Former Mayor of Georgetown and APNU+AFC official, Pt. Ubraj Narine, has issued a public statement accusing the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government of political betrayal and gross neglect, particularly toward the community of Sophia, once earmarked for transformation under an internationally funded development initiative.
At the heart of Narine’s criticism is the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP)—a project initiated during his tenure as mayor and under the previous A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration. The programme, according to Narine, was designed to rehabilitate infrastructure, upgrade housing, and provide key community facilities in areas such as Sophia, aiming to improve urban living standards and social mobility for thousands. The evidence produced below. Narine was city mayor from 1 December 2018 – 6 July 2023.
But following the PPP’s return to office in 2020, Narine said, the project came to a grinding halt.
“Not a single promise made to the people of Sophia under this internationally funded initiative was followed through,” the former mayor declared. “The PPP government has shamelessly turned its back on the very people they now pretend to care for.”
Narine, a former Staff Sergeant in the Guyana Defence Force and Justice of the Peace, called out what he described as the PPP’s pattern of electoral opportunism, accusing the ruling party of only engaging marginalized communities during election cycles, only to neglect them once in power.
“Sophia, and all of Guyana, must wake up to the truth: the PPP doesn’t serve the people—they exploit the people for votes,” he stated.
The AHUAP, which was expected to benefit underprivileged urban communities with improved roads, drainage, sanitation, and low-income housing, was reportedly funded through international sources, making the government’s inaction not only a local issue, but one that raises concerns about Guyana’s credibility in honouring development agreements.
As the September 1 General and Regional Elections approach, Narine’s remarks add to growing public scrutiny of the PPP’s development track record and its delivery, or lack thereof, on promises to historically underserved communities.
“Let us hold them accountable and demand the development we were promised, not empty words during election season,” Narine urged. “Chase the PPP out! Vote the PPP out!”
The PPP/C administration has not publicly responded to the former mayor’s allegations at the time of reporting.
