By Mark DaCosta- In a blistering indictment of the government’s economic record, Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), has declared that the latest national budget offers nothing for the country’s most vulnerable citizens, stating the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration of presiding over unprecedented oil wealth while failing to secure a living wage, ease the rising cost of living, or reverse deepening inequality—an indictment made even more stark against findings highlighted in the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report on persistent poverty in Guyana
Lewis contests the PPP’s claims regarding the 2025 Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report, which states that over half of our country’s population lives in poverty. He admonishes the government for attempting to obfuscate the issue by blaming the previous administration, led by the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), for poverty rates. He argues that this narrative detracts from the historical context of poverty and the PPP’s own long tenure in power. “Those at the bottom were either ignored outright or tossed a few paltry pittances,” Lewis notes, asserting that the budget represents more of the same empty promises, rather than any meaningful change.
Pointing to the PPP’s lengthy governance of over three decades and its management of an oil-rich economy since 2019, he claims that they have a responsibility to ensure that the wealth derived from oil benefits all citizens, not just a select few. “Guyana has earned over US$8.25 billion in cumulative oil revenues,” he says, drawing attention to the disappointing concentration of wealth that leaves many in dire economic straits. The severe depreciation of the Guyanese dollar, exacerbated under the current administration, has contributed to diminishing purchasing power for workers. Dr. Terrence Campbell’s assertion that the exchange rate now stands at approximately G$240 to US$1 serves to illustrate the extent of the economic pressures faced by the average citizen.
The plight of the African Guyanese community, in particular, has not improved amid the country’s increasing wealth. Lewis references the United Nations’ extension of the International Decade for People of African Descent, which highlights the persistent disparities faced by this ethnic group. He questions what concrete actions have been taken by the government to fulfil the UN directive, which calls for enhanced economic, social, cultural, and political inclusion. “What has the Government of Guyana done to advance this directive?” he demands, echoing the frustrations of countless individuals who have experienced exclusion.
This inequity is underscored by numerous reports documenting the struggles of African Guyanese. Lewis poignantly recounts the narrative of Dorwain Bess, who faced economic deprivation despite his significant contributions to the burgeoning oil sector. He points out that many African-owned businesses opt for silence or political allegiance rather than advocating for their communities. “Some have allowed themselves to become political props,” he states, cautioning that this behaviour erodes the collective fight against inequality. His message is clear: individual survival cannot come at the expense of the community’s struggle for justice.
Moreover, Lewis leverages historical context to emphasise that resistance to marginalisation is not a new phenomenon in our nation. The struggles of African Guyanese, he argues, are intertwined with broader civil rights movements throughout history. It is vital for this fight to be inclusive, drawing on allies from various backgrounds to dismantle the structures of oppression. “From slavery to indentureship, from independence to the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, progress has always involved principled allies,” he states, pushing for unity and solidarity against injustice.
In light of the systemic issues affecting the African community, he insists on the imperative of inclusionary democracy and shared governance, as enshrined in our Constitution. Lewis calls for a collective push towards ensuring that voices from all societal sectors are represented, urging citizens to reject complacency in the face of injustice. “This struggle requires all hands on deck,” he proclaims, underscoring the interconnectedness of all Guyanese in the fight for equity.
The future of our nation, Lewis argues, hinges on our ability to confront not just external forces, but also those within our ranks who perpetuate division for personal gain. The fight against injustice, he asserts, must remain fundamental, transcending political affiliations. Our collective struggle for dignity and rights must not falter, particularly when betrayal comes from those originally perceived as allies.
Lewis’ analysis rings alarmingly true as we look ahead, with the promise of oil wealth becoming overshadowed by the realities of increasing poverty and disillusionment among citizens. As the poverty statistics continue to paint a grim picture, the question of accountability remains paramount. Through his passionate advocacy, Lincoln Lewis calls upon all Guyanese to rise together, demanding true representation and justice in our society. The pressing question of economic equity lingers: will the government heed this urgent call for action, or will the cries of the marginalised continue to fall on deaf ears?
