Social commentator GHK Lall has questioned the credibility of the government’s “One Guyana” message, arguing that recent actions—particularly the takeover of 22 municipal streets in Georgetown—undermine claims of unity. Writing in Village Voice News, Lall contends that President Irfaan Ali’s administration is carving “up this society to fulfill its ambitions at control…yet he persists with his pretense about One Guyana,” arguing that “road control, local government control, and total control stand as pillars in the ominous visions of his government.”
The PPP/C government has moved to assume control of dozens of streets in Georgetown, beginning with an initial 22 roads and later expanding the number through additional gazetted orders. The Ministry of Public Works’ action effectively transfers authority from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to central government, including control over key commercial corridors such as Main Street, Water Street and other major routes that generate significant revenue through vending, permits and national events. The move has raised concerns about its impact on local governance, as the city stands to lose both administrative authority and critical income streams, though some argue it may lead to improved maintenance and services.
Lall framed the development as part of a deeper pattern of centralised control, using stark language to describe what he sees as the government’s governing style. “Control, more control, total control is what the PPP leadership lives for,” he wrote, likening its approach to “addicts prowling and stalking for a fix…by whatever means.” He argued that the annexation of key, revenue-generating streets amounts to sidelining City Hall while leaving it with less profitable areas. “From East to West and North to South, most of central GT is about to be under PPP control,” he said, adding that “wherever money and property (and levy) represent rich presences, then is when the addiction of the PPP flares uncontrollably.”
He further suggested that the move reflects a broader strategy of institutional dominance, writing, “Control the police. Control the public service. Control the media…control the mind. Control the narratives. Control the regions. And now, control the biggest town of all, Georgetown.” Lall also accused the government of systematically weakening the municipality through reduced revenues and withheld resources, describing it as an effort “to strangle the patient first, then stick an injection into him to finish the job.”
City Councillor Lelon Saul has also been critical of the move, taking aim at Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and warning that the takeover goes beyond infrastructure management to strike at the heart of local democracy. In comments reported by Village Voice News, Saul described the action as “another effort at economic strangulation of the city,” arguing that removing key revenue-generating streets from the municipality could cripple City Hall financially and even lead to job losses. He accused the government of bypassing consultation and showing “no regard for local government,” further warning that the move signals a broader attempt to erode the local government system and centralise power, describing it as part of a push to “grab…control every space” within the country.
While acknowledging that improvements to infrastructure could be beneficial if done collaboratively, Lall warned that the process raises serious legal and governance concerns. “If I support this move…then I would be endorsing calculated violations of the law by the government. Where does that stop?” he asked. He argued that such actions risk deepening political divisions in an already polarized society, warning that disregard for legal norms and partnership could have wider implications for governance and democratic accountability in Guyana.
