By Dorwain Bess, Chairman, Vigilant Political Action Committee (V-PAC)
As Christmas approaches, it has become painfully clear that the much-discussed cash grant was little more than an election talking point—a promise made when votes were needed. Now, with the holiday season upon us, many Guyanese are left asking a simple question: Where is it?
For families already stretched thin, this grant was not just a promise; it was a glimmer of hope. It represented groceries, school supplies, and a bit of breathing room in a nation where the cost of living rises faster than wages. Everyday people feel poorer even as the government celebrates record GDP growth.
Basic food items cost more today. Transportation fees have increased. Rent is on the rise. Yet we are continuously told that the economy is booming. But booming for whom?
This growth has seemingly resulted in a small wealthy class, while the majority of citizens—market vendors, minibus drivers, teachers, pensioners, and single parents—struggle to make ends meet. The much-publicized economic gains have evidently not trickled down to those who need it most.
Even more disheartening is the stark contrast between the lives of ordinary Guyanese and the extravagant imagery of “fancy” functions and exclusive gatherings that we see. While government officials celebrate, countless citizens are left feeling excluded and overlooked.
What hurts the most is not just the absence of the cash grant but the prevailing silence and evasive responses surrounding it. Guyanese are not unreasonable; we understand constraints. However, we do not accept being spoken to only when it is convenient and then forgotten once power is secured.
This government cannot continue to promote “shared prosperity” within a “One Guyana” framework while ignoring the widening gap between rhetoric and reality. Oil wealth and rising GDP mean nothing if people cannot feel their impact in their daily lives.
Citizens feel misled, dismissed, and taken for granted. President Ali must understand that trust, once broken, is not easily repaired. This disconnect explains the rise of the opposition such as the WIN party, as disenchanted voters seek alternatives.
As we stand on the brink of a new year, we call on President Ali and his administration to acknowledge these sentiments and to act in the best interests of all Guyanese. We deserve clarity, accountability, and above all, action.
