Dear Editor,
The Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) has received numerous complaints from residents of Bartica, Region No. 7, regarding the distribution of grants aimed at upgrading small businesses to alleviate financial challenges.
Residents allege that this distribution process is biased, favoring individuals aligned with or supportive of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. Instead of creating an impartial office to oversee fair distribution, it appears that local party leaders are directing the process.
This situation has discouraged many vulnerable business owners from applying for grants due to fears of discrimination.
While these complaints remain unverified, BUYDG takes them seriously and urges immediate intervention from government leaders. We call for the establishment of an independent team to conduct a thorough audit and investigation into these allegations. Additionally, policies must be put in place to ensure that taxpayer-funded grants are equitably distributed to all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
Guyana’s laws prohibit discrimination based on political beliefs. Citizens should not be denied access to benefits derived from their tax dollars.
The government has a responsibility to uphold democracy and non-discrimination, respecting the rights and dignity of all citizens as enshrined in Guyana’s constitution and international human rights laws.
Furthermore, residents have raised concerns about similar issues regarding grants distributed through the Ministry of Housing and Water for purchasing building materials to improve or repair homes, indicating potential biases in that process as well.
While thousands of entrepreneurs have or will benefit from the reformed Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce-Small Business Bureau (SBB), it is crucial to emphasize that taxpayer money is not the personal property of any political party. It belongs to the State of Guyana and its citizens and should not be used for personal or political gain.
BUYDG wishes to emphasize the imperative legal obligation of the government to maintain a proper, accountable, and transparent system for handling state funds, generally and in this situation particularly in cash grant distributions to the citizens of Guyana.
If the investigation uncovers any missed grants, corruption, mismanagement, discrepancies, or unethical practices, it is vital that those responsible are held accountable and face legal charges in a court of law. Accountability in these matters is crucial for upholding public trust and maintaining accountability is crucial for upholding public trust and integrity in government operations.
We urge the Government to address these critical issues to uphold justice and fairness for all individuals who are citizens of Guyana.
Yours truly,
Ms.Roseann Clarke
Public Relations Officer/acting General Secretary
Bartica United Youth Development Group
