标签： Guyana

In the aftermath of a devastating bombing at a Georgetown gas station last month, the opposition party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has intensified its scrutiny of the government’s border monitoring and migrant management practices. APNU’s shadow home affairs minister, Sherod Duncan, has posed a series of pressing questions to the government, focusing on the security of border regions and the implementation of electronic identification (e-ID) cards for migrants.

The opposition party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has raised significant concerns regarding the Guyana government’s agreement with Coursera to provide upskilling courses for public servants. APNU’s parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul announced that a meeting of 12 parliamentarians would determine the best approach to address the issue, whether through a motion, parliamentary questions, or direct engagement with relevant ministries. Mahipaul emphasized that if the government seeks supplementary funding for Coursera, APNU will rigorously question the necessity and effectiveness of the programs. APNU’s statement highlighted the lack of transparency in the contract, including undisclosed costs, procurement methods, and data protection measures for public servants’ personal information. Minister of Public Service and Government Efficiency Zulfikar Ally has yet to respond to these allegations. APNU also criticized the government for adding another standalone program to an already fragmented training landscape, questioning how Coursera aligns with existing initiatives like the University of Guyana and the Guyana Online Academy (GOAL) scholarships. Shadow Education Minister Coretta Mc Donald argued that Coursera’s courses are inadequate for developing the necessary skills and values in Guyanese public servants, advocating instead for the reopening of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, which was closed in 2021. Mc Donald emphasized the need for a national institution that fosters professional development, integrity, and patriotism, qualities she believes Coursera cannot provide.

Dr Terrence Campbell, the parliamentary leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), remained tight-lipped about his membership in the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) during a press conference on Friday. While confirming his affiliation with the PNCR’s Alberttown Group, Campbell declined to disclose the exact date he joined the party, citing it as an internal matter. He emphasized that his focus is on strengthening APNU as a robust opposition rather than pursuing leadership within the PNCR. Despite speculation about his potential candidacy for PNCR leadership, Campbell dismissed such notions, stating his vision is solely directed toward holding the government accountable. He also refuted suggestions that his reluctance to reveal his membership date was linked to fears of being perceived as a newcomer. Campbell, a prominent businessman, previously distanced himself from A New and United Guyana (ANUG) in 2019 following a boycott of his fast-food franchises by APNU+Alliance For Change supporters. He expressed unwavering commitment to PNCR’s ideals, affirming his dedication to the party’s goals and objectives.

President Irfaan Ali of Guyana has firmly dismissed allegations that his administration would fail to deliver on its promise of cash grants before Christmas. The accusations were leveled by Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, who claimed that the President was poised to break his commitment. Speaking at the opening ceremony of GUYEXPO 2025 at the Sophia Exhibition Site, President Ali responded with a stern rebuke, emphasizing that his government was fully aware of its obligations and would fulfill them promptly and effectively. He stated, ‘You don’t need to remind us about our commitment whether it’s cash grant, incentives, subsidies. We know what our commitments are and we are going to deliver on every one of them faster, better, greater.’ Earlier on Thursday, Mr. Mohamed had taken to Facebook to demand that the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) honor its promises, referencing a statement made by President Ali on August 26, where he assured Guyanese of a ‘beautiful Christmas’ with cash grants. Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo had also reiterated on October 2 that all campaign promises would be fulfilled. However, Mr. Mohamed noted that no official announcement had been made regarding the cash grants. In his address, President Ali, without directly naming Mr. Mohamed, advised him to ‘find your place, stay in your lane,’ and cautioned against overstepping his bounds. The President also highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of Guyana’s economy, describing it as neither a ‘toy’ nor a means for exploitation. This comes as Mr. Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, face a U.S. extradition request related to an 11-count indictment for wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering tied to their gold trading business. The Mohameds were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office for Foreign Assets Control in June 2024 for allegedly evading over $50 million in taxes on gold exports. President Ali further warned Guyanese citizens against being swayed by misleading social media content, stating, ‘If we continue to let simplistic messages infiltrate our brains, we can destroy all that we are building.’ The WIN party, which secured 16 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly, has emerged as Guyana’s largest parliamentary opposition party, surpassing the People’s National Congress Reform-led coalition.