Unity must never be based on convenience but on necessity

Apr 01, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

We have serious problems in this country, and it’s time we work together to fix them. Unity must never be based on convenience but on necessity. We cannot unite solely on the Venezuela/Guyana border controversy while ignoring domestic issues, as the two are intrinsically linked. Basic services like education, health, water and electricity are inadequate, non-existent, poor, or not within the reach of the ordinary man.

For instance, billions were wasted on the GOAL Programme while local institutions like Critchlow Labour College, the University of Guyana, Cyril Potter College of Education, and nursing schools receive little or nothing, and some are even closed.

The underinvestment in public health care is evident, with the government opting to send citizens to private hospitals while taxpayers’ money funnels into the private sector instead of improving public facilities. In some cases, patients are seen at public hospitals and then redirected to private ones for surgeries. This system undermines public healthcare and exacerbates inequality.

We face grave challenges and can no longer leave it solely to politicians to determine what’s best for us, especially when they don’t prioritise the creation of a just and inclusive society. We must not remain silent or complicit in the face of wrongdoings, hoping for a few crumbs from the table when we deserve a fair share.

Workers- past, present and potential- are struggling in the world’s fastest-growing economy. Many cannot afford three nutritious meals a day, go hungry, or know someone who does. This is unacceptable in 2025! The focus should not solely be on building new roads and bridges but on ensuring decent wages, salaries, and pensions that reflect the cost of living. To address these concerns, we must demand the following:

Legislation for Article 13, as outlined in the Constitution of Guyana: Ensure inclusive democracy with more opportunities for citizen participation in decision-making, especially in areas directly affecting their well-being.
Establishment of Constitutional Commissions: To foster greater accountability and transparency.
Legislation for Power Devolution: To empower regional and local governments, allowing meaningful involvement at all levels as outlined in Articles 75 and 76 in the Constitution of Guyana.
Inclusive National Budget: Appropriation Bills should be passed with at least 60% approval from elected Members to promote inclusive democracy and cross-party cooperation.
Affirmative Action Legislation: Establish equity in employment, public contracts, education, and socio-economic resources.
Direct Oil Benefit/Cash Transfers: Implement structured cash transfers through social programmes guided by the World Bank’s main objectives to alleviate poverty and improve quality of life.
Eliminate/Lower Income Tax (PAYE): Eliminate/lower PAYE taxes and restore allowances for children. Introduce monthly grants for those 18 and older, with educational conditionalities.
Unemployment Benefits: Create an unemployment fund to support those between jobs, ensuring a basic standard of living. Activate the National Insurance Scheme (NIS ) Unemployment Regulation.
Expanded School Meal Programme: Provide balanced meals to all public-school children, from nursery to secondary level.
Improve Medical Services: Build fully equipped referral hospitals in all regions with trauma centers and diagnostic facilities. Increase investment in preventative care, including annual health checkups.
Reduce Utility Costs: Lower electricity, transportation, and gas prices. Reintroduce public transportation to create competition and help the vulnerable access services.
Property Improvement Support: Provide interest-free or low-interest loans to property owners for home improvements and beautification of communities.
Strengthen National Insurance Scheme (NIS): Address the NIS deficit to safeguard workers’ income and provide vital benefits for industrial injury, sickness, old age, and death.

In the face of grave deprivations, workers/citizens must unite and challenge the Government and Opposition to work in our interest. For a threat to one is a threat to all, and solidarity must be demonstrated through action.

It is ridiculous that in the world’s fastest-growing economy, we are facing growing poverty, homelessness and eroding real wages. We all share the same conditions—weather, air, and daily struggles—and must come together to ensure a bright future for all, not just the few at the top.

The future of Guyana must be one of equity and opportunity for all its people. This isn’t just about economic growth, but creating a society where no one is left behind. We must not allow the wealth of our nation to be pillaged by the few, creating two separate Guyanas: one for the privileged and one for the rest. This is not the path to peace, prosperity, or real development.

Regards,

Lincoln Lewis