Dear Editor,
As we stand on the cusp of a new year, 2025, it’s impossible to ignore the looming shadow of the upcoming general elections. The political landscape is already heating up, and as we inch closer to elections, we must brace ourselves for what is sure to come. The current government, led by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), seems poised to unleash a slew of tactics designed to secure their grip on power.
One of the first signs of what lies ahead is the likely increase in the 2025 national budget. The PPP, aware of the critical need for public approval ahead of the elections, will likely make sweeping financial promises, all while lining the pockets of those who will ensure their victory. The increase in government spending will likely see contracts awarded with little regard for transparency or accountability. This is not governance for the people but rather a scheme to feed the political machine in the form of cronyism and reckless spending.
Coupled with this will be the distribution of cash grants—an old but effective tool to curry favour with the electorate. The government will prioritize these payouts, using taxpayers’ money as a vehicle to buy votes. The effect is clear: the PPP will seek to buy loyalty rather than earn it, ensuring that when the elections roll around, those with short memories will be swayed by temporary handouts.
However, the situation for ordinary Guyanese citizens will not be as rosy as it seems. As these political manoeuvres unfold, the cost of living will continue to rise. The inflationary pressures that have plagued the nation will only worsen as the economy becomes further distorted by populist policies meant to bolster the PPP’s power. The average citizen will feel the burden most acutely, with rising prices on basic goods and services and the dream of a better life slipping further out of reach.
In the midst of all of this, we must not ignore the actions—or lack thereof—at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Chairman, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, continues to drag her feet in ensuring a credible electoral process. With a bloated voter list and little movement on key electoral reforms, GECOM remains entrenched in inertia. Justice Singh’s failure to act, her evident slumber in the face of growing concerns, serves only to undermine the very integrity of our democracy. As we head toward election year, the question must be asked: Can we trust an election conducted under these conditions?
Today, I call upon all my fellow Guyanese citizens—let us stand together, united in our determination to ensure that we do not succumb to a corrupt and inept government. The PPP’s grip on power is weakening, but it will not go down without a fight. Now is the time for action, for awareness, and for a commitment to safeguarding the future of our country. We must demand better: better leadership, better governance, and better integrity from those who hold positions of power.
As we enter the New Year, let us take a stand. Let us hold accountable those who have squandered our resources and abused their power. Let us stand together for a Guyana that is free from corruption, free from political manipulation, and, above all, free to choose its future with fairness and dignity. The clock is ticking, and our time to act is now.
Sincerely,
Pt. Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt. (GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown
