By Mark DaCosta- In a press conference on April 10, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) expressed serious concerns regarding the governance of our nation under the current administration, particularly in light of comments made by U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot. An APNU statement regarding the matters discussed at the press conference, critiques the government’s claims of progress while highlighting pressing issues, including public accountability, infrastructure quality, and the lack of a robust flood management strategy.
The APNU’s press conference and subsequent statement underscores a crucial tension between perceived governmental progress and the ongoing challenges faced by ordinary citizens. While Ambassador Theriot spoke positively of the Ali administration’s infrastructure projects and its approach to oil revenues, the APNU dismissed these assertions, arguing that they overlook significant underlying problems. The party emphasised, “Our conclusion is based on the evidence of everyday life, the increase in poverty, the absence of public accountability,” raising pertinent questions about the trajectory of our nation’s development.
The party challenged the ambassador’s support for a government that has consistently failed to uphold democratic principles, such as providing a reliable voters’ list and implementing necessary electoral reforms. They queried whether the U.S. had forsaken its commitment to democracy by seemingly endorsing an administration that has been labelled as one of the most corrupt globally. The APNU noted alarming reports detailing that, in the latest Global Indices, Guyana scored a mere 40 and ranked 87 out of 180 countries, receiving a C- grade regarding corruption. This performance, they argue, contradicts any claims of moral integrity from international partners.
Moreover, the APNU, in the press conference, voiced concern about the implications of the U.S.’s support for the current regime. They cautioned that “the US does not have permanent friends, only permanent interests,” implying that such backing could undermine our nation’s sovereignty and well-being. The APNU highlighted the re-emergence of U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s oil sector, suggesting that our government should reconsider its foreign policy in response to shifting regional dynamics.
In light of severe flooding that is currently impacting Georgetown and surrounding areas, the APNU accused the government of negligence and incompetence, stating that, “This is a clear case of incompetence.” The party critiqued the government’s reactive measures, including ministerial visits that served more as photo opportunities than genuine governmental accountability. They insisted that, rather than waiting for crises to unfold, a proactive national flood mitigation programme should be in place to protect citizens from the impending May and June rains.
The APNU expressed frustration that essential public services remain inadequate despite substantial financial resources, including over US$761 million in oil revenues during the first quarter of 2026 alone. Furthermore, they highlighted the stark contradiction of the government allocating a combined G$196.1 billion in the national budget towards roads and bridges while failing to manage fundamental infrastructure such as drainage systems effectively. The message was clear: a development agenda based solely on physical infrastructure is insufficient when the daily realities of poverty and instability continue to afflict our people.
In their press conference and statement, the APNU referred to multiple systemic failures within the current administration, emphasising that a mere focus on the volume of spending without coherent strategy does not equate to national progress. They said that “public expenditure spent without a proper plan does not result in everyday human security,” arguing that improvement in the quality of life requires more than just monetary investment, but genuine responsiveness to the needs of citizens.
Additionally, the APNU critiqued the discussions around accepting third-country deportees, asserting that our nation lacks the necessary resources and infrastructure to manage such an initiative effectively. The idea of accommodating foreign criminals while struggling to handle domestic crime was labelled “unacceptable”, illustrating the party’s insistence on prioritising the welfare of Guyanese citizens over external pressures.
Given the distressing statistics surrounding child welfare, with reports of missing children and rising instances of violence, the APNU asserted that “these are not side issues” but rather matters that strike at the foundation of societal stability and development. The party called for urgent, coherent action to safeguard our children and provide necessary protections.
Furthermore, they reiterated the need for a transparent and accountable governance structure, stressing that the changes to the legislation governing the Public Accounts Committee have undermined public scrutiny, leaving a governance gap that threatens the rule of law in our country. The APNU declared, “The erosion of the rule of law in Guyana is off the US radar,” raising fears that international partners may overlook domestic issues in favour of political expediency.
The APNU maintains that the current administration’s narrative of progress is misleading. They champion the need for a government that genuinely prioritises the interests of the Guyanese people, advocating for cohesive policies that translate into tangible benefits. The party reaffirmed its commitment to holding the PPP/C regime accountable, promising to continue voicing the concerns of everyday citizens as they strive for a more just, equitable, and prosperous nation.
As the government continues to navigate these challenging waters, the urgency for effective leadership and meaningful engagement with the people becomes more critical than ever. The APNU’s stance, emphasised at the press conference, serves as a call for enhanced accountability and a recommitment to the values that should underpin democracy.
