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Georgetown, Guyana — The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has taken President Irfaan Ali’s government to task following a recent early morning meeting with key officials, asserting that the livestreamed session on November 12 revealed deep-rooted issues within the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration’s handling of project planning and execution. “The public saw firsthand the level of chaos that has become endemic within the entire PPP administration,” the PNCR claimed, arguing that missed project deadlines reflect inadequate leadership, disorganization, and favoritism in contract awards.
The PNCR called on President Ali to release a comprehensive report addressing what it describes as a “crisis in project execution.” Although the 5 a.m. meeting was intended to address government project delays, the PNCR argued that it instead underscored broader systemic problems. “President Ali chose to launch a disgraceful barrage of insults, put-downs, and threats,” the PNCR stated, adding that such an approach undermines the morale of Guyana’s public servants. The PNCR further contended that the administration should prioritize structural improvements, such as overhauling public procurement and enhancing project accountability.
During the meeting, President Ali questioned absent engineers, contractors, and consultants about delays across several ministries. Addressing the Ministry of Education, Ali voiced frustration with contractors’ attendance and missed deadlines, remarking, “They come to the Ministry of Education to collect payment, but they can’t come to a meeting where they’re behind on the project?” He warned that projects delayed by more than four months could face termination, adding that companies failing to meet expectations might be blacklisted from future contracts.
The PNCR argues, however, that responsibility for these inefficiencies lies with the PPP government, citing what it describes as “growing wastage of financial resources through negligence, incompetence, and corruption,” and alleging that contractors with poor performance records are routinely awarded contracts. “Obviously, the PPP is in a state of panic as the inflated contracts awarded to its friends, families, and favorites fail to meet deadlines and quality standards,” the PNCR claimed, questioning the accountability of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).
With Guyana’s oil revenue expanding, the PNCR also voiced concerns over the potential for a “Natural Resource Curse,” warning that without reforms, the government’s spending could lead to worsening financial mismanagement. “The more oil revenues the government spends, the greater will be this curse,” the PNCR warned.
The PNCR demands that Ali provide the public with a detailed report on the status of major projects and outline reforms to prevent budgetary waste. “Where is the value for money of all this allocation?” the PNCR asked, questioning if the administration would address spending inefficiencies or continue to “scapegoat” public servants and contractors.
With the next elections approaching, the PNCR urged Guyanese to consider the PPP’s leadership critically. “The country deserves better,” the PNCR stated, alleging that the PPP’s failures in project execution have reached a critical point: “The time for endless failures, diversionary politics, and massive financial losses is over.”
