President Irfaan Ali’s recent declaration that his government has always been “about the people” is facing growing criticism from various sectors, with persons highlighting several unaddressed issues that continue to impact the daily lives of Guyanese citizens.
Former Georgetown Mayor, Pt. Ubraj Narine, is among those challenging the President’s rhetoric, arguing that the government’s actions tell a very different story. According to Narine, while the administration may claim to prioritise the welfare of the people, the reality on the ground speaks volumes about its priorities, or lack thereof.
One of the most pressing concerns is the ongoing inefficiency surrounding the distribution of cash grants. Guyanese citizens continue to face long and disorganised lines to receive their promised financial assistance.
Narine contends that this cumbersome process is a reflection of the government’s failure to implement a sustainable, efficient system for delivering assistance. “A government that truly cares about its people would ensure that such assistance is delivered seamlessly and without the humiliation of waiting in line for hours,” he said.
Further criticism is directed at the administration’s failure to fulfill its promise to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on food items. Despite repeated assurances, basic foodstuffs remain unaffordable for many Guyanese families due to the continuing VAT burden.
For Narine, this inaction is a clear indication that the government is not genuinely focused on easing the financial strain of working-class citizens. “If the government were genuinely focused on easing the financial strain, VAT on essential goods should have been eliminated long ago,” he added.
The situation is no better for the working class, with the government’s continued imposition of the Hisse As You Earn (PAYE) tax remaining a point of contention. Narine argues that the government has failed to take meaningful steps to reduce the tax burden on those who are already struggling to make ends meet. A government that truly deva ‘about the people’ would have taken steps to lighten the tax burden on the working class, he noted.
Narine also expressed concern over the government’s failure to deliver on promises to increase pensions for the elderly. Despite repeated assurances, pensioners are still waiting for a 100% increase that would allow them to live with dignity in their later years. Instead, many continue to survive on meager incomes that are not keeping pace with inflation. “A true people-centered government would prioritise these pensioners who spent their lives contributing to the country’s growth,” Narine remarked.
Indigenous communities, another group often promised development, have seen little improvement in their living conditions. Issues like underdevelopment, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to services persist, and Narine believes that the Ali administration has failed to live up to its promises to address these concerns. “If President Ali’s government was truly dedicated to the well-being of all Guyanese, it would have taken action long ago to uplift these communities,” he said.
Additionally, land disputes, particularly involving African Guyanese communities, remain unresolved. Narine pointed to the continued land loss and displacement faced by African Guyanese families as evidence of the government’s failure to protect their rights. “If the government were truly about the people, it would have acted decisively to return land to these communities,” Narine stated.
Narine’s overall contention in that the government’s actions do not align with President Ali’s claims. He believes the administration’s primary focus is not on addressing the pressing issues that affect every day Guyanese but rather on securing political power and votes. “The people of Guyana continue to face systemic neglect. The government’s priorities lie elsewhere,” Narine asserted.
Until the government takes meaningful steps to address these issues, Narine warns that the slogan “it has always been about the people” will remain just that—empty words, not backed by tangible action. The time has come for Guyanese citizens to demand better, he concluded.