By Mark DaCosta- The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) raised significant concerns over the current political dysfunction in the country, accusing the government of fostering a climate of division, exclusion, and mismanagement of national resources.
Speaking at a press conference on December 3, 2024, General Secretary Lincoln Lewis highlighted several key issues facing the nation, focusing on the growing tensions between the government and opposition, the management of the country’s newfound oil wealth, the role of the opposition in governance, and the need for greater political and economic inclusion among others.
Lewis’ statement highlighted Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent remarks about excluding the opposition from key decision-making.
Jagdeo had claimed that the opposition’s role in government was conditional on their willingness to cooperate, accusing them of obstructing progress. GTUC vehemently rejected this stance, stressing that such an attitude undermines Guyana’s democratic principles.
In his address, Lewis emphasised that there is no constitutional provision that justifies the exclusion of the opposition from the decision-making processes of the state. He pointed to Article 13 of the Constitution, which mandates an inclusionary democracy.
“Good sense must prevail in this multiethnic and multiparty society,” Lewis stated, urging that Jagdeo’s approach be corrected.
He argued that Guyana is not a one-party state and that the Vice President’s view of governance, which disregards the opposition’s constitutional role, is both arrogant and misplaced. Lewis further asserted that it was not only the government’s duty to respect the opposition but also the opposition’s responsibility to actively challenge poor governance for the benefit of the people.
The GTUC also addressed concerns regarding the country’s newfound wealth, largely driven by oil production, which has made Guyana one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Despite this growth, the union argues that the vast majority of citizens are not benefiting from the boom. “We don’t feel it. We don’t see it. We don’t live it,” Lewis lamented, highlighting the disparity between the country’s wealth and the struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
Although Guyana has earned approximately $5.44 billion from oil sales as of September 2024, much of the population remains in poverty. Lewis pointed out that while some individuals are enjoying luxuries such as expensive cars, the majority of the country’s citizens are still grappling with high living costs, poor infrastructure, and economic exclusion.
“At least two-thirds of the population is relatively poor when compared to our vast wealth,” he noted. This stark contrast is evident in the lack of tangible improvements in public services and infrastructure, with roads in disrepair, poorly constructed buildings, and rising unemployment, especially among the youth.
The government’s cash grant programme, which promised $100,000 to citizens aged 18 and older, was also criticised by the GTUC. The union expressed scepticism about the programme’s effectiveness, fearing that it could be another opportunity for corruption within the system.
Lewis urged for more rigorous oversight and accountability in such schemes, suggesting that the government has failed to implement safeguards to ensure the equitable distribution of funds.
The lack of transparency, he argued, echoes past failings with similar cash grant programmes, which were marred by corruption and mismanagement.
The GTUC emphasised that the opposition must play a more active role in challenging the government, not only through rhetoric but through direct political militancy. Lewis called for a stronger, more vocal opposition that holds the government accountable and stands in solidarity with the people. “The role of the Opposition is not only to make promises about what will happen should they enter government, but also to oppose poor governance and stand with the people to demand better,” he said.
The union also criticised the government for treating the economy as a “hustle economy,” where only the ruthless and corrupt thrive. Lewis warned that unless the political opposition and civil society take a stronger stance against the government’s disregard for the rule of law and the Constitution, the nation risks further marginalisation and social unrest. “If we fail to stand up and assert ourselves against this growing political tyranny, social and economic marginalisation, then we get the government we deserve,” he said.
GTUC’s statement also touched on the state of electoral management in Guyana, specifically the credibility of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Lewis argued that the voters’ list was corrupt and needed urgent reform.
He called for the implementation of biometrics as a measure to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, a move that he believes is long overdue given the numerous reports condemning GECOM’s failure to address issues with the list.
He expressed frustration with GECOM’s inaction, dismissing excuses about cost or constitutional barriers. “Shame on GECOM for presenting excuses why something cannot be done rather than take the lead and tell us how it can be done,” Lewis stated. He underscored that the electoral body must take responsibility for ensuring that the fundamental democratic right of “one man, one vote” is preserved and protected.
Lewis reiterated the need for unity and greater accountability across all levels of governance. He called on Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton to assert his leadership and for President Irfaan Ali to engage more directly with the opposition and civil society, in accordance with his constitutional responsibilities.
He urged the government to move beyond the politics of exclusion and embrace an inclusive approach that truly benefits all citizens, particularly in the face of growing political, social, and economic challenges.
The GTUC’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform, inclusivity, and the responsible management of national resources to ensure that all Guyanese can share in the prosperity of the country. As Lewis aptly put it, “Enough is enough!”
