APNU challenges U.S. Ambassador’s narrative on Guyana’s development

Apr 11, 2026 News

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…says progress claims mask deeper governance failures

(Kaieteur News) – The A Partnership for National Unity has rejected United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot’s assessment of Guyana’s development trajectory, arguing that infrastructure expansion alone cannot be used as a measure of good governance.

Coalition chairman Aubrey Norton said the government is promoting a “simplistic narrative” that equates roads, bridges, and other visible projects with national progress, while deeper issues of accountability, transparency, and social welfare remain unresolved.

At a press conference on Friday, Norton addressed the American envoy’s praise of the PPP government’s scale of infrastructure works across the country, its use of oil revenues for major projects, and her assertion that improved roads and connectivity will better the personal circumstances of Guyanese citizens. He reminded that it was U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio who criticised the US$65 million Heroes Highway as poorly built, describing it as a “concussion road.”

“Nothing has changed since…APNU rejects any simplistic narrative that equates visible infrastructure with good governance,” Norton said.

He further noted that while APNU welcomes the support of the US government for the legitimate concerns of the Guyanese people, it finds it unfortunate that the ambassador appears to support a government that continues to refuse to deliver voter biometrics and a clean voters’ list, and has failed to implement recommendations for electoral reform put forward by international observer groups.

“We ask the question; has the US government abandoned its desire to see the back of corruption by supporting a government categorised by reputable transparency and accountability international agencies as one of the most corrupt in the world? The Latest Global Indices (2023–2025) noted on Guyana Effectiveness Report that Guyana scores 40 and is ranked 87 out of 180 countries and is given a C- grade on corruption,” Norton stated.

He added that APNU has no doubt about the diplomatic experience of the United States, but respectfully submitted that foreign diplomats should not appear to validate an incumbent administration in a way that dismisses legitimate concerns.

“We in the APNU state without fear of contradiction that the PPP/C regime does not work in the interest of the people of Guyana. Our conclusion is based on the evidence of everyday life, the increase in poverty, the absence of public accountability, the infrequent convening of the National Assembly and the paucity of positive national outcomes,” Norton said.

He also argued that the government has diminished public accountability by changing legislation governing the Public Accounts Committee, resulting in little or no scrutiny of public spending.

“Has the US government removed accountability as an essential element of good governance? We hope not,” he added.

Moreover, he stressed that while roads and bridges are important, the government should not be allowed to continue promoting a theory of development in which physical infrastructure alone is treated as proof of national progress, even as elevated levels of poverty persist.

“The same week that the US Ambassador was making her comments, Guyanese were dealing with serious flooding in Georgetown and surrounding communities. A government that cannot keep communities better protected ahead of the rainy season cannot simply ask the nation to admire concrete and asphalt,” Norton said.

He also pointed to extrajudicial killings by the Guyana Police Force and the unfulfilled commitment by the president to have these matters investigated.

Additionally, Norton referenced global indices which show that Guyana scores 0.3, is ranked 110, and is given a C-grade in relation to upholding the rule of law.

“The US must know that Guyana is currently ruled by an ‘elected’ dictatorship that does not govern based on the rule of law. The PPP/C cannot claim a coherent people-centered agenda when human development concerns are so acute. Local reporting this week pointed to 11 children missing in just two months, while UNICEF says Guyana’s child protection system handled 4,069 violence-related cases involving children in 2024. These are not side issues. They go to the core of whether development is reaching families, protecting children, and strengthening social systems,” Norton added.

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• Aubrey Norton, good governance, Guyana’s development, Nicole Theriot

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