The political landscape in Guyana is increasingly tumultuous, a trend largely attributed to the proliferation of opposition parties. This surge is a direct consequence of the current electoral representation system, which allows these parties to emerge like mushrooms. Their leaders, often driven by personal frustration and dissatisfaction, seek fleeting moments of fame. The major opposition forces, including the People’s National Congress (PNC), Alliance for Change (AFC), and Working People’s Alliance (WPA), share a common strategy: they repeatedly accuse the Indo-Guyanese government of racism yet fail to present any viable policies to uplift Afro-Guyanese communities. Their strategies and leadership, marred by baseless accusations and a lack of constructive policies, clearly indicate their alleged flaws.
A new political party led by a newspaper owner, Glenn Lall, has emerged. Lall’s campaign is grounded in personal vendettas rather than concrete political solutions. His singular focus appears to undermine Guyana’s Vice President (VP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. It’s evident that Lall’s ambitions stem from jealousy and personal insecurities rather than a genuine desire to lead. His negative persona and lack of political experience make it impossible for anyone to take him seriously as a leader, let alone as a contender for the presidency. His attempts to tarnish the VP among Indo-Guyanese communities have backfired, with many recognizing his true motives. Lall may attract a handful of votes in the upcoming general elections, but the Guyanese electorate widely regards his political career as a joke.
Other self-proclaimed Indo-Guyanese leaders also try to position themselves as voices of the Indian community but are so insignificant that they aren’t even worth mentioning.
The three main opposition parties representing Afro-Guyanese—PNC, AFC, and WPA—are in a state of stagnation. They need to realize that Afro-Guyanese voters represent a minority in the country. Their only strategy seems to be opposing the progress achieved by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, VP Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and the PPP government. These parties are unable to formulate any constructive policies for the country’s development. Instead, they focus solely on making baseless accusations of racism without acknowledging the clear progress under the current government.
The truth is, without the significant support of Indo-Guyanese voters, no opposition party can form a government. Aubrey Norton, Nigel Hughes, and David Hinds must accept this reality. These leaders are solely focused on competing for the Afro-Guyanese vote, as no other demographic takes their divisive rhetoric seriously. Nigel Hughes’ belief that he can sway the middle-class Afro-Guyanese to his side by reducing Norton’s vote bank is misguided. All three leaders are battling for the same voter base, and they offer nothing regarding policies or progress for the broader Guyanese population.
The PPP has successfully garnered support across communities, especially among middle-class Afro-Guyanese who recognize the economic advancements under its leadership. The opposition’s repeated accusations of racism are hollow, especially when considering that around 80% of civil servants, police officers, firefighters, army personnel, airport workers, and teachers are Afro-Guyanese. How can the opposition claim that the government is racist when the facts clearly show otherwise?
It’s time for the Guyanese public to see through the smoke and mirrors. The opposition’s accusations are nothing more than desperate attempts to win votes. They cannot stand on their record and blame the Indo-Guyanese for their shortcomings. The PNC’s history of election rigging is well-documented. Forbes Burnham, the founder of the People’s National Congress (PNC), was notorious for election rigging, with one of his most infamous acts involving fraudulent votes from London. During his rule, Burnham orchestrated a scheme in which dead individuals from London cemeteries cast votes to bolster support for the PNC. This blatant electoral manipulation was exposed by the British TV media, revealing Burnham’s deep fear of losing power to the majority Indo-Guyanese population. His rigging tactics became a hallmark of PNC’s attempts to maintain control, further discrediting the party’s legacy and undermining democratic processes in Guyana.
This rigging mentality remains ingrained in the PNC/AFC leadership, as evidenced by their actions during the 2020 general election. The opposition’s foundation is built on dishonesty and divisiveness, whereas the PPP is rooted in progress and unity.
Opposition leaders such as Norton, Hughes, and Hinds continue to accuse the PPP of racism, but they fail to present any meaningful economic policies. Instead, they are frustrated by the PPP’s significant achievements. Norton’s absurd proposal to charge Guyanese citizens to cross newly constructed bridges—built using oil and gas revenues—demonstrates his lack of understanding of economics. These bridges represent the progress made by the people’s government, and the funds belong to every citizen of Guyana. It is a resource that should benefit the nation, not serve as an opportunity for the opposition to impose unnecessary costs on the public.
The time has come for voters to see the opposition for what it truly is: a collection of frustrated, misguided individuals with no vision for Guyana’s future. Their obsession with accusing the PPP of racism is futile, as the majority of Guyanese voters recognize the tremendous economic progress achieved under President Irfaan Ali and VP Bharrat Jagdeo. The opposition’s only path to power is through election rigging, a strategy they have employed in the past and will likely attempt again. However, the Guyanese people are not as susceptible as these leaders believe—they have seen the tangible benefits of PPP leadership and will not be swayed by empty rhetoric.
As we approach the next general election, the PPP is the only party representing true progress, unity, and development for all Guyanese. The opposition leaders can continue their divisive tactics, but they will fail.