Democratic accountability is not sustained by institutions alone; it requires active civic engagement

Apr 30, 2026 Letters

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Dear Editor,

I write as a concerned Guyanese citizen, deeply troubled by the state of governance and public accountability in our beloved nation. While it is evident that infrastructure development has accelerated in recent years, there is a growing and troubling perception, supported by observable outcomes that corruption, weak oversight, and poor contract management continue to undermine these efforts.

The Ministry of Public Works has consistently highlighted the expansion of roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure over the past five years. Indeed, budgetary allocations to the sector have increased significantly, with capital expenditure on public infrastructure rising into the tens of billions of Guyana dollars annually, supported by oil revenues and external financing. However, the critical issue is not the scale of investment, but the efficiency, transparency, and accountability associated with these projects.

Several high-profile projects raise legitimate concerns. The government complex at Haags Bosch Backlands Road, reportedly valued in excess of G$8.7 billion—remains largely incomplete, with visible progress limited primarily to structural steelworks. Similarly, the Princess Street road expansion project (from High Street to Cemetery Road) has stalled following the termination of the contractor, Platinum Investments Inc., highlighting deficiencies in procurement, contractor vetting, and enforcement mechanisms. The Sussex Street upgrade (from St. Stephen’s Street to Mandela Avenue) also appears to be experiencing delays, with limited on-site activity observed over extended periods.

These examples are not isolated. The recurring pattern of stalled or delayed projects suggests systemic weaknesses in public sector project management. According to reports from the Auditor General’s Office in recent years, there have been persistent findings of contract overruns, breaches of procurement procedures, and inadequate supervision of works. Such findings underscore the need for stronger institutional oversight and enforcement.

The fundamental question therefore arises: who is being held accountable? The Ministry of Public Works, as the executing agency, bears responsibility for contract administration and ensuring value for money. Yet, the apparent lack of visible sanctions against non-performing contractors raises concerns about impunity within the system. Furthermore, the role of the Auditor General and the Public Procurement Commission must be strengthened to ensure timely audits, enforcement of penalties, and greater transparency in public reporting.

The financial implications are significant. With Guyana’s rapidly expanding fiscal space driven largely by petroleum revenues, public investment has increased dramatically. The 2026 national budget, for example, exceeds G$1 trillion, with a substantial portion allocated to infrastructure. Without robust accountability mechanisms, there is a real risk that inefficiencies, waste, and potential corruption will erode the developmental impact of these resources.

Historically, Guyana has experienced similar challenges with major public projects. The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project (which exceeded its initial budget of approximately US$110 million and faced operational difficulties), the fibre optic cable initiative, and the One Laptop Per Family programme all illustrate the consequences of weak planning, oversight, and execution. These experiences should have informed a more disciplined and accountable approach to contemporary investments, including the ongoing Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, which itself has attracted public scrutiny regarding costs, timelines, and governance arrangements.

Equally concerning is the apparent public apathy surrounding these issues. Democratic accountability is not sustained by institutions alone; it requires active civic engagement. Silence, whether borne of fatigue or disillusionment, only serves to entrench the status quo. It is therefore imperative that Guyanese demand greater accountability from elected officials and public institutions. Transparency in procurement, strict enforcement of contractual obligations, timely publication of audit findings, and consequences for non-performance must become the norm rather than the exception. The nation’s resources belong to its people, and their stewardship must reflect the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.

If we fail to act collectively, we risk bequeathing to future generations not a legacy of development, but one of squandered opportunity. Guyana stands at a pivotal moment in its history; whether it succeeds will depend not only on the resources it possesses, but on the governance systems it upholds.

Yours faithfully,

Annette Ferguson

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• Annette Ferguson, Democratic accountability, Letters

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