By Mark DaCosta- During the 2025 budget debate on January 29, Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul, representing the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), sharply criticised the government for excluding the opposition from the budgetary process.
Mahipaul, who also serves as Shadow Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, argued that the lack of involvement of opposition representatives in decision-making is a significant flaw in the country’s governance, especially when it comes to transparency and accountability. His remarks centred on the need for greater inclusivity in the formation of national policies and projects, and he called for a clear representation of the opposition on government tender boards.
Mahipaul’s comments highlighted the importance of opposition inclusion for ensuring balanced decision-making. According to him, the current exclusion is damaging, as it creates an environment where only a select few benefit from the country’s development efforts, while others remain marginalised. The MP stressed that true democracy requires the active participation of all stakeholders, and not just government supporters, in discussions that shape the nation’s future. This, he argued, would lead to more equitable policies and a fairer distribution of resources.
The Opposition MP specifically pointed to the government’s handling of the 2025 budget, which he described as one-sided and lacking in meaningful consultation with the political opposition or other key sectors of society. Mahipaul expressed disappointment that, despite claims of fostering a “One Guyana” approach by the ruling PPP/C, the budgetary process had been monopolised by government agencies and party affiliates, sidelining diverse perspectives.
“The ‘One Guyana’ slogan can only be meaningful if it is accompanied by genuine inclusivity, mutual respect, and a real commitment to collaboration,” Mahipaul said during the debate. This call for inclusivity was not limited to discussions about the budget itself but extended to governance as a whole, with Mahipaul emphasising that the involvement of the opposition in processes such as tender boards is crucial for ensuring fairness and preventing corruption.
Mahipaul further underscored the need for the opposition’s presence on national and regional tender boards, a point he had raised in previous discussions. He stated that the inclusion of opposition representatives in such critical decision-making bodies would help reduce suspicion of misconduct and ensure a more transparent and accountable allocation of resources. Given the substantial financial flows involved in government procurement, Mahipaul argued that independent oversight was essential to protect the public interest and prevent the misappropriation of taxpayer funds.
He also criticised the government’s track record on infrastructural development, citing several unfinished projects, including pump stations in areas such as Belle Vue and Pouderoyen, as evidence of the government’s failure to deliver on its promises. Mahipaul contended that these stalled projects reflected a broader pattern of inaction by the current administration, which had made lofty commitments but failed to follow through.
Another key issue raised by Mahipaul was the perceived inequality in the distribution of financial aid and business support. He pointed out that certain communities, particularly those aligned with the ruling PPP/C, seemed to receive preferential treatment in terms of grants and economic assistance, while others, including Afro-Guyanese communities, were left behind. This, he argued, was indicative of a deeply ingrained form of political patronage that undermines the principle of equitable development. He specifically referred to the disparity in assistance provided to farmers, with some receiving substantial funds while others continued to struggle without the promised support.
In terms of governance reforms, Mahipaul reiterated his party’s commitment to improving accountability mechanisms. He mentioned that the APNU+AFC would strengthen the Auditor General’s office and introduce legislative changes to ensure that audits cover more than just a small fraction of an agency’s expenditures. Additionally, Mahipaul promised that his party would push for more rigorous investigations into any suspicious financial activities, insisting that those responsible for mismanagement would be held accountable.
Regarding the oil sector, Mahipaul reminded the House that his party had taken proactive steps to establish a robust oversight body in 2019, working with international partners such as the World Bank to create an experienced petroleum oversight unit. He lamented that these efforts were halted by the current government, which had cancelled the plan upon taking office, leaving the country without a critical oversight mechanism for its burgeoning oil industry.
Ganesh Mahipaul concluded his address by reiterating the importance of opposition inclusion in governance. He maintained that for Guyana to truly progress, all sectors of society must be represented in the decision-making processes that shape the nation’s future.
