Dear Editor,
Guyana stands at a dangerous crossroads. As unprecedented oil wealth flows into the Treasury, growing numbers of citizens are being systematically excluded from the nation’s prosperity while a politically connected few reap extraordinary rewards. Across the country, complaints of discrimination, favouritism, corruption, and the misuse of State resources are becoming impossible to ignore.
Under the Irfaan Ali/Bharrat Jagdeo regime, many Guyanese have come to believe that loyalty to the Government—not merit, need, or constitutional rights—determines who prospers and who is left behind. Such a trajectory is unjust; it is corrosive to democracy, social cohesion, and the constitutional promise that Guyana belongs equally to all its people.
The issue is increasingly coming to the fore as people make genuine complaints about discrimination. This regime is widely seen as using State resources to enrich itself and its cohorts—or, as the Opposition has described them, “friends, family and favourites.” The economy has become lopsided, serving the interests of only a few. Hardly a day passes without evidence, whether on social media or in our communities, showing that some are favoured while others are ignored. Equally, scarcely a day goes by without another scandal or fresh revelation of alleged thievery.
This is an unacceptable state of affairs, and resignation or complacency must never be our response. Yes, some of us may be tired, but this is not the time to slow down or turn a blind eye while others operate like buccaneers, plundering this nation in pursuit of wealth for themselves and generations to come, while the other rightful heirs to Guyana’s bounty continue to live in want and despair.
We watch the Government rush to the aid of rice farmers with cash grants and budgetary allocations while other sectors of agriculture and many communities are ignored. Workers in the public service and mining sectors are equally part of the productive economy but are being ignored. In the private-sector allies of the regime receive taxpayers’ money to invest or offset expenses, while others who are not politically favoured are left behind.
This rapacious regime has unashamedly established a policy that unmistakably says: if you do not align or submit, you will be punished socially and economically. Unless we raise our voices in unison—in whatever manner best suits each of us—the masses will continue to be trampled upon.
In our quest for good government and for what is rightfully ours, let us not be distracted by history, which should serve only as a lesson and not burden us with guilt, whether manufactured or real. The Ali/Jagdeo regime has stewardship of our nation’s resources, here and now. That stewardship carries a corresponding responsibility to govern in the interest of all Guyanese, regardless of how they voted—or whether they voted at all—for these resources belong to all the people.
The path before us is marred by inequality, corruption, and neglect of the very people whose labour builds this nation. While the world hears grand speeches about people-centred development, sustainable development, and carbon credits, workers, farmers, and ordinary citizens—the backbone of our economy—see little benefit from the wealth flowing through this country.
Our hinterland communities remain deprived, our coastlands underserved, and our public institutions weakened, all while the corridors of power reward loyalty and profit over justice and equity.
Trade unionists know that real development cannot exist without the participation, protection, and empowerment of working people- past, present and future. But this regime is not pursuing national development; only buccaneerism. For the principles of good governance and the promise of inclusionary democracy, as enshrined in our Constitution, remain unfulfilled.
If we are to build a Guyana that works for all—not just a corrupted few—we must confront systemic failures, demand transparency, and insist on policies that put the collective above individualism. Equitable growth and social justice must be our focus, the lifeblood of a nation.
Let us look at the Indigenous peoples who live in the hinterland. The very source of economic wealth derived from the rainforest their fair share is being denied through the corrupt use of carbon credit revenues. Meanwhile, on the coastlands, this wealth is diverted through shady schemes involving infrastructure and contracts. We continue to witness corruption, and discrimination in every sphere where the Government exercises influence. Racial, political, and social discrimination have worsened.
This regime shows no respect for the people or their environment. Ours has become a society of wanton lawlessness. Values guided by laws, conventions, and charters that protect every citizen’s right and empower communities to determine the type of development that best suits their needs are being discarded.
Nothing meaningful can be achieved when almost two-third of the population is systematically excluded from the governance and decision-making processes guaranteed under our Constitution.
The hollow slogan of ‘One Guyana’ cannot substitute for genuine inclusion, nor for the spirit and intent of our national motto— “One People, One Nation, One Destiny “—from which our oneness must spring. While one cannot ignore the call for unity, one must also note that the call for unity comes only at times that serve the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) political interests. This regime continues to divide and rule, while ignoring the suffering, plight and pleas of certain groups and the poor.
If we are serious about the future of this nation, we must demand a government that puts people before rhetoric and ensures that every Guyanese participates in this economy in a just and equitable manner, for nobody must be pan tap, be they Indian, African, Amerindian, Chinese, Portuguese, Mixed, or whomever.
We must be imbued with a sense of righteous indignation, intolerance for wrongdoing, and an unflinching determination to stand up and right these wrongs. For what is happening in this nation amounts to nothing less than thievery and discrimination. Neither bodes well for Guyana, and together they pose a clear and present danger to our democracy, our development, and our future.