By Mark DaCosta-The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has issued a scathing press statement condemning the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government for systemic corruption, electoral malpractice, and the humiliation of citizens. The statement, released on 21 February 2025, accuses the PPP/C of fostering a culture of graft, undermining democratic institutions, and perpetuating a bloated voters’ list that threatens the integrity of future elections.
This comes amid Transparency International’s (TI) damning Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report, which ranks Guyana 92nd out of 180 countries, with a score of 39 out of 100. Despite the PPP/C’s rejection of the report, numerous allegations of corruption raise serious questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The PNCR’s statement highlights several key issues, including the mishandling of the Engineers Bill, the humiliation of citizens during cash transfer payouts, and the manipulation of the voters’ list. It also criticises PPP officials, including President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, for dismissing TI’s findings as politically biased. However, the PNCR argues that such dismissals only serve to deflect attention from the PPP’s failure to address corruption.
Corruption Allegations and the Engineers Bill
The PNCR’s statement condemned the PPP/C’s handling of the Engineers Bill which was tabled, then abruptly withdrawn from the National Assembly by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. The opposition argues that the bill, which seeks to regulate the engineering profession, should have been referred to a Special Select Committee for thorough review. Instead, Vice President Jagdeo claimed the bill was “prematurely tabled,” a move the PNCR describes as an attempt to sideline stakeholders and avoid scrutiny. “The Engineers Bill should reflect contributions from all stakeholders, not merely the government’s perspective,” the statement asserts. The PNCR calls for the bill’s return to the National Assembly, emphasising the need for bipartisan collaboration to ensure comprehensive legislation.
What is the Engineers Bill?
The Engineers Bill, tabled in Guyana’s National Assembly last December, has been met with controversy, leading to its withdrawal. The bill, intended to regulate the engineering profession, has faced criticism from the opposition and stakeholders.
The opposition has raised concerns about several aspects of the bill, including the appointment process for the Engineering Registration Board’s chairman and deputy chairman, as well as the board’s composition and powers. They argue that the bill in its current form grants excessive power to the Minister of Public Works, potentially leading to political interference.
Stakeholders, including the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE), have also expressed reservations about the bill. They have called for more consultations and revisions to ensure the bill effectively addresses the needs of the engineering profession while safeguarding public interest.
The government has acknowledged the concerns and has decided to withdraw the bill. The future of the Engineers Bill remains uncertain as stakeholders await potential revisions and further discussions.
Humiliation in Cash Transfer Payouts
The PNCR also criticises the PPP/C’s handling of cash transfer payouts, describing the requirement for recipients to be photographed with their cheques as a “disgraceful practice.” The statement argues that this policy is designed to humiliate citizens and exploit them for political propaganda. “How much more does the PPP want citizens to stoop?” the PNCR asks, calling for an immediate end to the practice. The party contends that the PPP’s actions demonstrate a lack of respect for the dignity of Guyanese citizens, particularly those in vulnerable communities.
A Bloated Voters’ List and Electoral Fraud
Perhaps the most serious allegation in the PNCR’s statement concerns the integrity of Guyana’s electoral system. The party accuses the PPP/C of deliberately inflating the voters’ list to facilitate electoral fraud. According to the PNCR, the list now contains more names than the country’s estimated population, raising concerns about voter impersonation and other forms of malpractice.
“The central issue is the continuous bloating of the voters’ list to the point where soon there will be more voters on the list than the country’s estimated population,” the statement warns. The PNCR argues that the claims and objections process is insufficient to address the problem, as it places an unrealistic burden on citizens to provide evidence of fraud or death.
Transparency International’s Findings
The PNCR’s allegations are bolstered by TI’s 2024 CPI report, which highlights widespread corruption, weak institutions, and the misuse of public resources in Guyana. The report notes that political and economic elites have captured state institutions, enabling illicit enrichment and environmental crimes.
Despite the PPP/C’s claims of progress in anti-corruption efforts, TI’s findings suggest otherwise. The report also criticises the government for failing to protect whistleblowers and journalists, who face increasing threats and harassment by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government.
President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo have dismissed TI’s report as politically motivated. Ali described the CPI as based on “perceptions rather than hard facts,” while Jagdeo called it a “damp squib” and accused local NGOs of bias. However, critics argue that the government’s rejection of the report is an attempt to deflect attention from its own shortcomings. “The PPP government must be held responsible for its role in fostering an environment where corruption flourishes,” the PNCR statement declares.
The PNCR’s statement includes a call for accountability, urging the PPP/C to admit to systemic corruption and take immediate steps to address it. The party also calls for electoral reforms, including the introduction of biometric voting, to ensure the integrity of future elections. “The people of Guyana are not blind, nor are they fools,” the statement asserts. “The truth is glaring, and no amount of spin can erase the facts.”
