The 2025 National Budget is “a clear case of a class warfare, a systematic betrayal of the poor to enrich the elites.” So said Shadow Minister for Human Services and Social Security, Natasha Singh Lewis, in her presentation last Wednesday during the debates in the National Assembly. While the power failure may have temporarily interrupted the session, it did not silence Singh Lewis’ resolute commitment to her duty.
In fact, she was unwavering in scrutinising the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government spending on social services, despite the interruption, specifically highlighting the Ministry of Human Services’ mismanagement of its $58.5 billion allocation.
Child Protection Crisis
Singh Lewis painted a grim picture of child welfare in Guyana, citing over 4,000 reported cases of child abuse in 2024, including sexual violence. She criticised the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) for failing to provide adequate support for abused children and accused the government of offering only “reactive” solutions.
The parliamentarian pointed out that the CPA was created to protect children from harm, yet under the PPP government’s watch, child sexual abuse has become an epidemic. She flayed the government for its do-nothing approach this grave issue such as national education campaigns, and effecting measures to address the root causes like poverty and unemployment.
The parliamentarian also alleged that incompetence within the CPA, including the hiring of unqualified staff, had resulted in a staggering number of children—over 3,800—being left without proper care or rehabilitation. Singh-Lewis said she was told by staff that the government’s ‘friends, family and favourites’ hiring policy has contributed to the problem at agency.
Failures in Women’s Empowerment
Turning to the government’s initiatives for women’s empowerment, Singh Lewis highlighted the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, which received $185.5 million in funding through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI). She described the initiative as a “disaster” and a “failed project” that lacked proper planning and evaluation.
The Auditor General’s report confirmed what we already knew—this program was not designed to help women gain employment or start businesses,” she argued. She contended the programme was a sham, with no stakeholder involvement, no follow-up with graduates, and no system in place to create real job opportunities.
According to Singh Lewis, only 410 out of 2,571 of the most vulnerable women who applied for the programme actually participated—leaving 84% without assistance. The PPP government has failed in its commitment to achieving gender equality and empowering women, she charged.
Elderly Citizens Neglected
Singh Lewis also took aim at the treatment of senior citizens, criticising the inefficiencies in pension distribution and alleging financial irregularities within the Ministry of Human Services.
She lamented that pensioners, who built this nation, are forced to stand in the scorching sun and pouring rain to collect their pensions as if they are beggars. “And now we see evidence of fraud in the pension system.”
She pointed to a 2023 audit that revealed instances of missing approval signatures on pension forms and discrepancies in financial records. Additionally, she highlighted stalled projects meant to improve elderly care, such as the construction of a juvenile processing center, a geriatric home, and other critical infrastructure.
Calls for Accountability
Singh Lewis concluded her speech by demanding accountability from the government, particularly Minister of Human Services Dr. Vindhya Persaud. The sum total of the $1.382 Trillion National Budget she said, is a “betrayal of the vulnerable.”
The Minister has been hopping around the country for photo opportunities while programmes are failing, she charged. The parliamentarian said PPP government has failed Guyana’s children, women, and elderly.
Singh Lewis’ incisive questioning of the government’s management and expenditure within the social services sector reveals deep flaws that cannot be overlooked. The Human Services system in Guyana, which is intended to protect and uplift the most vulnerable members of society, has been hindered by inefficiencies, lack of accountability, and insufficient funding.
Her approach brought to light that the system is not adequately addressing the needs of its citizens, particularly in areas like child welfare, elderly care, and support for individuals with disabilities.
For too long, the sector has been plagued by outdated practices, poorly managed resources, and a lack of long-term planning. The Human Services system requires comprehensive reforms, starting with greater transparency, more robust budgeting, and, most importantly, an unwavering focus on the needs of the people it is meant to serve.
