President Irfaan Ali: Where Are The Daily Returns On Guyana’s Growth?
By Albert Baldeo Photos: Wikimedia Commons President Irfaan Ali is right that global prices and difficult weather affect Guyana. Cash grants and subsidies offer some relief. But with substantial borrowing and growing oil revenues, Guyanese deserve a clear answer: Why are affordable food, dependable electricity and safe water still so difficult to secure? Economic growth deserves recognition. Its credibility rests on whether Guyanese can see the returns in their homes, markets and communities. The Government’s credibility has already been assailed by its callous refusal and delays in bringing up the MV Barima victims, or whatever remains of them, languishing at the bottom of our waters. It cannot afford more unforced aberrations-or apparitions. Enough is enough! The Government reports 33.3% economic growth in the first half of 2026 and projects nearly US$6.5 billion in petroleum revenue for the year. Yet prices rose 4.4% between December and June, including 6.7% for food. The President’s 4% inflation figure compares June 2026 with June 2025; it does not describe the price increases families faced during the first six months of this year. Claims that Government prevented even higher prices should be supported by evidence. Publish the cost and measured benefit of fuel, electricity and water subsidies. Publish food prices across all ten regions—the reported consumer price index covers Georgetown—and show whether farmers’ markets lower the cost of a regular basket week after week. President Ali should also provide a project-by-project account of public loans and oil-fund withdrawals: amounts borrowed or withdrawn, contracts awarded, interest and repayment costs, completion dates, and results delivered. Where programmes fall short, fix them. Prioritise drainage, irrigation, storage and transport to reduce food losses, alongside reliable utilities and timely help for families under the greatest pressure. Hon. Albert BaldeoCommunity Leader, Judicial Delegate (NY/USA)Fmr. Magistrate, Senior State Counsel, Police Legal Advisor (Guyana)President, GUYANA BEYOND BORDERS
Black News 
By Albert Baldeo
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
President Irfaan Ali is right that global prices and difficult weather affect Guyana. Cash grants and subsidies offer some relief. But with substantial borrowing and growing oil revenues, Guyanese deserve a clear answer: Why are affordable food, dependable electricity and safe water still so difficult to secure?
Economic growth deserves recognition. Its credibility rests on whether Guyanese can see the returns in their homes, markets and communities. The Government’s credibility has already been assailed by its callous refusal and delays in bringing up the MV Barima victims, or whatever remains of them, languishing at the bottom of our waters. It cannot afford more unforced aberrations-or apparitions. Enough is enough!
The Government reports 33.3% economic growth in the first half of 2026 and projects nearly US$6.5 billion in petroleum revenue for the year. Yet prices rose 4.4% between December and June, including 6.7% for food. The President’s 4% inflation figure compares June 2026 with June 2025; it does not describe the price increases families faced during the first six months of this year.
Claims that Government prevented even higher prices should be supported by evidence. Publish the cost and measured benefit of fuel, electricity and water subsidies. Publish food prices across all ten regions—the reported consumer price index covers Georgetown—and show whether farmers’ markets lower the cost of a regular basket week after week.
President Ali should also provide a project-by-project account of public loans and oil-fund withdrawals: amounts borrowed or withdrawn, contracts awarded, interest and repayment costs, completion dates, and results delivered. Where programmes fall short, fix them. Prioritise drainage, irrigation, storage and transport to reduce food losses, alongside reliable utilities and timely help for families under the greatest pressure.
Hon. Albert Baldeo
Community Leader, Judicial Delegate (NY/USA)
Fmr. Magistrate, Senior State Counsel, Police Legal Advisor (Guyana)
President, GUYANA BEYOND BORDERS
