Dear Editor,
The conduct of President Irfaan Ali and his administration at recent state-related engagements raises serious concerns about respect for democratic institutions and inclusive governance. Of particular note was the decision to invite members of the diplomatic community, senior public servants, members of the disciplined services, and other stakeholders, while excluding elected Members of Parliament. Such an omission demonstrates a troubling disregard for the constitutional role of the legislature and undermines the principles of representative democracy, accountability, and political inclusion that are foundational to Guyana’s system of governance.
As Guyanese reflect on President Irfaan Ali’s recent public statements, particularly those made during the election campaign promising citizens a “beautiful Christmas,” it is imperative to critically examine the substance behind such declarations, especially when placed alongside the Government’s five-year development agenda for 2026–2030 and the lived realities of ordinary people.
President Ali’s two-and-a-half-hour address on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, was largely centered on what the Government claims to have accomplished between 2020 and 2025. Rather than outlining a clear, people-centered vision for the next five years, the address echoed the tone and content of a budget presentation, more akin to Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh’s 2026 Budget speech, heavy on statistics, self-congratulation, and political marketing, but noticeably light on honest reflection and future-focused policy commitments.
One of the most striking elements of the speech was the President’s treatment of housing. He spoke boastfully about the number of house lots distributed under his administration. Yet, the reality on the ground tells a very different story. Poor and vulnerable Guyanese continue to face significant barriers to accessing housing, while families, associates, and close affiliates of Ministers are reportedly allocated acres and large parcels of land, often to construct mansions and apartment complexes. This inequitable distribution of a national asset raises serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and social justice in housing policy.
The broader social context makes these disparities even more troubling. According to an Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) report, approximately 58 percent of Guyanese are living in poverty. This stark statistic reflects a structural failure to translate unprecedented oil wealth into inclusive development. Instead of confronting this reality, the Government has increasingly ridiculed or dismissed citizens who criticize its performance, branding legitimate concerns as ungrateful or politically motivated, rather than engaging in constructive dialogue or policy reform.
Compounding this disappointment is the Government’s failure to account for its own stated commitments. Leading up to the General and Regional Elections (GRE) 2025, President Ali declared that the Government had a “broad, strategic plan to combat poverty and enhance citizens’ standard of living through specific social programmes, tax incentives, and key investments in infrastructure” (Department of Public Information, July 27, 2025). Notably absent from his two-and-a-half-hour address, however, was any substantive discussion of this strategy, its outcomes, shortcomings, or future direction. This omission renders the speech less a genuine national address and more a continuation of political propaganda.
Beyond rhetoric, the material conditions of life for many Guyanese continue to deteriorate. Public servants received salary increases in July 2025, just months before the elections. While wage adjustments are necessary, their timing raises legitimate concerns that they were designed more to secure political loyalty than to correct longstanding inequities within the public service.
At the same time, the cost of living continues to rise exponentially. In the absence of effective price control measures, households struggle with escalating food, transportation, and utility costs. Many citizens anticipated cash grants or targeted relief to cushion these pressures during the Christmas season. These expectations were largely unmet, leaving families to navigate hardship during what should be a time of peace and togetherness.
The economic consequences are evident across Georgetown and beyond. Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, invested heavily in goods, anticipating increased consumer spending and possible government incentives. Instead, vendors and shop owners report low customer turnout, weak cash circulation, and declining sales. Christmas, for many, has not been beautiful; it has been burdensome.
Yet, significant public funds have been allocated to Christmas Village, decorative lighting along Main Street, multiple Christmas trees, and elaborate displays at State House. While aesthetics have their place, such spending appears misplaced when many citizens cannot afford basic necessities. These funds could have been redirected toward vouchers, bonuses, or targeted assistance for struggling households, offering dignity and relief rather than spectacle.
Christmas is not defined by fairy lights, garlands, Santa Claus, or towering trees. It is about the birth of Jesus Christ, humility, compassion, justice, and care for the least among us. When governance prioritizes optics over people, it undermines both moral and developmental responsibility.
It is a sobering moment for Guyana as citizens observe how oil revenues are managed, while a small segment of society, perhaps no more than ten percent, appears to benefit disproportionately from lucrative contracts, as allegations of corruption continue to erode trust within the public service and the wider society.
I therefore appeal to my fellow Guyanese: place your trust not in political promises, but in God. When human systems fail and leaders disappoint, Jesus never fails. Spend wisely, live prudently, and hold fast to faith and discernment during these difficult times. Merry Christmas to all.