Mark DaCosta-In a statement read by Member of Parliament Sharma Solomon on January 9, 2026, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) sounded the alarm over what it described as widespread governance failures by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. The party raised concerns about the government’s management of national resources, fiscal discipline, and worker welfare, warning that these missteps threaten the dignity, rights, and economic security of ordinary Guyanese.
APNU’s leadership, led by Parliamentary Leader Dr. Terrence Campbell, highlighted the misuse of oil revenues, the erosion of workers’ rights, and the government’s apparent neglect of public servants amid rising living costs, painting a picture of a nation at risk due to poor governance and unchecked political priorities.
The partnership asserts that the ruling PPP/C Administration has squandered an alarming portion of the country’s oil revenues. In the past year alone, they report that 89 percent of oil-generated funds have been spent, resulting in only minor growth in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF). The government’s lack of fiscal discipline raises questions about the long-term sustainability of our nation’s wealth. APNU criticises the government’s attempts to paint a rosy picture of the NRF’s status while remaining silent about the risks posed by reckless spending.
The partnership argues that without prudent management, future generations may bear the burden of excessive debt linked to this mismanagement. “This is not fiscal stewardship; it is wastefulness, incompetence and corruption masked by selective storytelling,” they state, demanding a more strategic and transparent approach to managing oil wealth.
Furthermore, APNU highlights the serious ramifications of neglecting workers’ rights and the devastating impact on trade unions, asserting that the government has virtually dismantled the structures essential for protecting workers in various sectors. Workers’ grievances, particularly in the mining sector, have fallen on deaf ears. In instances cited by the party, miners face hazardous working conditions, stagnant wages, and a shocking lack of action from the Ministry of Labour.
APNU firmly expresses their support for the workers at Aurora Gold Mines, who endure “unsafe conditions, stagnant wages, and official indifference.” The tragic incident involving miner Joseph Licorish serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of regulatory neglect, underscoring that inadequate enforcement of labour regulations can have fatal repercussions.
Amid rising costs of living, public sector workers have been left reeling, with the promise of salary increases unmet. Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran has publicly questioned the allocation of $19 billion intended for employment costs, which appears to have been diverted without proper parliamentary oversight.
As the cost of basic necessities soars, the government’s failure to support vital workers, including teachers and healthcare professionals, raises ethical questions about priorities and governance. “Campaign promises of a ‘bright Christmas’ quietly evaporated after elections,” laments APNU, suggesting that these empty promises undermine trust and reflect a government more focused on political gain than true equity.
The deteriorating situation is further complicated by national security concerns that APNU believes are being neglected. With threats emerging from across the region, the party is alarmed by the government’s lack of transparency regarding national security risks. “Leadership cannot be outsourced to press statements, nor can national security be governed by ambiguity. Guyanese deserve clarity, preparedness, and truth, not silence,” they assert, urging the government to issue a comprehensive risk assessment that addresses the pressing concerns of the populace.
Additionally, the contentious issue of accepting non-Guyanese deportees has sparked outrage within the party, which staunchly opposes accommodation of individuals rejected by other nations. APNU demands a reconsideration of policy, arguing that accepting such individuals poses risks to social cohesion and societal safety. The party’s logic resonates with many who question the wisdom of importing societal rejectees into our own communities, calling this approach akin to “sending toxic material to another country.”
APNU’s comprehensive critique of the PPP/C Administration’s governance highlights a multitude of failures that collectively threaten the nation’s socio-economic fabric. They underline the critical need for accountability, fiscal responsibility, and a genuine commitment to worker welfare. With growing frustration among citizens facing an insecure future, APNU positions itself as a vocal advocate for transparency and responsible governance, encouraging the government to prioritise the well-being of all Guyanese rather than focusing solely on political expedience.
The essence of APNU’s message is clear: a government that prioritises its political survival over the welfare of its citizens ultimately fails those it is meant to serve. As the nation bears witness to this unfolding crisis, the call for meaningful reform and responsible leadership has never been more urgent. APNU says that it remains unwavering in its commitment to hold the ruling party accountable as the people of Guyana deserve better than the obstinacy and neglect currently observed. History, they note, will judge this administration not merely for its promises, but for its unwavering fidelity to the people of this great nation.
