WPA Calls for Legislative Oversight on Cash Grants Amid Concerns Over Governance

By Mark DaCosta- On November 4, 2024, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) issued a critical statement demanding that the government’s initiative to distribute $100,000 cash grants to voters be subjected to legislative debate and approval. The press release, followed a press conference held by the WPA on the same day.

According to the press release, the WPA firmly believes that significant fiscal policies, such as the proposed cash grants, should be enacted through the National Assembly to ensure transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions. The party references their “Buxton Proposal,” advocating that all cash transfers and grants must receive legislative backing. They assert that such critical financial decisions should not be left to the unilateral discretion of the executive branch, emphasising that parliamentary approval is essential to uphold democratic principles.

Citing Article 217 (4) of Guyana’s constitution, the WPA contends that no public funds should be disbursed without proper legislative authority. They underscore that the cash grant was not included in the 2024 budget. Elder Eusi Kwayana, a prominent figure in the WPA, noted, “To some of my generation… this is an amazing development, not a piece of legislation!”

The press release condemns the government’s decision to proceed with the cash grant distribution without legislative endorsement as indicative of a troubling trend of “executive lawlessness.” The WPA strongly criticises Vice President Jagdeo’s remarks, which suggested that seeking legislative approval would impose burdensome financial constraints on the executive. They label this justification as nonsensical and reflective of Jagdeo’s lack of understanding regarding the relationship between law and economic governance.

In addition to their concerns over the cash grants, the WPA expressed outrage at Vice President Jagdeo’s recent derogatory comments directed at critics of the government, including Elder Kwayana and Professor Clive Thomas. The WPA characterised these remarks as slanderous and unproductive, diverting attention from pressing issues. They took particular exception to Jagdeo’s description of Kwayana as part of a “WPA racial cabal,” an accusation the WPA deems unfounded and offensive. Kwayana has long been an advocate against racial and ethnic injustices, making the VP’s comments all the more egregious in the eyes of the WPA.

The party also rebutted Jagdeo’s claims regarding Professor Thomas, specifically that Thomas was responsible for the closure of sugar estates. They clarified that Thomas, during a Commission of Inquiry, had actually recommended against such closures, which resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs for sugar workers.

The issue of electoral integrity is another critical focus for the WPA, which has historically championed free and fair elections as essential to the nation’s democracy. The party lamented the inadequacies of the electoral system, particularly highlighted by the controversial 2020 elections. They note that the current voters’ list, which nearly matches the total population size, raises serious questions about the validity of future elections. The WPA accuses the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of resisting necessary electoral reforms, such as updating the voters’ list and implementing biometric verification systems to combat voter fraud.

The WPA warns that unless a new, accurate voters’ list is created through fresh registration, political instability could arise. They advocate for a comprehensive audit of GECOM staff to ensure neutrality in the electoral process and suggest that future hiring should be conducted by an independent committee, rather than by GECOM commissioners, to prevent political biases.

Furthermore, the WPA has taken a position on the ongoing discussions regarding the 2016 oil contract, expressing support for a referendum on the matter. However, they assert that any such referendum must also address the equitable distribution of oil revenues and the governance framework for the transitioning petrostate. They argue that these issues are inherently interconnected and should be presented to voters collectively to avoid partisan manipulation.

Lastly, the WPA has shown solidarity with residents of Hogstye-Lancaster, who are protesting against the government’s decision to construct a canal in close proximity to their homes without proper consultation. The party argues that while infrastructural development is important, it should not come at the expense of citizens’ safety and livelihoods. The lack of community engagement in this project mirrors past failures in other areas, such as in Mocha and Peters Hall.

The WPA’s press release articulates a strong call for legislative oversight on cash grants, underlining their commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. The party continues to advocate for the rights of citizens and the necessity of a democratic electoral process, reflecting their dedication to ensuring that all voices in Guyana are heard and respected.