Shifting sands in Guyana's politics

Shifting sands in Guyana’s politics

Oct 14, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali reminded Guyanese that, “leadership is not about power or prestige but about service and sacrifice.” As the successful incumbent PPP/C government at the recently concluded Regional and General Elections held on 1^st September 2025, the President has mixed, matched and maneuvered ministerial management as cabinet administrators.

The 13^th Parliament is yet to be called but all the ministers are up and running and the same is expected of the recently appointed regional councilors. Will they be tasked with changing the image of public concerns, complaints and chagrins? This new five-year term of PPP/C management is crucial and they can ill-afford déjà vu to be on the menu.

As the newly appointed Local Government and Regional Development Minister, the Honorable Priya Manickchand is saddled with harnessing the RDC’s, NDC’s and the Municipalities to create “models of good governance and service” to ensure that, “national priorities are translated into tangible benefits for citizens.”

For too long this has been a sore and sour situation which has stigmatised the urban and rural areas where, “shared commitment to the people’s welfare, and to the advancement of the region as a whole,” has been found wanting and lacking. The Minister wants to know, “where they (RDC/NDC) work, where they don’t and why…”

The tough, robust and no-nonsense minister is mandated with a rigorous schedule for the next five years to execute much needed changes. The lackadaisical attitude, lack of initiatives, the absence of proactive interests, poor public relations, and unheeded responses are some of the minimal ineptitudes which are worrisome for immediate engagement and eradication.

His Excellency, Dr. Ali, urged public officers who are servants to the people of Guyana to “remain mindful that public office is not a prize to be enjoyed, but a trust to be honoured.” Blue- and white-collar crimes have become cancerous in all communities in all the regions. Corruption has criminalised the provider and receiver and enhancements and enticements have encouraged inducements for “expedited efficiency.”

In his inaugural address after being sworn in office for a second term, President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasised, “Every official will be required to account for their personal assets and anyone who cannot do so will face the full force of the law. We will pursue both the corrupted and the corrupters, leaving no room for impunity.” With a people-centric transformative roadmap for Guyana, all anti-corruption agencies will have a full-time job tasked to confirm transparency and accountability for efficiency, fairness and credibility of the public service.

Interesting days and nightmares are ahead for the Public Accounts Committee and the PNC with Chairman of the PAC, Jermaine Figueira resigning from the PNC and APNU becoming the Minority Opposition after winning only 12 seats. WIN captured 16 seats to unshackle the reign from the PNC to become the Leader of the Opposition.

This will be the first time in the history of Guyana’s Parliament that another party other than the PPP and the PNC will occupy that seat! Who will head the PAC? The PNC is already refusing to step down from GECOM as the three Opposition Commissioners. PPP/C and PNC have outsmarted WIN to keep them out from regional leadership in Regions 8 and 10.

Guyana’s politics and policies are experiencing shifting sands as the boat is being rocked by an unfriendly sea of challengers. Time and tide will be tampered with temptation, intimidation and solicitation. But President Ali cautioned Guyanese that, “it is through humility, empathy and integrity that true leadership is defined.”

Will Guyanese leadership be molded by this advice?

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

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