By Mark DaCosta- In a press statement on February 14, 2025, he People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have expressed agreement with Transparency International’s recent findings, which accuse the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government of being deeply influenced by economic and political elites, leading to widespread corruption and a significant increase in illicit wealth accumulation. The party has repeatedly called for an end to these practices, which they say have severely affected the nation.
According to the opposition, the government has repeatedly failed to address various issues related to transparency, accountability, and corruption. They also argue that the findings highlight the disproportionate control over state resources by a select few, exacerbating the unequal distribution of wealth in the country.
The PPP, which has held power in Guyana for much of the past two decades, is facing mounting accusations of nepotism and corruption. The opposition pointed out that the government’s practices, including awarding state contracts to close allies and family members, have left a significant portion of the population disenfranchised. This issue was recently confirmed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who admitted during a public outreach in Region 6 in July 2024 that several powerful families were monopolising government contracts.
Jagdeo’s remarks revealed the extent of patronage within the government. He openly acknowledged that many contracts were steered towards companies owned by government officials, mostly from the PPP. This practice, according to the opposition, is indicative of the PPP’s failure to separate state business from party interests, undermining the very foundations of governance.
The PNCR/APNU further accused the government of deliberately allowing several state institutions to operate without proper oversight. For example, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and regional tender boards have been accused of repeatedly breaching procurement laws, with little to no consequence. The Public Procurement Commission, established to ensure fairness in state contracting, has been left underfunded and sidelined, critics say.
The opposition also highlighted the PPP’s approach to the Access to Information Act, which is intended to give citizens the right to access government records and decisions. According to the PNCR/APNU, the government’s recent appointment of a Commissioner of Information has stifled transparency, making it more difficult for the public to scrutinise official actions.
Perhaps most controversial is the government’s handling of contracts and agreements in the lucrative oil and gas sector. Despite the country’s rapidly growing energy sector, there has been little public disclosure of key deals and contracts, which has raised concerns over corruption and mismanagement. The opposition has repeatedly called for greater transparency in this area, particularly in light of Guyana’s newfound oil wealth, which could significantly improve the nation’s economy if managed properly.
Furthermore, the opposition has pointed to the government’s consistent refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue on corruption issues. The PPP has dismissed or diluted numerous opposition motions and questions aimed at investigating corruption. Notably, the work of the Public Accounts Committee has been delayed by the government, particularly regarding the Auditor General’s reports for 2020, which have yet to be fully examined.
The PNCR/APNU also highlighted the failure to investigate several high-profile corruption scandals, including the infamous “Su-gate” case, where allegations of corruption and cronyism were levelled against several government officials. Despite mounting public pressure, the government has failed to take any meaningful action.
At the core of the opposition’s criticisms is a belief that the PPP has forsaken the principles of democracy and governance. The PNCR/APNU argues that the government’s actions over the years have weakened democratic institutions, created an environment where corruption can thrive, and diverted national resources into the hands of a privileged few.
The government has strongly denied the accusations, with President Irfaan Ali rejecting the Transparency International report, as well as the claims made by the opposition. However, the PNCR/APNU maintains that the country’s financial losses due to corruption are substantial, citing the tens of billions of dollars potentially lost each year to misappropriation, insider trading, and nepotism.
Looking ahead, the opposition is hopeful that the upcoming General and Regional Elections will mark the end of these practices. They believe that, with the support of the Guyanese people, the next government will bring about much-needed reform and restore transparency and accountability in public office.
