By Mark DaCosta- In a commendable move aimed at addressing the pressing needs of vulnerable groups, Dr. Terrence Campbell, lead parliamentarian of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has proposed a motion to the National Assembly that seeks to secure funding for essential social infrastructure and welfare initiatives. This proposal, if accepted, calls for specific allocations in the national budget for critical community resources that are currently in short supply, as well as for the provision of safe environments for our most precarious citizens.
The motion arises from a clear recognition of the shortcomings that many communities across Guyana face, particularly in terms of social infrastructure. Many areas lack the fundamental elements necessary for community cohesion, such as playgrounds and community centres. Alarmingly, some of the public spaces that once served as communal hubs have been repurposed for private use, effectively robbing residents of essential social outlets. In Campbell’s words, “many communities throughout Guyana lack playgrounds and community centres,” highlighting the dire need for effective policy intervention.
At the heart of the proposed motion are critical social issues that require immediate attention, including homelessness and inadequate housing conditions. The motion underscores the plight of countless citizens, particularly those living with mental health challenges, who find themselves without shelter. Campbell’s resolution notes that “a significant number of poor and mentally ill citizens in Guyana are homeless and in urgent need of safe and humane shelter.” This stark observation emphasises the necessity for the government to expand existing shelters and create supportive housing programmes that cater specifically to these vulnerable groups.
Moreover, the motion addresses a critical economic challenge that affects many families: the lack of accessible childcare services. Many parents struggle to find employment due to the absence of affordable, safe daycare options. It is a situation that places undue stress on families, forcing parents to leave their children unsupervised, which inevitably raises concerns about their safety and well-being. The proposed motion advocates for the establishment of professionally managed, free daycare centres nationwide, aimed at safeguarding our children while allowing parents to contribute meaningfully to our economy.
In response to the widespread issue of precarious living conditions, the resolution also outlines the need for subsidised housing programmes. Many citizens who have received land allocations are unable to construct proper homes due to financial constraints. Campbell argues for the provision of safe, affordable, and healthy living environments for these low-income families, essentially calling for a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond mere land allocation.
While the proposed measure has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for many, it begs the question: will the current government, led by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), respond adequately? Historically, the PPP administration has faced criticism regarding its ability to address the basic needs of citizens, particularly those residing in disadvantaged communities. This motion serves as a barometer of governmental accountability. The citizens of our nation deserve not only recognition of their struggles but also a clear and effective plan of action from those in power.
As part of the motion, Campbell stresses that the Senior Minister in the Office of the President, with oversight responsibilities for Finance, should present to the National Assembly a detailed outline containing budgetary allocations, timelines for implementation, and the agencies responsible for coordinating these initiatives. This call for clarity and accountability is vital; the time for rhetoric is over, and citizens are demanding action.
The essence of this motion encapsulates a fundamental truth: the fabric of our society is woven together by the strength of our communities. By investing in social infrastructure and welfare, we can build resilient communities that not only uplift the most vulnerable but also contribute to a stronger, more united nation. However, the response of the current administration will be critical in determining if these long-overdue initiatives will finally be realised.
See Motion below:
MOTION TO MAKE PROVISION IN THE NATIONAL BUDGET FOR ESSENTIAL SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND WELFARE INITIATIVES
TO BE MOVED BY: Terrence Campbell
ON BEHALF OF: A [Partnership] for National Unity
WHEREAS social infrastructure plays a critical role in strengthening community bonds, enhancing quality of life, and improving community resilience; and
WHEREAS many communities throughout Guyana lack playgrounds and community centres, and in some instances public lands previously used for such purposes have been confiscated or transferred into private hands, depriving residents of essential communal spaces; and
WHEREAS a significant number of poor and mentally ill citizens in Guyana are homeless and in urgent need of safe and humane shelter; and
WHEREAS many poor households in Guyana continue to live in unsafe and unhealthy conditions and, despite receiving land allocations, lack the financial capacity to construct adequate homes, thereby necessitating subsidized housing solutions; and
WHEREAS many parents are unable to engage in gainful employment due to the absence of accessible childcare services, while others are compelled to leave children unsupervised, exposing them to serious risks of physical, emotional, and sexual harm;
BE IT RESOLVED that this National Assembly calls upon the Government of Guyana to make specific and adequate provision in the National Budget for the following measures:
1. The reservation and development of not less than one acre of land for a playground and community center for every one thousand (1,000) residents in communities across Guyana, and the protection of such lands from conversion or transfer into private ownership;
2. The establishment, expansion, and proper resourcing of shelters and supportive housing programmes for homeless persons, with particular emphasis on poor and mentally ill citizens;
3. The implementation of subsidized housing programmes aimed at providing safe, affordable, and healthy homes for low-income citizens who are unable to construct houses despite having access to land;
4. The creation, funding, and operation of professionally managed, free daycare centers nationwide, to support working parents, promote early childhood development, and safeguard children from neglect and abuse;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance be requested to present to the National Assembly details of the budgetary allocations, implementation timelines, and coordinating agencies necessary to give effect to this motion.
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Terrence Campbell, MP
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Saiku Andrews, MP
15th December, 2025
