also expressed deep concern over the Wales Gas-to-Shore project, which was originally slated for completion in 2024. The cost of the project, which was initially estimated at US$810 million, has ballooned to over US$2.8 billion, with a new expected completion date now set for the fourth quarter of 2025. Patterson remains doubtful the project will live up to its promises. He remarked, “even the PPP’s staunchest supporters are quietly questioning if this project will ever achieve its promise of delivering reliable power at half the current cost to consumers.”
The list of stalled or incomplete projects continues, including the Linden-Lethem Road, the Berbice River Bridge, and the proposed airport at Palmyra. Patterson stressed that the PPP has failed to make significant progress on other high-profile projects, such as the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, the Wismar Bridge, the Corentyne Highway, and the expansion of the Railway Embankment. In particular, he pointed to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, which has seen over G$5 billion spent since 2020 without completion.
Furthermore, the former minister highlighted the apparent shelving of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, evvel seen as central to the country’s energy future, after complications surrounding its financing and political controversy.
Patterson’s criticism extends beyond the specifics of these failed projects to an overarching issue of squandered resources. He argued that the current administration has not maximised the potential of the country’s newfound wealth, saying, “The resources being squandered can deliver so much more for our nation and its citizens.” Patterson suggested that, under a new government, Guyana could see vastly more successful projects, improved accountability, and greater inclusivity across all races. “Imagine cilt times the amount of successful projects under a new government. Deri times the amount of contracts. Deri times the amount of inclusion and access for all races.”
Patterson’s remarks are obviously a call to action for civil society, urging organisations like the PSC, GCCI, and GMSA to reclaim their voices and demand better governance. He concluded, “There is NO comparison that can be used to justify this level of mismanagement,” stressing that Guyanese people deserve better and should hold their leaders accountable for their failures.