By Mark DaCosta- A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Member of Parliament Vinceroy Jordan, accused the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government’s of mismanaging public funds, particularly in his constituency of Region No. 5 – Mahaica/Berbice.
In a passionate address to the National Assembly during the 2025 budget debate, the Member of Parliament (MP) accused the administration of systemic incompetence, mismanagement, and a failure to address the pressing needs of the Guyanese people, especially the 48 percent living in poverty. His speech highlighted critical issues in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture, while outlining his coalition’s comprehensive plans for reform if elected in 2025.
Jordan began by targeting the government’s handling of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), a key mechanism for funding development projects. He revealed that by mid-2024, the PSIP was only 30 percent completed, yet by the end of the year, officials claimed near-perfect execution. “They could not have completed their work programme,” Jordan asserted, questioning how millions of dollars remained unspent until the final months. He pointed to unfinished schools and poorly maintained infrastructure in Region No. 5 as evidence of the government’s inefficiency.
One striking example was the Bush Lot Secondary School, which had been under repair since September 2024, forcing students to attend on a rotational basis. Jordan recounted a tragic incident where a parent was severely injured during a Parent-Teacher Conference when a beam collapsed from the roof. “This is the result of incompetence,” he said, adding that the Hopetown Nursery School’s construction only began in September, seven months after the budget was passed.
The MP also highlighted the dire state of public health in Region No. 5, where hospitals faced shortages of essential drugs and cleaning supplies. He called for the reinstatement of medical outreach programmes discontinued by the current administration, emphasising the need for immediate action to support vulnerable communities like Champagne Creek. “The people of Region No. 5 are suffering, and this government has done nothing to alleviate their pain,” he said.
Jordan’s critique extended to infrastructure, where he described roads in Region No. 5 as “impassable” and riddled with potholes. He accused the government of cronyism, alleging that contracts were awarded to friends and family of the ruling party. “The people of Region No. 5 are aware of the number of contracts handed out to favourites,” he said, demanding transparency in budget allocations. He also criticised the frequent changes in Regional Executive Officers (REOs), noting that three REOs had been replaced in five years, with one resigning just two days after taking office.
On poverty alleviation, Jordan dismissed the government’s measures as inadequate. He argued that one-off cash grants, increased old-age pensions, and part-time job programmes would not address the root causes of poverty. “Guyanese want a livable income,” he stated, promising that a future APNU-led government would raise the income tax threshold to $400,000 and increase salaries by 35 percent. He also pledged to implement policies that would ensure a more equitable distribution of resources.
Turning to agriculture, Jordan accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises of food security. He highlighted the sharp rise in food prices, citing a 56 percent increase in the cost of rice and a 146 percent jump in the price of oil since 2020. “If food is being produced, why the extreme shortage in the market?” he asked, pointing to a reported increase in malnutrition rates. According to government data, severe malnutrition cases had risen by 50 percent since 2020, while moderate malnutrition cases had nearly tripled.
Jordan also criticised the Ministry of Agriculture for mismanagement and corruption, referencing scandals at the Guyana Marketing Corporation and the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA). He noted the impact of flooding on farmers due to poorly maintained drainage systems, which had caused significant losses in communities like Calcutta and Dundee Mahaicony. “Farmers are counting their losses, and this government has done nothing to compensate them,” he said.
The MP outlined his coalition’s plans for agricultural reform, including the production of nitrogen fertiliser to reduce food prices by 25-30 percent. He also pledged to decentralise drainage and irrigation services, with a focus on flood-prone areas like Region No. 9. “We will develop new and improved infrastructure to significantly reduce flooding,” he said, adding that his government would create a dedicated ministry for drainage and irrigation to ensure better management of resources.
Jordan reserved some of his harshest criticism for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco), which he accused of chronic mismanagement under the current administration. He cited repeated failures to meet production targets, despite billions of dollars in government subsidies. Between 2021 and 2024, Guysuco had lost over $22 billion, with production falling short of targets by as much as 21,595 metric tons in 2021. “Guysuco is too big to fail,” he said, promising to modernise sugar factories and diversify the industry if elected.
Jordan called for a comprehensive overhaul of Guyana’s agricultural sector, including the establishment of a National Agriculture Council and stricter zoning regulations to protect farmland. He also proposed incentives for farmers adopting climate-smart practices and measures to combat livestock theft. “Our farmers deserve better, and our coalition will deliver,” he said.
“The people of Guyana deserve better,” Jordan declared. “A change is coming, and with it, a brighter future for our nation.”
