The Cost-of-Living Crisis Requires More Than Fare Announcements 

Dear Editor,

I write with deep concern regarding the recent public announcements made by Minister Juan Edghill concerning the proposed fare structure for minibus operators across Guyana.

While any discussion aimed at easing the burden on citizens is important, several serious questions arise which the government must answer honestly and transparently.

First and foremost, was the Minibus Association properly consulted before these announcements were made? Were operators, route representatives, and stakeholders given a genuine opportunity to engage in dialogue on the realities affecting the transportation sector today? Or was this another unilateral decision made by the government without meaningful consultation with those directly impacted?

The transportation sector, like every other sector in Guyana, has been severely affected by the rising cost of living. Fuel prices remain high. The cost of spare parts, tyres, maintenance, insurance, permits, and general operational expenses continues to increase. Many minibus operators struggle daily to maintain their vehicles while trying to provide a service to the public and sustain their families.

It is therefore troubling that the government appears quick to pressure minibus operators regarding fare adjustments, while remaining silent on the skyrocketing prices consumers face elsewhere in the economy.

Has the government called on shop owners to reduce the prices of groceries and basic food items? Have farmers been instructed to lower their prices at markets? Have utility providers, contractors, supermarkets, or other service providers been publicly pressured to reduce their charges considering the economic hardships facing citizens? The answer is clearly no.

The reality is that the cost of living in Guyana continues to rise under the current administration. Ordinary citizens are paying more for transportation, food, rent, utilities, healthcare, and education-related expenses. Yet, instead of addressing the broader economic pressures affecting all Guyanese, the government seems focused on selectively targeting one sector. This approach is neither balanced nor fair.

What Minister Edghill should truly be concerned about is the slothful pace at which several government construction projects are progressing across the country, rather than making pronouncements on fare structures without addressing the wider economic realities affecting citizens and service providers alike.

He should address the incomplete works at Princess Street and other locations, and explain to the Guyanese people how his government intends to recover taxpayers’ money paid to delinquent contractors who have failed to honour their contractual obligations; many of whom appear to be closely aligned with the PPP/C.

At a time when taxpayers’ money is being wasted through delays, poor oversight, and unfinished projects, the government cannot expect citizens and transportation providers alone to absorb the economic pressures affecting the country.

If the government is genuinely concerned about the welfare of citizens, then there must be a comprehensive national strategy to address inflation and the rising cost of living across all sectors, not selective pronouncements aimed at minibus operators alone.

Public transportation operators are not enemies of the people. They too are Guyanese citizens trying to survive under difficult economic circumstances. Consultation, fairness, and economic reality must guide any policy discussion relating to fares and transportation services.

The people of Guyana deserve transparency, consistency, and meaningful engagement — not political optics.

Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson