Whilst President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Philips, and other government ministers host opulent dinners, guzzle expensive drinks and wear fine clothing from the proceeds of the country’s oil wealth, approximately half the society lives in poverty and on less than US$5.50 per day, according to a 2023 World Bank Report.
The government is unbothered by the widespread poverty even among professionals such as public servants and teachers, many of whom earn approximately US$400 per month compared to their regional counterparts who earn US$1000 per month. President Ali went further, insulting teachers who are in their fourth week of strike to enjoy their right to collective bargaining. According to Ali, teachers must have “patience” and “a conscience.”
In 2022 Guyana was ranked the world’s fastest growing economy and remains among the world’s fastest growing. In the midst of burgeoning wealth only government officials and a select few benefit, evident by their conspicuous consumption patterns and corpulent waistlines.
In the midst of pervasive hunger and other forms of economic and social deprivation, the Economic Independence Movement (EIM), headed by Nigel Hinds has decided to make a positive difference.
Hinds in an interview with Village Voice News said he believes the people cannot keep waiting on others to help those who need economic and social support and services, and that “little things make big things happen.” According to the chartered accountant Guyana has been good to him, and he feels an obligation to give as much as he can.
In a planned outreach to 100 disadvantaged communities, Hinds is targeting 60 households in each community and providing $10,000 in cash grants. His focus is primarily on women with children; using list/s of names and addresses sourced from appointed coordinators living in the communities.
EIM has so far visited the communities of Tiger Bay and Albouystown in Georgetown and Ithaca on the East Bank Berbice and held upliftment sessions. Hinds told this publication the disabled also turned up, some supported by able-bodied persons.
More than 50 persons who did not benefit from the $10, 000 cash grant were given $5000 each. Hinds said there are no restrictions on the cash given and he was very concerned at the high level of poverty in Guyana amidst a sea of oil wealth. Even as he invests his personal resources to do what caring government would do for its citizens, it is hope shining a light on the extreme poverty across Guyana would put pressure on the government to make monthly Cash-Transfers of $50, 000 to each household in Guyana that has an income of less than $500,000 per month
Hinds told this publication the response he received from the three communities where EIM held Cash-Transfers sessions has crystallised and highlighted the dire need for Cash-Transfers and other social services in disadvantaged communities.
Guyana is expected to earn US$2.4 billion in oil and gas revenue, up from US$1.6 billion in 2023.
