Dear Editor,
The PPP/C often heralds the return of democracy in 1992. However, upon examining the period from 1992 to 2025 through the lens of Aristotle’s perspective on democracy, it becomes evident that, for the PPP/C, democracy is acknowledged only during election cycles.
Since August 2020, the state of Guyana has deteriorated to its lowest point in post-independence history. The PPP/C has systematically weakened every institution in the country, starting with the Executive Branch, and this decline has cascaded throughout society.
The 12th Parliament will soon dissolve, paving the way for General and Regional Elections later this year. As I have expressed before, this has been the most challenging period, and my views remain unchanged. The National Assembly only functions when the PPP/C seeks approval for money from the Consolidated Fund or the passage of Bills that they pilot.
Ninety-five percent (95%) of the Committees of the National Assembly have failed to meet regularly to conduct meaningful work. Just a few examples: the Public Accounts Committee has not met since the start of 2025; the Committee on Appointments has not met since May 2023; the Foreign Affairs Service Committee has not met in 2025; the Security Committee has never met; and the Economic Services Committee meets sporadically, with little to show for it.
Editor, it pains me to witness the state of our country. Consider the level of corruption across all sectors, yet the Irfaan/Jagdeo Administration has failed to hold anyone accountable. However, the reason for this inaction is clear. In 2022, President Ali announced an investigation into the misconduct of Mr. Jagdeo, as revealed by Vice News’ journalist, Ms. Isobella Young, who exposed the dealings between Mr. Jagdeo and his Chinese associate, Mr. Su, whom he claims to be both a family friend and ours. To date, that investigation has not materialized.
History will record the numerous acts of corruption under the Ali administration, which he has consistently ignored. The latest issue involves allegations of corrupt deals involving former Housing CEO Mr. Sherwin Greaves, who resigned under pressure rather than submit to an investigation that could have cleared his name. On this matter, the silence of both Mr. Ali and Mr. Colin Croal was deafening, while Mr. Jagdeo, the chief spokesman, had all the answers and reassurances. This issue seems to have quietly faded into obscurity, and life goes on. Could it be that all parties are equally complicit?
Further, the nation was informed of allegations against Ms. Susan Rodrigues, yet neither Bharrat nor Irfaan have taken any action to address these allegations. It’s business as usual.
What is particularly egregious is the PPP/C’s unbothered, “don’t care” approach to governance. Following the revelations about Ms. Mae Toussaint being questioned by US authorities for alleged corrupt practices, she was not investigated locally but instead was removed from her position as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs and reassigned to the Ministry of Labour. Ms. Toussaint is no longer actively involved at the Ministry of Labour, yet she continues to receive her salary as a Permanent Secretary. Similarly, Ms. Sharon Hicks, the former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, was charged with alleged corruption but is now serving in a managerial role at the Ministry of Housing, CHPA. With these examples in mind, can we say the same for Mr. Sherwin Greaves? Time will tell.
Additionally, the scandal surrounding the Guyana Online Academy Learning (GOAL) program shocked the nation when it was revealed that the Government of Guyana, through the GOAL program and Staffordshire University, had been involved in questionable dealings. Representatives from Staffordshire University have made it clear that they have not collaborated with GOAL. Billions of tax dollars were paid out, yet Guyanese remain in the dark about who received these funds and which organizations were involved. It is disheartening that Madame Priya Manickchand has not spoken on this matter, nor have Jagdeo or Ali. In contrast, Dr. Jacob Opadeyi was forced to come out in defense of the government. Once again, I ask: are senior government officials involved in a racket?
Editor, I can state with certainty that Guyanese are clamoring for a change in government. Many are outraged by the high level of corruption, nepotism, victimization, discrimination, the disregard for the rule of law, lawlessness among government ministers, and the rising cost of living, among other issues.
Therefore, as we prepare for the National Elections in 2025, I encourage my brothers and sisters to recognize that we all have crucial decisions to make, in the best interest of our future generations, families, and our nation as a whole. The time has come for us to look beyond politics, remove the blinders from our eyes, and truly assess the situation in our country. Ask yourself: would you want to leave behind a corrupt nation for your children?
I believe Guyana will rise!
Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson, MP
