By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
Former Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has sharply criticised the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, arguing that inadequate planning and weak oversight are undermining national development rather than advancing it.
Speaking on a recent podcast, Jordan said that despite the unprecedented financial resources now available to the government, there is little evidence of coherent long-term planning. He pointed to the absence of clear, forward-looking strategies in key sectors such as transportation, questioning whether Guyana has any defined vision of where these sectors will be five years from now.
According to the former finance minister, the government’s approach appears reactive rather than strategic, with projects being announced, launched, or commissioned without being clearly tied to a broader national development framework. He suggested that frequent high-profile openings and disclosures may create the appearance of activity, but do not amount to meaningful planning.
Jordan further criticised what he described as excessive and poorly coordinated spending on multiple large projects simultaneously. He warned that such an approach not only strains resources but also creates future challenges, particularly in relation to maintenance. In his view, Guyana’s historical record on maintaining public infrastructure is weak, raising concerns about the sustainability of current investments.
He also referenced recent external critiques of Guyana’s construction sector, noting that while such commentary may be uncomfortable for the government, it highlights genuine shortcomings that should be addressed rather than dismissed. Jordan described the current pattern of expenditure as an inefficient use of the country’s oil revenues, stressing that windfall resources must be managed with discipline and foresight.
The former minister argued that governments often prioritise highly visible projects that allow for ribbon-cutting and political gain, while neglecting less glamorous but essential areas such as maintenance, planning, and institutional strengthening. He cautioned that this mindset could leave Guyana vulnerable in the long term, particularly if oil revenues decline or economic conditions shift.
Jordan concluded that the country’s newfound wealth presents both an opportunity and a risk. Without rigorous planning, oversight, and a focus on sustainable development, he warned, Guyana could face serious challenges in the future despite its current prosperity.
