By Mark DaCosta- In 2025, our nation is faced with a pivotal moment, as citizens bravely advocate for their rights amidst a backdrop of inequality, deprivation, and corruption. Veteran trade unionist Lincoln Lewis argues that while the ruling authorities issue lofty proclamations about people-centric and sustainable development, the very foundation of our economy – the workers, farmers, and everyday citizens – are left behind, seeing little of the prosperity that is purportedly flowing through the country. Lewis highlights systemic failures and calls for genuine inclusion and a shift in priority from profit-driven agendas to policies that empower the people.
Lincoln Lewis, with decades of trade union experience, contends that substantial development is unattainable without engaging, protecting, and uplifting the working populace of our nation. “Sustainable development is not merely about roads, buildings, or economic returns,” he asserts. Instead, it encompasses fundamental aspects such as decent jobs, social justice, adequate nutrition, access to healthcare, and quality education — elements that ensure human dignity and a fulfilling life for all citizens. However, according to Lewis, the administration of Jagdeo and Ali has disregarded these core principles, leaving the promise of inclusionary democracy, as stated in Article 13 of our Constitution, unfulfilled.
Lewis expresses a dire need for citizens to confront the existing power structures, insisting on transparency and accountability from those in authority. “If we are to build a Guyana that works for all, not just a few, we must confront systemic failures, demand transparency, and insist on policies that put people before profit,” he passionately states. He acknowledges the natural wealth derived from our rich hinterland communities, which have become a focal point for carbon credit revenue, yet he criticises the lack of investment in essential coastal infrastructure aimed at improving the wellbeing of the populace.
The rise of graft, corruption, and discrimination under the current government raises alarms for Lewis, who points out that race and political biases have intensified, exacerbating disparities across our society. He argues that the administration’s view of development is limited to tangible infrastructure and their personal enrichment, neglecting the people and the environment.
He insists that real sustainable development extends beyond bricks and mortar, advocating for food security, enhanced sanitation, health policies that prioritise both preventive measures and curative care, and measures to ensure environmental safety and resilience against climate change. “This model must be people-centered, guided by laws, conventions, and charters that protect every citizen’s rights,” adds Lewis, emphasising the importance of community-based decision-making in crafting development strategies that align with the actual needs of the populace.
Realising effective sustainable development, Lewis states, requires strengthening our judicial system, enhancing research institutions, and ensuring reliable law enforcement. He argues for cohesive societal structures alongside an executive branch that must adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward corruption and nepotism.
Referring to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted on 25 September 2015, Lewis calls upon the nation to internalise its principles. He demands a steadfast commitment to the 17 Goals and 169 Targets that focus on People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership, stressing, “We must ask ourselves how much, if anything, the current regime is doing to implement these Goals.”
With 2025 marking just five years until the 2030 target, Lewis highlights the lack of coordinated initiatives from the government to achieve the established objectives. He criticises the exclusion of over half the population from meaningful governance and decision-making, asserting that “hollow slogans of a ‘one Guyana’ cannot substitute for genuine inclusion.” He urges that for our nation to progress, the government must transcend mere rhetoric and ensure that all citizens have a role in fostering the country’s future.
Ultimately, Lincoln Lewis’s message is clear: the call for a government committed to prioritising its people and fuelling genuine progress in the name of equity and justice must be embraced. The fight for workers’ rights and a fair share of development resources is not just a trade unionist’s plea; it is a call to all citizens who yearn for a better future and a nation that truly benefits and uplifts its own.
