By Mark DaCosta- In a fiery address to Guyana’s National Assembly, Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson launched a comprehensive critique of the 2025 budget, accusing the government of failing to address the pressing needs of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens. Ferguson’s speech, delivered during the budget debate, highlighted systemic issues in housing, water, and infrastructure development, while questioning the government’s commitment to equitable growth in an oil-rich era.
The $1.38 trillion budget, presented by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on January 17, 2025, is themed “A Secure, Prosperous, and Sustainable Guyana.” However, Ferguson argued that the budget lacks innovation and fails to deliver on its promises, particularly for low-income families and marginalised communities. “This budget secures the interests of the wealthy while leaving the poor behind,” she declared. “It is not a roadmap to prosperity for all Guyanese.”
Ferguson dedicated a significant portion of her speech to the housing sector, which she described as a critical area of failure for the government. She challenged the administration’s claim of delivering 50,000 house lots, calling the figure misleading and unsubstantiated. “Where is the evidence of these 50,000 house lots?” she asked. “The government boasts of progress, but the reality on the ground tells a different story.”
The former minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure highlighted the lack of infrastructure in new housing schemes, which has left many homeowners unable to build or occupy their properties. She cited examples from areas like Cummings Lodge, Great Diamond, and Little Diamond, where incomplete roads, absent utilities, and substandard construction have rendered houses uninhabitable. “These homes resemble chicken coops, not the secure and prosperous dwellings promised by this government,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson also shared poignant stories from constituents, including a single mother of six who was allocated a house lot in Golden Grove but cannot begin construction due to the lack of water and electricity. “How can we expect our citizens to thrive when they are denied the most basic necessities?” she asked. “This is not progress; this is neglect.”
The rising cost of house lots was another key concern. Ferguson noted that many low-income earners, particularly public servants, are priced out of the market. She criticised the government for failing to address this issue, despite her 2024 motion calling for a review of house lot costs. “The government voted against that motion, showing a blatant disregard for the struggles of ordinary Guyanese,” she said.
Th MP called for a comprehensive housing plan that includes a “rent-to-own” policy, which she believes could help thousands of Guyanese transition from renting to homeownership. “This is not a radical idea; it is a practical solution to a growing crisis,” she said. “The government must act now to make housing affordable and accessible for all.”
Turning to the water sector, Ferguson accused the government of mismanagement and regression. Despite significant investments, including over $23 billion allocated for 2025, many Guyanese still lack access to clean, treated water. “In 21st-century Guyana, citizens are forced to buy treated water for daily consumption,” she said. “This is unacceptable in an oil-rich nation.”
Ferguson also criticised the government for failing to build on the achievements of the previous administration, which improved water access without the benefit of oil revenues. She noted that under the current administration, water rationing has returned, and rusted pipes have become a common sight. “The PPP/C has reverted to old habits, and the people are suffering as a result,” she stated.
Ferguson’s critique extended to broader issues of governance and transparency. She accused the government of making decisions based on “impulse and emotion” rather than data-driven analysis. “This administration has a disdain for data,” she said. “They make promises without evidence and fail to deliver on their commitments.”
The MP pointed to the government’s failure to produce a promised report on the regularisation of squatter settlements, which was due two years ago. “Where is this report?” she asked. “The government’s silence speaks volumes about their lack of commitment to solving this pressing issue.”
The outspoken MP also highlighted the struggles of small contractors and homeowners, who face significant financial strain due to delayed projects and inadequate support. She shared the story of a homeowner in Little Diamond who spent $17 million on a house that took over two years to complete.
Ferguson concluded her speech by invoking biblical principles of justice and fairness, urging the government to prioritise the needs of the poor and vulnerable. “This budget does not serve the interests of the majority,” she said. “It is a document designed to enrich the few at the expense of the many.”
Her recommendation to the government to either withdraw or significantly amend the budget, emphasising the need for policies that uplift all Guyanese, not just the privileged, felt on deaf ears as Government used it massage to pass the Budget.
“We must act justly, love mercy, and stand against oppression,” Ferguson said, quoting Micah 6:8. as she made known the 2025 “budget fails to meet that standard.”
Ferguson’s speech underscored the growing divide between the Government and Opposition on key issues. As Guyana continues to navigate its oil-rich future, the call for equitable development and accountability remains at the forefront of national discourse.
The 2025 budget, while ambitious in its scope, has sparked intense scrutiny and criticism. Ferguson’s address highlighted the urgent need for transparency, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to addressing the needs of all Guyanese. “Our nation stands at a crossroads,” she said. “We must choose a path that leads to justice, prosperity, and sustainability for everyone — not just the privileged few.”
The voices of those like Ferguson will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Guyana, ensuring that the nation’s wealth benefits all its citizens, not just a select few.
