Dear Editor,
I write as a concerned citizen who believes deeply in the promise of Guyana and the importance of trust, transparency, and cooperation in our national life.
Between November 18 and December 16, 2025, the Government withdrew $18,821,223,636 from the Contingencies Fund during a period when the National Assembly was not convened. As a result, substantial public spending took place without parliamentary engagement.
It is widely understood that the Contingencies Fund exists to address urgent national needs, and it is not unreasonable to assume that the government acted with the intention of keeping the country functioning smoothly. However, Parliament remains a central pillar of our democracy, and its role in oversight and accountability helps ensure that public confidence is maintained, especially when large sums of public funds are involved.
When parliamentary scrutiny is absent, even temporarily, it can leave citizens with questions—not out of hostility, but out of a desire to understand how national resources are being managed on their behalf. Transparency and open communication are essential in bridging that gap and strengthening trust between the state and the people.
As Guyana continues to develop and transform, our greatest strength will be the integrity of our institutions and the shared commitment of leaders and citizens to democratic values. Our young people, in particular, deserve to inherit a country where governance is not only effective, but open, inclusive, and accountable.
This is not written in a spirit of accusation or division, but as a respectful appeal for clarity and reassurance. A clear explanation regarding the use of these funds and the absence of parliamentary engagement during this period would go a long way in reinforcing public trust and national unity.
Nation-building is a collective effort, and it flourishes best where transparency, dialogue, and mutual respect guide our actions.
Yours faithfully,
Lorenzo Joseph
United Workers Party (UWP)
Activist
Region 10
