THE persistent challenges faced by Afro-Guyanese entrepreneurs highlight a complex reality in Guyana’s socio-political landscape.
The recent condemnation by PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s stance on Afro-Guyanese business owners illustrates just how politically-charged the issue of inclusive economic development has become.

At stake is not just the success of individual business owners, but the broader pursuit of an equitable, prosperous Guyana. Jagdeo’s comments specifically targetted the criticism levelled against Statement Inc., an Afro-Guyanese-owned construction company tasked with building a modern school in Linden.
This criticism, according to Jagdeo, is emblematic of a pattern in which opposition factions discredit the work of young Afro-Guyanese entrepreneurs, especially when they secure government contracts. Such scrutiny, he argued, is steeped in political motivations rather than any genuine interest in the quality or impact of the projects.

Indeed, the opposition’s actions raise significant questions about how we, as a society, can reconcile political affiliations with the collective good of our communities. For too long, economic empowerment has been viewed through a lens that unfairly ties opportunity to loyalty. While it is natural to question the allocation of resources, such criticism should be constructive and focused on ensuring value and quality rather than dismissing opportunities afforded to young businesspeople because of presumed political associations.

The reality is that development projects, especially those undertaken by local firms, contribute to the growth of regional economies, create employment, and lay the foundation for a more skilled workforce. These are benefits that transcend race and politics, in that they nurture a stronger and more resilient Guyana for all its citizens.

Beyond the immediate economic gains, Jagdeo’s stance points to a broader narrative that is critical for nation-building; an inclusive vision where every individual has the potential to thrive. The current administration has made strides in promoting this ideal by affording equal opportunities across racial and political lines. However, the opposition’s selective targetting of Afro-Guyanese businesses only undercuts these efforts, contradicting their purported advocacy for Afro-Guyanese empowerment.

To single out companies because of the owner’s race or political perception is not only counter-productive but a disservice to the very communities that the opposition claims to represent. Every Afro-Guyanese entrepreneur who thrives adds to the strength of the Afro-Guyanese community, and, by extension, the nation. Pitting groups against each other based on divisive agendas risks stagnating the very progress that Guyana so desperately needs.

As we move forward, it is crucial to remember that unity, rather than political divisiveness, is the key to unlocking Guyana’s full potential. Guyana’s development goals hinge on fostering an environment that supports all entrepreneurs, irrespective of their background or political leaning. Genuine progress is measured by the extent to which we can build bridges between our differences to create a unified, thriving society.
The school project in Linden stands as a beacon of that potential. It is an example of what Afro-Guyanese entrepreneurs can achieve when afforded the opportunity. The opposition should focus less on casting aspersions and more on advocating for equitable support for all Guyanese business owners; Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese, mixed-race, or otherwise. This will not only reflect a genuine commitment to empowerment, but will also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development goals.

For Guyana to prosper, it must adopt a politics of progress; one that transcends race and political affiliation. The PPP has committed itself to this path, and if the opposition truly cares about the empowerment of the Afro-Guyanese community, it, too, must adopt a similar stance. The politics of division may rally a base, but it is the politics of unity that will rally a nation.