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By Mark DaCosta- The opposition has voiced strong disapproval of the current administration’s fiscal policies and recent actions perceived as interference in the judicial system. With claims of rampant corruption and financial mismanagement, the opposition has pledged to hold the government accountable and push for reforms.
The government’s recent announcement to seek an additional GY$40 billion for the 2024 Budget has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. This request follows an already substantial GY$1.146 trillion budget. The opposition predicts that this will not be the last request for supplementary funds this year, pointing to a pattern observed in 2023 when the government sought extra funds five times, amounting to nearly GY$116 billion, or 15 percent over the initial budget.
The opposition argues that increased government spending leads to significant financial losses due to poor planning, mismanagement, and corruption. Citing International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates, they claim that 40 to 50 percent of every dollar spent by the government is lost. This translates to hundreds of billions of dollars from the current budget being wasted. The opposition asserts that the government has not implemented the IMF’s recommendations for a strong and effective public financial management system and a robust public investment management framework.
“The IMF has advised that government entities must be compelled to correctly cost investment plans and be trained in project preparation and appraisal. How much of that is happening under the PPP? We have seen no policy, administrative, or legislative measures from the PPP to reduce this massive loss in public funds,” an opposition spokesperson stated.
The opposition has called for investigations into Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and his ruling PPP/C Government, alleging widespread corruption. They claim that tens of billions of dollars are lost to the PPP’s elite, friends, families, and favourites through a corruption network and further tens of billions through incompetence in the form of poor planning and mismanagement.
“Everybody knows that the only families, friends, and public officials who are involved in these widespread acts of corruption are PPP-connected, PPP-appointed, or PPP by membership,” the opposition reiterated from a recent press conference.
As the potential next government, the opposition has outlined plans to improve efficiency in public spending by adopting IMF recommendations, revamping the public procurement system, strengthening the Auditor General’s office, enhancing the Access to Information Act, and ensuring the Public Accounts Committee functions effectively.
As political tensions rise ahead of the elections, the opposition’s criticisms highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in government spending. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these issues are addressed and their impact on Guyana’s political landscape.
