A few years ago, citizens were very excited about the news of oil finds. Each time there was an announcement of the discovery of new oil reservoirs there was optimism and great excitement. Citizens hoped for a future of massive economic prosperity and sustainable national development. However, as Guyanese watch how the incumbent regime mismanages and squanders the nation’s oil wealth, their optimism has changed to pessimism and disbelief. Their collective hope for a bright future was eclipsed by dark but distinguishable shadows of corruption, nepotism and structural discrimination.
And yes, I deliberately used the term structural discrimination because it does appear that, there are certain rules, and patterns of attitudes and behaviour by the government and certain institutions in our society that present obstacles to particular groups based on their ethnicity and political membership and/ or political association in achieving the same rights and opportunities that are available to those who are either members of, or share and support the views and policies of the PPP/C government.
Our society is rife with examples of the sorry state of affairs of this country. There are so many allegations of corruption: Fertilizer Plant Project, Airport Expansion Project, Health Sector Contracts, and Public Infrastructure Projects. In this column, I will comment on infrastructure projects. Numerous infrastructure projects, including road construction and public building contracts, have faced scrutiny over alleged mismanagement, cost overruns, and potential favouritism in awarding contracts.
Some months ago, we heard about the award of contracts to individuals and companies that did not meet basic requirements. But why should anyone be surprised at these incidents of corruption? There are no representatives of the political opposition, or the Engineers’ Association on the National Procurement and Tender administration Board (NPTAB). What should we expect? Plainly, exactly what we have been getting from that committee- favouritism and the politicization of procurement decisions. Clearly, there is inadequate checks and balances in the system.
The absence of representatives from the opposition and other critical stakeholders allows for a lack of scrutiny and accountability in the tendering process. Many decisions are being made without sufficient oversight, potentially increasing the risk of corruption or favoritism. This affects transparency in how tenders are awarded. This leads to an erosion of public trust in the procurement system, and a loss of sense of ownership.
But there is a deeper, more worrying concern. The health and safety of our citizens are put at risk. Guyanese are aware that highways, roads and connecting facilities are being poorly constructed. All across this country, roadways are being constructed worryingly shabbily. Several roads have caved, and materials swept away, during heavy rains, last month.
In Georgetown, newly constructed highways, and roads are already showing heavy signs of fatigue and stress. Roundabouts are not carefully thought out, which leads to mismanagement of vehicular traffic, increase use of fuel, environmental issues, and the high risk of accidents Many community roads are being built by individuals, some of whom have no experience or qualification, whatsoever, in that field of work.
In the face of that, the cost- of- living crisis intensifies and Guyanese have to struggle to make ends meet, to put food on the table for their children. In his address to the nation, at the dawn of this year, President Ali promised that cost- of -living interventions to cushion spikes in prices in the local economy. He spoke about putting more money into the pockets of people. According to him, the government’s “policy making matrix [whatever that means] will address the idea of putting more money in the pockets of people. More than six months after, that public statement, it remains simply that: a public statement. Absolutely no signs of any government intervention. Perhaps, this is the reason why the President could not answer the quest of the young journalist; instead, he attempted to embarrass the young man.
Whilst all of that is happening the government is busy withdrawing from the oil NRF. Recently, the government has made its second transfer for 2024, totaling US$300 million (G$62.394 billion) from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund. As of now, the accumulated withdrawals in 2024 is US$550 million (G$329.9 billion).
Massive amounts but ordinary, working- class Guyanese continue to be held hostage by the cruel hands of poverty, in a country that receive billions in oil revenues. Many of our citizens, our brothers and sisters, live in local communities that are exposed to multiple public health and environmental hazards. Inefficient garbage collection and disposal systems, improper treatment and disposal of waste water, flooding whenever there is heavy rainfall, and generally poor environmental condition.
It is clear to me, that, the PPP/C government needs to demonstrate a serious commitment to fairness and transparency in the allocation of resources.
As the cost- of- living crisis intensifies, it is imperative for the PPP/C government to reaffirm its commitment to fairness and transparency in the allocation of resources. But the allocation of government contracts- a pivotal avenue for economic development- has come under scrutiny amidst allegations of favouritism towards friends and family members of the incumbent. Such practices not only undermine public trust but also hinder genuine economic growth by sidelining qualified businesses and stifling healthy competition.
The repercussions are far- reaching, from inflated project coasts burdening taxpayers to missed opportunities for broader economic participation. Again, the rising cost of living exacerbates these concerns, placing immense pressure on ordinary Guyanese families.
Inflationary pressures driven by mismanagement of resources and unchecked corruption further strain household budgets, eroding the gains promised by oil revenues.
I call on this authoritarian incumbent regime to let transparency and accountability be at the forefront of its actions. Also, they should seriously provide rigorous oversight mechanisms, independent audits, and strengthened anti- corruption measures. It is the near sacred duty of the PPP/C government to foster an environment where every citizen benefits equitably from the nation’s prosperity, rather than a privileged few.
Finally, in the face of these challenges, civil society and other stakeholders must plays a critical role as watchdogs, demanding accountability and advocating for inclusive policies that prioritise the welfare of all Guyanese. Together we must hold the government accountable and promote ethical governance. Together, we can steer Guyana towards a future where prosperity is shared, opportunities are accessible to all, and the promise of oil wealth translates into real and tangible benefits for every citizen.