The High Court has ruled that the Government acted improperly when it discontinued funding to the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly–Guyana (IDPADA-G) in 2022, ordering that the organisation receive the outstanding balance of its annual subvention for the final months of that year.
The ruling, delivered by acting Chancellor Chief Roxane George-Wiltshire, S.C., concludes a legal battle that began after the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration halted monthly payments to the organisation in September 2022 following public allegations concerning its governance and management of public funds. The subvention was instituted by the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change coalition government.
IDPADA-G was established in 2017 as Guyana’s coordinating body to implement the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024), an initiative centred on the principles of Recognition, Justice and Development.
The Decade- which has been extended- seeks to promote the social, cultural, economic and political advancement of people of African descent while combating racial discrimination and encouraging equal participation in national development. Since its establishment, IDPADA-G has undertaken programmes in education, entrepreneurship, youth development, cultural preservation and community empowerment.
The organisation received annual government subventions under the former APNU+AFC administration and continued to receive funding after the PPP/C returned to office in August 2020. However, the Government discontinued the subvention during 2022 after accusing the organisation of failing to satisfy concerns about accountability and governance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, IDPADA-G said the Court found that the Government had acted improperly in “abruptly terminating funding” and ordered that the remaining monthly subventions due for 2022 be paid.
The organisation noted that Chief Justice George acknowledged the considerable delay in delivering her judgment and apologised to the parties.
“The ruling brings closure to a matter that has been of significant concern to IDPADA-G and to many members of the Guyanese public who have followed the case closely,” the statement said.
The dispute erupted after senior PPP government officials, including Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, questioned IDPADA-G’s management of public funds and accused the organisation of political partisanship. The Government subsequently ceased disbursing the monthly allocation and later indicated that funds intended for programmes benefiting people of African descent would instead be channelled directly to community organisations.
IDPADA-G rejected the allegations, maintaining that it had submitted the required financial reports and audits and arguing that the withdrawal of funding was unlawful. The organisation challenged the decision in the High Court.
Welcoming Wednesday’s decision, IDPADA-G said the outstanding monies are needed to settle obligations incurred after funding ceased.
“Payment of the remainder of the 2022 subvention essentially represents outstanding debts to our employees, grantees, and service providers,” the organisation stated.
It added that it now looks forward to the Government “honouring and expeditiously implementing the Court’s ruling,” enabling it to fulfil its outstanding commitments and provide relief to “the individuals and communities that have borne significant hardship as a consequence of the discontinuation of the subvention.”
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the objectives of the UN Decade.
“Throughout this period, IDPADA-G has continued its work despite significant challenges and remains committed to constructive engagement in the national interest,” it said.
IDPADA-G also expressed gratitude to its legal team, supporters and partner organisations, while expressing hope that the judgment reinforces the importance of respecting democratic institutions and safeguarding civil society.
“As Guyana continues its journey toward greater inclusion, equity, and national development, IDPADA-G hopes that this matter serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting democratic institutions, safeguarding civil society, and ensuring that all citizens and organisations are treated fairly under the law,” the statement said.
The Government has not yet indicated whether it will comply immediately with the ruling or seek to appeal the decision.
