By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
— Opposition Member of Parliament Dawn Hastings-Williams has delivered a stinging rebuke of the Ali-led administration, accusing the government of marginalizing Indigenous communities despite the passage of a record-breaking $1.55 trillion national budget. Representing the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Hastings-Williams argued that “massive spending” has failed to translate into a “massive shift” in the living standards of the hinterland’s most vulnerable.
Deliverables Over Dollars
During her presentation on Day Two of the 2026 Budget Debates, the former Minister emphasized that the sheer size of the fiscal plan is irrelevant if it does not address the “abject poverty” still prevalent in remote regions.
“What matters is not that it is the largest budget ever; what matters is the deliverables,” Hastings-Williams stated. “Are the Guyanese enjoying better living standards, especially the vulnerable ones living in hinterland and remote communities?”
Stalled Schools and “Nepotistic” Contracts
A central pillar of the MP’s critique was the management of infrastructure projects. She cited the Jawalla and Philippi Secondary Schools as prime examples of project failure. Both were slated for completion in 2025, yet they remain unfinished, forcing students in the Upper Mazaruni to continue studying in “overcrowded classrooms and dormitories.”
Hastings-Williams called for a formal review of procurement processes, alleging that contracts are frequently awarded based on “nepotism” rather than merit. She noted that awarding projects to inexperienced, “favored” contractors leads to costly delays that deprive Indigenous children of essential educational services.
Deteriorating Infrastructure and Basic Needs
Beyond education, the MP highlighted the “deplorable” state of transportation and utilities:
- Roads: Vital arteries in Kaikan and Bartica are reportedly “decorated with potholes,” hindering access to farms and mines.
- Electricity: In Kamarang, residents allegedly receive only four hours of electricity daily. Hastings-Williams requested a minimum of 12 hours to prevent the spoilage of fresh food and meat.
- Airstrips: Many hinterland airstrips were described as unsafe and poorly managed, creating a risk for medical emergencies.
Government Response: “Indigenous Advancement at the Heart”
In a spirited rebuttal, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek rejected claims of neglect, asserting that Budget 2026 places Indigenous advancement at the center of the government’s vision.
The Minister highlighted several targeted relief measures:
- Hinterland Scholarships: The student pocket allowance has been increased by 150%, from $4,000 to $10,000 per month.
- Community Funding: $2 billion in Presidential Grants and $5 billion for the Amerindian Development Fund have been allocated for local economic projects.
- New Infrastructure: $500 million is earmarked to begin construction on a modern Amerindian Hostel in Georgetown to replace the current 50-year-old facility.
- Carbon Credits: Under the LCDS, $14.5 billion has been disbursed directly to villages for community-led projects.
Minister Browne-Shadeek concluded that the budget ensures Amerindians benefit “equally with every other Guyanese,” from newborn grants to tax-free All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and outboard engines.
