Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent declaration to deny state funding to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) critical of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is a blatant affront to democratic principles and an alarming indication of growing authoritarianism within the government.
State funds are derived from taxpayers and the nation’s patrimony and are intended to serve all citizens equitably, irrespective of political affiliations or viewpoints. By choosing to fund only those NGOs that align with the PPP’s agenda, Jagdeo is effectively weaponizing public resources to silence dissent and promote a singular narrative. This discriminatory allocation of funds undermines the very essence of democracy, which thrives on diverse perspectives and constructive criticism.
The Vice President’s labeling of organizations such as the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and Red Thread as “haters of the PPP” is not only unfounded but also dangerously divisive. These NGOs have long-standing histories of advocating for human rights and social justice in Guyana. To dismiss their contributions and threaten their operational viability is to erode the foundational checks and balances that keep governmental power in check.
Where are the voices of the bar association, diplomats, influencers, and foreign company heads in response to this alarming development? Their silence is deafening. The international community must recognize that such authoritarian tendencies make Guyana an increasingly risky place for investment. A government that openly suppresses dissent and manipulates state resources for partisan gain signals instability and unpredictability, conditions that are antithetical to a conducive investment climate.
The PPP’s overt abuses of power are not only internal matters; they have far-reaching implications. By creating enemies out of organizations that seek to uphold democratic values, the PPP is isolating itself and fostering an environment of fear and repression. Intelligent and principled individuals will not stand for such threats; they will walk away, leaving a void that will be detrimental to the nation’s progress.
In a true democracy, the government does not get to choose which voices are heard and which are silenced. Taxpayer funds should be allocated without discrimination, supporting a vibrant civil society that can hold power to account. Jagdeo’s statements and intentions are a stark deviation from these democratic norms and must be met with unequivocal condemnation both domestically and internationally.
