Deeply troubling to see how taxpayers money being handled

May 25, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

On Friday, May 23, 2025, the National Assembly approved $57.5 billion in supplementary funding for the Government to expend on projects under what they have termed an “Expanded Work Program.” Many have expressed disappointment in the Government’s return to the National Assembly for additional funds, just under three months after the approval of the $1.38 trillion national budget on February 3, 2025.

During the consideration of the supplementary appropriation, my colleague, Ms. Volda Lawrence, MP, questioned the matter of overdraft. Instead of responding appropriately, Dr. Ashni Singh, in a display of apparent frustration, failed to provide an answer. Sadly, we also witnessed the Speaker’s continued inaction; he once again failed to reprimand Dr. Singh. In my view, this is not parliamentary democracy, but parliamentary bullyism and dictatorship.

As we examined the funding requests and asked critical questions, the Prime Minister was largely unprepared. In many instances, he had no information to share and instead committed to laying it over later. I must point out that Mr. Phillips has been using this phrase for the past three years, yet he has consistently failed to lay before the National Assembly the contract and relevant documents relating to the sluggish Gas-to-Energy Project. According to Mr. Phillips, that project now appears to be in deep trouble and is likely to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.

Another area of concern for the Opposition is the additional $3 billion sought by the Prime Minister’s Office. Editor, it is worth noting the figures provided during questioning regarding the number of persons registered per region for the $100,000 cash grant. Here is the comparison between the numbers given by Mr. Mark Phillips and GECOM’s official 2020 voters list:

* Region 1: Registered – 20,811 | GECOM – 18,952

* Region 2: Registered – 33,193 | GECOM – 37,979

* Region 3: Registered – 95,351 | GECOM – 100,758

* Region 4: Registered – 274,957 | GECOM – 285,617

* Region 5: Registered – 38,998 | GECOM – 44,663

* Region 6: Registered – 81,076 | GECOM – 99,132

* Region 7: Registered – 16,280 | GECOM – 14,887

* Region 8: Registered – 8,215 | GECOM – 7,431

* Region 9: Registered – 18,651 | GECOM – 17,771

* Region 10: Registered – 29,850 | GECOM – 33,808

A close examination shows clear inflation in Regions 1 and 7 when compared to the voters’ list. This raises serious questions. Were Venezuelans who registered through GECOM’s continuous registration, yet were not on the 2020 list granted access to the $100,000 cash grant? While some discrepancies may be explained by migration or deaths, the inflation is still troubling.

Mr. Phillips was also asked how shut-in individuals would be accommodated. Again, his responses were unhelpful. He was clearly unprepared but, once more, was allowed to speak without challenge.

It is deeply troubling to see how taxpayer money is being handled by this administration. I recall when Mr. Phillips was asked in December 2024 by Ms. Lawrence whether administrative costs were included in the initial $30.5 billion. He said no. However, during the consideration of the $3 billion, we were surprisingly informed that administrative costs were indeed charged against the $61 billion utilized for transportation and other expenses. We were told that $1 billion of that amount covered operational costs, this was a clear indication of either misguidance or a lack of transparency and trustworthiness from the Government side.

Editor, I conclude by reiterating that the Government is using its slim one-seat majority to do as it pleases, without accountability or transparency to the people of Guyana. As renowned columnist Mr. GHK Lall rightly said, “The PPP Government is treating budget supplements like credit cards,” (Village Voice News, May 22, 2025). They simply don’t care.

Yours sincerely,

Annette Ferguson, MP

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