IN the annals of political history, promises made by aspiring leaders often glitter with the allure of hope and progress. However, the sobering reality often paints a starkly different picture.

Such is the case with the administration of the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) in Guyana, as further emphasised by Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
Dr. Jagdeo’s impassioned address at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, East Berbice-Corentyne, served as a poignant reminder of the broken promises and pervasive corruption that stained the tenure of the APNU+AFC government.

Promising a new era of accountability and transparency, APNU+AFC rode to power in 2015 on a wave of optimism, only to betray the trust of the Guyanese people through a litany of deceit and malpractice.
Central to any government’s integrity is its adherence to legal and ethical standards, particularly in matters of procurement and financial management.

Yet, as Dr. Jagdeo rightfully pointed out, the APNU+AFC government flouted these principles with alarming regularity. From the scandalous awarding of contracts in violation of procurement laws to the gross undervaluation of state-owned properties, corruption ran rampant under their watch.

Allegations of unsolicited bids and fraudulent contracts underscore the erosion of ethical governance within the APNU+AFC ranks. The sordid affair surrounding the feasibility study for a new Demerara River Crossing, marred by conspiracy and misappropriation of funds, also serves as a damning indictment of their stewardship.

Similarly, the allegations of corruption within the Ministry of Finance cast a long shadow over the APNU+AFC government’s fiscal management. The wanton sale of state-owned properties at grossly deflated prices represents a betrayal of the nation’s interests for personal gain.

Moreover, the institutional failings of the APNU+AFC government extended beyond individual ministerial portfolios to encompass broader maladministration and mismanagement.
Land mismanagement and irregularities in resource allocation further underscore the pervasive culture of corruption that permeated their tenure.

The wanton distribution of valuable land without due process or proper compensation reeks of cronyism and nepotism.
Despite facing serious allegations of corruption, many former APNU+AFC officials have evaded prosecution, raising troubling questions about the impartiality and effectiveness of the judicial system.

Dr. Jagdeo’s pointed critique of the delayed electoral fraud trial speaks volumes about the lingering specter of impunity that haunts Guyana’s political landscape. The failure to hold accountable those responsible for subverting the democratic process undermines the very foundation of governance and justice.

In light of these revelations, Dr. Jagdeo’s call for renewed vigilance and civic engagement resonates with urgency. The citizens of Guyana must elevate their level of consciousness and demand accountability from those in power.
Only through sustained pressure and unwavering scrutiny can the scourge of corruption be eradicated, and the promise of a truly democratic and transparent society be realised.

As Guyana stands at a crossroads, the echoes of Dr. Jagdeo’s clarion call reverberate across the nation. It is incumbent upon every citizen to stand up against corruption and uphold the principles of integrity, accountability, and justice. The legacy of corruption under the APNU+AFC must serve as a cautionary tale, spurring us to strive for a future where transparency and honesty reign supreme.