Contractors who spoke with Village Voice News on the condition of anonymity have alleged that businesses and individuals perceived to be associated with the political opposition are routinely denied government opportunities and effectively blacklisted from public contracts. The contractors’ claims, contained in a recent conversation with this publication, raise troubling questions about fairness, economic inclusion, and whether political affiliation is becoming a prerequisite for participation in Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy.
One contractor alleged that despite repeatedly submitting proposals and making inquiries over several years, opportunities never materialized. He further claimed that he was informed, directly and indirectly, that persons considered to be aligned with the opposition were being denied work.
These are serious allegations that have not been independently verified. However, they raise questions that deserve public discussion.
Another stated that, “In every democracy, citizens are entitled to support whichever political party they choose. Political affiliation should never determine whether a citizen can secure employment, win a contract, or participate in economic development.
Opposition supporters are taxpayers too.
They pay VAT, income taxes, duties, and business fees. Their companies employ workers and contribute to the economy. Their taxes help fund the roads, schools, housing projects, and infrastructure being built across Guyana.”
The question this reporter asked is why then should their political beliefs determine whether they can participate in the opportunities created by those same public funds?
The issue is even more significant because Guyana is experiencing an unprecedented construction and infrastructure boom. The country is spending billions of dollars on roads, bridges, housing schemes, schools, hospitals, and sea defense projects. Contractors and skilled workers are reportedly in short supply. Considering this reality, why would any government intentionally narrow the pool of available contractors and exclude competent businesses based on perceived political affiliations?
If the allegations are true, the consequences are severe.
First, it undermines confidence in the procurement system. Businesses stop believing that merit matters and begin to believe that political loyalty is the price of admission.
Second, it raises costs. Less competition generally means poorer value for taxpayers and can increase the risk of inefficiency and favoritism.
Third, it deepens social divisions. Nothing is more damaging to national unity than the belief that some citizens are treated as second-class participants in their own economy.
Another contractor eloquently noted that, “No nation can reach its full potential by suppressing the talents and contributions of a section of its people. No democracy can thrive when citizens believe they are punished for supporting the “wrong” political party. And no government can credibly champion the ideal of “One Guyana” if significant numbers of citizens feel economically excluded because of their political associations.”
The allegations made by these contractor should therefore not be dismissed. They should instead prompt a broader national conversation about transparency, fairness, and equal access to opportunity. If the claims are unfounded, they should be disproven through openness and evidence. If there are weaknesses in the procurement system, they should be corrected. And if discrimination exists, it should be investigated and addressed.
Government contracts are funded by the taxes of all Guyanese. They are not party assets. They are not political rewards. Every qualified Guyanese, regardless of race, geography, or political affiliation, should have an equal opportunity to participate in building this country’s future.
