Not a single day passes in Guyana without some part of the country plunged into darkness. Power outages have become a daily disruption. Despite grand promises, billions of dollars spent, and Guyana’s status as the world’s fastest-growing economy, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government has failed to deliver one of the most basic services—reliable electricity.
When the PPP returned to office in August 2020, it inherited an electricity infrastructure and energy plan from the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition that was significantly more stable and forward-looking than what the PPP had left behind in 2015. Yet five years later, the crisis has worsened.
In October 2020, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who holds responsibility for the energy sector, promised that the government would make blackouts a thing of the past. He said they intended to purchase power from local producers to supplement what is generated by GPL and provide reserve energy. That pledge has proven empty. Instead of improvement, Guyanese have experienced a steep decline.
The daily blackouts have become a national frustration. Families are forced to live by candlelight or invest in costly generators. Perishables are being spoiled, appliances destroyed, and businesses disrupted. In a country with soaring oil revenues, such conditions are not only inexcusable—they are insulting.
Earlier this year, former Minister of Public Infrastructure and Alliance For Change Chairman David Patterson accused the PPP of failing to understand the nation’s energy needs. His warning has been vindicated. The government appears rudderless in addressing the electricity crisis. There is no detailed plan, no accountability, and no indication that those in charge understand or care about the scale of the problem.
The blackouts, combined with financial mismanagement, raise a fundamental question: does the PPP have any viable strategy for the electricity sector? So far, the evidence points to a resounding no.
Guyanese must be honest in assessing the situation, regardless of political allegiance. The PPP has failed this nation in one of the most vital sectors. Their mismanagement has cost citizens peace of mind, stability, and safety. It has kept our people living day by day in uncertainty, while the rest of the world moves forward with modern, reliable utility services.
This is not merely a case of failed governance; it is a betrayal of public trust. Guyanese deserve better, and they must demand it. The excuses must stop. The blackouts must end. The time for real leadership is long overdue.
