PNCR/APNU Slams ‘Presidential Excess’ Amid Widespread Poverty, Questions Govt Priorities

In a strongly worded statement, the opposition condemned what it described as a growing disconnect between the privileges enjoyed by political office holders and the daily struggles of citizens, many of whom continue to face poverty despite Guyana’s unprecedented oil wealth.

The criticism comes amid public debate over proposed amendments to the law governing benefits for current and former presidents. The bill seeks to remove existing limitations on presidential benefits and facilities, effectively allowing future presidents to receive uncapped state-funded benefits and privileges in addition to pensions and other entitlements.

According to APNU, the proposal is particularly troubling given recent findings by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). In its 2025 report, the IDB estimated that approximately 58% of Guyana’s population lives in poverty, while 38% live in abject poverty. Local economists and social analysts have argued that those figures may in fact be higher due to weaknesses in national data collection and challenges in accurately measuring living conditions across the country.

Against that backdrop, APNU said the Government’s priorities are misplaced.

“The PNCR/APNU are deeply concerned about the growing disconnect between the extravagant benefits enjoyed by the political elite and the harsh realities faced by ordinary Guyanese citizens.“

The opposition added:

“At a time when reports continue to indicate that approximately 38% of Guyanese live in conditions of poverty or significant economic hardship, the Government has once again demonstrated that its priorities are fundamentally misplaced. Instead of focusing its efforts on lifting vulnerable families out of poverty, improving public services, and reducing the cost of living, it continues to devote substantial public resources to enhancing the benefits and privileges of those already occupying the highest offices in the land.”

The party argued that while Guyana has become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies due to oil production, many citizens continue to struggle with rising food prices, inadequate housing, poor drainage and infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare and educational challenges.

“For thousands of Guyanese, daily life remains a struggle. Families continue to grapple with rising food prices, inadequate housing, poor drainage and infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare, and educational challenges. Pensioners struggle to make ends meet on fixed incomes. Young people continue to face uncertainty despite the country’s unprecedented oil wealth. Rural and hinterland communities remain underserved and neglected.”

According to PNCR/APNU, the issue extends beyond the cost of presidential benefits and speaks to the broader question of governance and leadership.

“This is not merely a question of finances; it is a question of priorities, values, and leadership.”

The debate over presidential benefits has deep political roots. In 2009, the PPP/C administration enacted legislation granting extensive benefits and facilities to former presidents. In 2013, then President Donald Ramotar vetoed an opposition-backed bill that sought to cap those benefits. Two years later, the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government moved to significantly reduce the package by passing the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2015, with then Finance Minister Winston Jordan describing the existing arrangement as a “vulgar” burden on taxpayers.

PNCR/APNU contended that any discussion about expanding benefits for presidents must be viewed against the backdrop of widespread poverty and economic insecurity.

“The PNCR/APNU believes that any discussion regarding enhanced benefits for current or former presidents must be considered within the broader context of the living conditions of ordinary Guyanese. A nation cannot claim to be advancing prosperity for all while a significant portion of its population continues to live in poverty and economic insecurity.“

The opposition said the Government’s actions have reinforced a perception that it has become detached from the concerns of ordinary citizens.

“The lavish lifestyle enjoyed by a privileged political class stands in stark contrast to the conditions experienced by market vendors, public servants, sugar workers, pensioners, farmers, and small business owners.”

The coalition further argued that Guyana’s oil revenues make the issue even more difficult to justify.

“What makes this situation even more troubling is that Guyana is currently experiencing unprecedented revenues from its oil and gas sector. Never before has the country possessed such financial resources. Yet, despite this wealth, many communities continue to suffer from flooding caused by inadequate drainage systems, schools require repairs, health facilities remain under-resourced, and local democratic organs struggle to access basic funding.“

Posing what it said is a question increasingly being asked by citizens, PNCR/APNU stated:

“If the country can afford greater benefits for its political leaders, why can it not do more for the citizens who generate the nation’s wealth and bear the burden of its development?“

The party maintained that Guyana’s growing revenues should be directed first toward poverty reduction, job creation, affordable housing, healthcare, education and community infrastructure.

“Leadership is not measured by the privileges it accumulates but by the sacrifices it makes to improve the lives of its citizens.“

Calling on the PPP/C administration to abandon what it described as a “culture of excess and self-interest,” PNCR/APNU said Guyanese deserve a government that places the welfare of citizens above political privilege and ensures that the benefits of the country’s oil wealth reach the wider population rather than a select few.