By Roysdale Forde, S.C- The philosopher Hannah Arendt once observed that systems built on oppression and control carry within themselves the seeds of their own unraveling. In her seminal work, The Origins of Totalitarianism, Arendt argued that regimes relying on absolute control sow contradictions—such as eroded trust and suppressed individuality—that destabilize their foundations.
Similarly, her concept of the “banality of evil” in Eichmann in Jerusalem highlights how thoughtless compliance can underpin systemic failures, vulnerable to collapse under scrutiny or moral awakening. This insight resonates deeply in Guyana today, where governance challenges threaten the nation’s promise, yet also signal the potential for transformative change.
While Guyana’s current leadership under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) does not mirror the totalitarianism Arendt described, certain governance practices raise concerns about democratic accountability. For nearly five years, the PPP/C has led with an approach that, at times, appears dismissive of the principles of transparency and inclusivity essential to a thriving democracy. The management of state institutions, the functioning of constitutional bodies, and the equitable distribution of national resources have sparked legitimate questions about the government’s commitment to serving all Guyanese.
Several critical constitutional and statutory institutions, vital to democratic oversight, have faced challenges in fulfilling their mandates:
- Committee on Constitutional Reform: Despite its mandate for public consultation, this committee did not convene in 2023, limiting opportunities for meaningful constitutional dialogue.
- Natural Resources Committee (Parliamentary): Inactive in 2021–22, it held only six sessions in 2023 under new leadership, raising concerns about oversight of Guyana’s vital natural resources.
- Foreign Relations Committee: With only two meetings in 2023, this body has not adequately addressed pressing territorial matters.
- Security Sector Oversight Committee: Tasked with overseeing disciplined services, it has not met in three years, weakening accountability in a critical sector.
- Appointments Committee (Parliament): Limited to three meetings in 2023, with no progress on key appointments like the Rights of the Child nominees since May.
- Statutory Instruments Committee & Standing Orders Committee: These bodies have not met during the 12th Parliament, stalling important legislative oversight.
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Irregular meetings and frequent absences of government ministers have undermined its ability to ensure fiscal transparency.
These lapses in institutional functionality hinder the democratic process and erode public trust. Guyana’s citizens deserve a government that upholds the rule of law and ensures that independent bodies operate effectively to serve the nation’s interests.
Moreover, the PPP/C’s approach has, at times, deepened societal divisions. Policies and rhetoric that appear to prioritize certain groups over others risk alienating communities and undermining national unity. Governance should unite, not divide, and every Guyanese—regardless of background—must feel included in the nation’s progress. The moral and ethical dimensions of leadership are as critical as financial stewardship. Allegations of mismanagement and a lack of accountability have fueled perceptions of a government disconnected from the aspirations of its people.
Guyana’s unprecedented oil revenues, with over US$3 billion withdrawn from the Natural Resource Fund by early 2025, present an extraordinary opportunity to transform the nation. Yet, persistent poverty, a strained healthcare system, an underfunded education sector, and neglected communities in both hinterland and coastal regions raise pressing questions. Where has this wealth gone, and why have the benefits not reached all Guyanese? A government entrusted with such resources must prioritize equitable development, ensuring that every citizen—whether a farmer, teacher, nurse, or small business owner—shares in the nation’s prosperity.
The 2025 elections represent a pivotal moment for Guyana. They are not merely a contest of political parties but a referendum on the kind of nation Guyana aspires to be—one rooted in fairness, accountability, and opportunity for all. The electorate has the power to demand leadership that respects democratic principles, upholds the rule of law, and prioritises the collective good over narrow interests.
To every Guyanese—youth, workers, parents, and entrepreneurs—I urge you to recognise what is at stake. The future of our nation depends on active civic engagement and a commitment to safeguarding democracy. The electoral process must be transparent, fair, and free from undue influence. The state’s machinery should serve the people, not any single party or agenda. To those within the government who value integrity, the choice is clear: align with the will of the people and the principles of justice, for history remembers those who stand for what is right.
The APNU-WPA Coalition acknowledges that no political entity is without flaws. We are not perfect, but we are guided by a commitment to unity, economic justice, and the rule of law. Our vision is a Guyana where every child can dream without limits, where workers are treated with dignity, and where national resources benefit all citizens, not just a select few. We believe in a future where governance is transparent, institutions are robust, and every voice is heard.
The challenges facing Guyana are significant, but so too is the resilience of its people. The PPP/C’s governance, marked by missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises, cannot suppress the growing call for change. The Guyanese people—empowered by their ballots—have the opportunity to reclaim their nation’s potential. This is not about vengeance or division but about building a brighter future together.
As Arendt’s insight suggests, systems that veer from justice and accountability plant the seeds of their own transformation. The PPP/C’s governance has exposed its vulnerabilities—through neglected institutions, divided communities, and unaddressed needs. These cracks offer hope, signaling that change is not only possible but inevitable when citizens unite for a common purpose.
On September 1, 2025, Guyana has the chance to rise. Let us seize this moment to build a nation that reflects the best of who we are—one grounded in unity, fairness, and opportunity. The time for accountable, inclusive governance is now. Together, we can ensure that Guyana’s future is one of promise and prosperity for all.
