In the face of troubling economic circumstances and a glaring cost of living crisis, the Guyanese government seems to have taken inspiration for Marie Antoinette’s infamous callousness, echoing, “Let them eat cake”. Whilst roads, bridges, and schools are undoubtedly essential for development, they ring hollow when the common man struggles to afford the most basic necessity: food.
For too many Guyanese families, putting three meals a day on the table has become a harrowing challenge; not a given. Prices for basic items in our markets have become unfordable for most citizens. Single parents, already burdened with immense responsibility of providing for their children single- handedly, are hit hardest by this governmental neglect. With each passing day, they grapple with the distressing choice between paying for groceries or other crucial expenses like, rent and light-bill and healthcare and education. This has a knock on effect through every area of their lives, casting a dark shadow of uncertainty over their future and that of their children.
Speaking specifically of children, they are the innocent casualties of this governmental failure. Denied the nutrition they need to thrive, they face a bleak reality where hunger stifles their potential and robs them of the opportunities they need to advance their personal development.
In a nation rich with oil revenue, it’s unconscionable that any child should go to bed hungry, yet here we are witnessing the betrayal of our most vulnerable citizens. The question that begs to be asked is: where is all the oil money going?
It is sad that despite the promise of prosperity that accompanied the discovery of vast oil reserves, the benefits have yet to trickle down to those who need them most. Instead, they seem to vanish into the ether, leaving behind a trail of empty promises and shattered dreams.
It is not enough for the incumbent regime to boast about infrastructure projects while ignoring the suffering of its people. It is clear that development cannot be measured solely in concrete and steel: it must encompass the well-being of every citizen, especially the marginalised and disenfranchised. A sustained welfare programme is not a luxury; it is a moral imperative, a lifeline for those veering on the edge of despair. Yet, there is no such programme in this country where more than 50% of the population live in poverty; handouts are woefully inadequate.
As we witness the stark contrast between lavish government projects and the daily struggles of Guyanese families, it is very clear, to me, where our priorities should lie. It is time for government to heed the cries of the people, to acknowledge their suffering, and to take meaningful actions to alleviate it. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon them and a damming indictment of their leadership. Let them eat cake, indeed. But let it be a cake shared by all, not hoarded by the few at the expense of the many.