By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
Opposition Member of Parliament Deon LaCruz has issued a scathing critique of the 2026 National Budget, arguing that the government’s fiscal plan ignores the systemic hardships faced by Indigenous and hinterland communities. Representing the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, LaCruz used his presentation on Monday to highlight what he described as a widening gap between Guyana’s oil wealth and the reality on the ground in Region One (Barima-Waini).
Healthcare Crisis in Region One
The most “glaring failure” of the budget, according to LaCruz, is the state of healthcare infrastructure. He pointed specifically to the Kumaka District Hospital, noting that despite millions in reported spending, the facility still lacks a functional mortuary.
“The situation becomes even more alarming in emergencies,” LaCruz told the National Assembly. “In urgent medical cases, there is no reliable medevac system. People are forced to travel for hours by river on rough boat rides before receiving urgent care.”
Public Safety and “Survival” Wages
Turning to public safety, the MP argued that the budget fails to support the very people tasked with protecting the interior. He highlighted that police ranks and healthcare workers are struggling to cope with an soaring cost of living in remote regions while operating in unsafe environments.
“How can we expect effective policing when officers themselves are struggling to survive?” LaCruz questioned, noting that nurses often have to travel late at night with few taxi services available and crime remaining a persistent threat. He called for a modern, accountable police force and significantly better pay for frontline workers.
Carbon Credit Accountability
A significant portion of LaCruz’s presentation focused on the distribution of carbon credit funds. He challenged the government’s transparency regarding the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), pointing to a discrepancy between budgeted figures and actual disbursements.
- 2025 Budgeted Carbon Credits: $41 Billion
- Amount Received by Guyanese: $14 Billion
- The Question: “Why was there a shortfall? It must be bad planning… the LCDS money is falling short every year,” LaCruz asserted.
Education and School Sanitation
In a startling revelation regarding the state of education, LaCruz reported that low wages for support staff have led to a hygiene crisis in Region One schools. He claimed that many schools lack sufficient cleaners, resulting in infestations of rats and other pests. “How can we talk about improving education when basic cleanliness in schools is being neglected?” he asked.
Conclusion
Concluding his remarks, LaCruz argued that Budget 2026 fails to live up to its official theme of “Putting People First.” He maintained that despite the country’s rapid economic growth, Indigenous communities continue to be “left behind” by central government planning.
