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As the cost of living continues to soar in Guyana, the call for a comprehensive social safety net has never been more urgent. Member of Parliament, Hon. Amanza Walton-Desir, who first made this call in 2022, reiterates the dire need to support the poorest and most vulnerable citizens amidst rising food prices and economic uncertainty. The average Guyanese struggles to afford two balanced meals a day, with basic food items tripling in price since the beginning of the year. Walton-Desir’s call for a robust social protection system, which was relevant in 2022, remains critically important today.
The Bank of Guyana in 2022 indicated that the cost of living is expected to double by year-end, exacerbating the already challenging economic environment for many Guyanese. Over the last two years, the population has faced continuous trials and tribulations, with the recent forecast adding to their burden. Walton-Desir criticized the current government’s approach of distributing one-off cash grants to select groups as unsustainable and indicative of poor long-term strategic planning. She emphasizes that this piecemeal approach fails to address the systemic issues that contribute to economic hardship.
Walton-Desir argues that the government’s strategy lacks a cohesive and long-term vision for Guyana’s development. The fragmented and capricious nature of current social protection measures fails to address the underlying issues faced by the populace. Instead of relying on temporary fixes and political gimmickry, there is a pressing need for President Ali to focus on developing a comprehensive and adaptive social protection system that serves all Guyanese, regardless of race or political affiliation. Her message from 2022 about the need for strategic planning and effective governance remains pertinent.
The proposed social safety net should protect poor and vulnerable households from economic shocks, natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change. It must be responsive and flexible to meet the evolving needs of the population. Despite recommendations from the APNU/AFC for such a system, the current administration has dismissed these proposals without presenting viable alternatives. This lack of action is pushing Guyana towards a dangerous divide between the haves and have-nots. Walton-Desir is the government to recognize the quiet desperation of poor and working-class Guyanese and to implement policies that provide consistent and reliable support. She calls on President Ali to prioritize the development of a robust social protection programme, moving beyond temporary measures and focusing on sustainable solutions that ensure the well-being of all citizens.
