Dear Editor,
Five years ago, in August 2020, His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali presented a powerful vision for a “unified, prosperous, and secure Guyana”. This vision, centered on the transparent and equitable management of our new oil wealth and a recommitment to democratic principles. As we reflect on this anniversary, it is a necessary exercise to assess the tangible progress made against the ambitious promises laid out at the start of his term.
The gap between the vision articulated then and the reality experienced by many citizens today is a matter of deepening public concern.
1. The Unfulfilled Pledge of National Unity
The President’s pledge to be a “President for all,” transcending ethnicity and political affiliation, was a cornerstone of his inaugural address. However, the empirical evidence suggests this goal remains elusive. An analysis of electoral performance and expenditure indicates that despite significant national investment, the administration’s efforts to build a broad, unifying consensus have had limited success. President Ali could have only convince 9,162 more persons to vote for him, after spending $4,322 billion since that speech in August 2020 (five years ago). Reflect on this carefully, that is an expenditure of almost $500 million per additional vote gained. The fundamental issue appears to be a disconnect between these PPP sponsored public relations campaigns and substantive, on-the-ground development that genuinely improves lives.
For instance, while the distribution of house lots is a visible activity, a successful housing strategy requires more than land allocation. The transition from “house lot to home” is hampered without parallel support for foundational construction, leaving many allocated areas underdeveloped. True unity is forged through shared, tangible progress that is felt consistently across all communities. Our people will fuse better if more of them have their own homes.
2. The Shortfall in Economic Transformation
The 2020 speech outlined an ambitious economic plan to leverage oil wealth for national development. Yet, with nearly half the population still living in poverty, the central question remains: where is the pathway that makes the “small man the real man”? The need for targeted, village-level programmes for skills training and productivity enhancement is more critical than ever. Large-scale infrastructure projects, while important, must be complemented by direct, measurable interventions to lift citizens directly out of poverty.
Furthermore, key promises made by President Ali in August 2020 (more than five years ago) for transparent economic governance remain unfulfilled. The establishment of a Petroleum Commission to insulate the sector from political interference and ensure fiscal accountability has not materialized. This delay undermines public trust. Similarly, the pledge to cut energy costs by 50% by 2025 and to advance transformative projects like the deep-water harbour remain, to date, unfulfilled, casting doubt on the strategic execution of the economic vision.
President Ali in that August 2020 speech promised to build a “modern economy” that balances traditional sectors with new industries like technology. It was all hot air and empty promises since the technological sector continues to be a distant dream for Guyana without the electricity from the Gas-to-Shore Project. At this time, President Ali cannot be trusted because his actions reflects those of a person not loyal to the people.
The commitment to creating dignified jobs stands in stark contrast to reports of worker exploitation, particularly within some foreign-owned enterprises. The situation at the Aurora Gold Mines, which has drawn public concern, exemplifies a broader pattern where the welfare of workers appears to be secondary to commercial interests. There are hundreds of cases where contractors are not paying workers for work done and just dismissing them. This is wrong. The perceived reliance on commissions and meetings, rather than decisive enforcement action, has done little to assure citizens that their well-being is a primary focus of this administration.
The vow to pursue “inclusionary Constitutional Governance” and reforms has seen negligible progress. The constitutional reform process has been characterized by delays that undermine its credibility and effectiveness. Five years after – nada, no progress, while the Chairman, retired judge Carl Singh is still buying furniture and seeking permission to buy computers and printing papers. The whole process has been reduced to a national comedy show, while millions are being spent paying all sorts of people for a job not done.
Moreover, the handling of parliamentary democracy has raised serious concerns. The prolonged failure to regularize the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition, despite clear constitutional provisions and available mechanisms, is perceived as a failure to uphold the very democratic principles enshrined in the 2020 speech.
This, coupled with concerns over the executive’s respect for the independence of the judiciary and questionable appointments within the security sector, points to a significant deficit in the promised commitment to the rule of law and effective governance.
The president’s lame excuse that Mr. Manzoor Nadir is out of the jurisdiction and that is why we cannot have a Leader of the Opposition is puerile at best.
So if Mr. Nadir is no longer with us, the Parliament dies with him? There is a deputy speaker in Mr. Vishwa Mahadeo – why is he not holding the meeting to elect the Leader of the Opposition. Because Dr, Irfaan Ali, while he promised enhance parliamentary democracy in August 2020, is a changed man today and is totally committed to the destruction of democracy in parliament today. President Ali cannot be trusted. President Ali in his August 2020 speech stated his total commitment to an independent judiciary and respect for the rule of law, but judges like Mr. Gino Persaud have to endure threats and acts of bullyism from the Executive as a means to influence a process their decisions.
As I said before, President Ali is a changed man and he is now the leader who is on top of a system that is perpetuating unaccountability, massive acts of corruption and is against systemic reforms to bring greater benefits to the people in a more efficient and effective manner.
In the appointment of Mr. Robsen Benn and now Ms. Oniedge Walrond, President Ali has score a certified “F” Grade for understanding the leadership needs of the police force to craft the strategy to strengthen the police force with the required tools, training and caliber of recruits to effectively combat crime and ensure public safety especially on the roadways.
My Conclusion: A Call for Strategic Recalibration
In essence, the legacy envisioned five years ago is at risk. The administration’s constitutional authority places the responsibility for course correction squarely on President Ali’s shoulders. There is still an opportunity to recalibrate.
A serious, internal evaluation of human resources and ministerial performance is warranted. Acknowledging strategic missteps and making necessary changes in leadership and policy direction for the remainder of the term would demonstrate a commitment to the original vision. It is time to change some Board of Directors, some heads of department, some permanent secretaries and definitely some Ministers, they are collectively failing this country.
It is not too late to refocus on unifying the nation. The people deserve a governance model that moves beyond public relations gimmicks to deliver concrete, sustainable human development. President Ali must be adult enough to acknowledge his mistakes within his own mind and use this term as an opportunity to do better for the people.