Dear Editor,
As the 2025 budget debate unfolds in Guyana’s National Assembly, it becomes clear that the discussions are not just about numbers and policies but about the very essence of leadership, governance, and national vision. Having listened closely to the arguments presented by both sides of the House, I couldn’t help but draw a comparison to the figure of King Dhritarashtra, a character from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata.
For those unfamiliar with the tale, King Dhritarashtra is blind, not only physically but also in his ability to see the truth of his own kingdom’s struggles. Despite his noble position, he is often swayed by the counsel of those around him, even when it leads to the downfall of his people. He can hear the sounds of the battlefield, but he cannot see the destruction before him. This metaphor of blindness—whether by choice or by circumstance—seems to echo through the walls of Guyana’s National Assembly during this budget debate.
From both the government and opposition benches, one cannot ignore the stark contrast between what is being said and what is actually being done for the ordinary citizens of Guyana.
The debate, while passionate and full of rhetoric, often skirts the critical realities faced by the people of this nation. While the government speaks of grand infrastructures for their cronies, the opposition cries out about the government’s fiscal mismanagement and lack of transparency. But amid all the words, the ultimate questions seem to remain unanswered: How are these policies truly impacting the people? How do they address the inequalities and urgent needs that have existed for far too long in our society?
Much like King Dhritarashtra’s blindness, the debate seems to be lost in a cacophony of voices that are detached from the lived experiences of the people. Both sides may claim to have the nation’s best interest at heart, but there is an unmistakable sense of disconnect between what is being argued in the Assembly and the struggles faced by the average Guyanese citizen.The proposed budget promises a future that feels distant and unattainable to many, while the present remains clouded by poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment in many regions.
Despite the noise and the passion, there is a disturbing absence of real dialogue—of honest, open discussion that directly addresses the systemic issues at the heart of Guyana’s development. Too often, the debate becomes a series of soundbites and political one-upmanship, with little consideration for the human element. The suffering of the working-class citizens, the farmers struggling to make a living, and the youth who are yearning for opportunity seem to fade into the background.
The true role of a government is to see the problems clearly, much like a ruler should see the reality of his kingdom and not just hear the praise or criticism of those around him. Yet, we are left to wonder whether our leaders, much like King Dhritarashtra, are too blinded by their political positions, or perhaps by their own ambitions, to see the full picture of the challenges facing Guyana.
The onus is on both sides to move beyond empty rhetoric and to engage in a serious, substantive conversation about the issues that matter most to the people. We need solutions, not just promises. We need to hear about investments in education, health, and human elements that will directly impact the lives of the people who make up this great nation. We need a budget that reflects the realities of our people—not one that merely offers hope for a future that seems increasingly out of reach.
As I listen to the continued debate and questioning on the 2025 budget, let us remember that true leadership requires more than hearing the sounds of dissent or agreement; it requires seeing and addressing the needs of the people. Guyana deserves a government that can look beyond politics, see the true needs of its citizens, and act with integrity and purpose. Only then can we truly say we are headed toward a prosperous future, not a kingdom lost in its own blindness.
Yours truly,
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown
