By Mark DaCosta-The Alliance for Change (AFC) has criticised both the government’s procurement system and President Irfaan Ali’s public berating of public servants, following a tense early-morning meeting held on November 12. In a press release issued on November 13, the AFC highlighted growing concerns over systemic issues within the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and the ongoing delays in government projects. The party also highlighted President Ali’s public humiliation of public servants to avoid accountability and divert attention away from deeper, unresolved problems in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration.
The AFC’s critique focuses on the growing perception that government procurement processes are being manipulated for the benefit of a select few, often with connections to the PPP. The AFC contends that the allocation of lucrative contracts is increasingly characterised by inequality, with small businesses, especially those in rural communities, sidelined in favour of politically connected contractors.
The press release comes in the wake of a dramatic 5:30 am meeting at State House on November 12, where President Ali sought to address delays in the government’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects. The meeting brought together cabinet members, contractors, engineers, and permanent secretaries, with the president issuing a stark ultimatum: “There is absolutely no excuse for these delays,” President Ali stated. He demanded an explanation from those involved in the various projects.
Despite these obviously valid concerns, President Ali’s tone at the meeting has been described as, “rude and crude.” In a particularly intense moment, the president repeatedly shouted at a male government employee, calling him “boy.” The president’s harsh manner did not go over well with many observers. Guyanese on social media have described the president’s behavior at the meeting as everything from excessively combative to “an international embarrassment,” with many of his colleagues appearing shocked and uncomfortable by the aggressive manner in which he addressed them.
The AFC has condemned the president’s handling of the situation, labelling his actions as both ineffective and counterproductive. The party’s statement underscored that the president’s public outburst served to deflect attention from deeper systemic problems within the government. Instead of addressing the core issues behind the delays — such as mismanagement and a lack of coordination between ministries — President Ali chose to blame civil servants, whose role it is to implement government policies rather than oversee the political and procurement decisions that often cause project delays.
“This style of leadership is more suited to authoritarian regimes than a democracy,” the AFC remarked in its press release. “It is clear that the president’s leadership is rooted in a culture of micromanagement, where no one is empowered to take ownership of their responsibilities.” The party further noted that such public displays of power undermine the morale of public servants and create a toxic atmosphere within the government.
While President Ali may have sought to deflect blame, the AFC used the occasion to reiterate its concerns about the deepening corruption and inequality within the procurement system. The party pointed to recent examples of controversial contract awards, including the case of Tepui Group Inc., which was given a multimillion-dollar contract for the construction of the Belle Vue pump station despite failing to meet basic evaluation criteria. The project has been plagued with delays and cost overruns, yet Tepui was recently awarded another contract by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) — a project that is also reportedly behind schedule.
The AFC expressed alarm over the growing trend of awarding contracts to companies with strong political ties, while smaller and less-connected businesses are left out of the bidding process. The party argued that such practices only serve to exacerbate inequality, particularly in rural communities, where access to government contracts is limited. “These failures in procurement undermine not only the development of our country but also the trust of the public in the ability of the government to manage public funds responsibly,” the AFC stated.
One of the most significant points raised in the press release is the AFC’s concern over the apparent politicisation of public procurement. The party warned that when government contracts are awarded based on political loyalty rather than merit, the potential for corruption increases exponentially.
In light of these concerns, the AFC has called on public servants to maintain their integrity and to resist any attempts to politicise their work. The party emphasised that public servants must serve the public interest above all else, stating, “Your loyalty is to the country, not the unethical or illegal requests of politicians.” The AFC also urged civil servants to document any actions they consider illegal or unethical, warning that doing so could protect them from potential repercussions.
As the controversy surrounding the procurement system deepens, it remains clear that President Ali’s government is under increasing pressure to address systemic issues.
