The tenure of the APNU/AFC coalition government in Guyana, from 2015 to 2020, was marred by numerous corruption scandals that significantly impacted the country’s governance and public trust. Several high-profile projects and procurement processes were criticized for financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and outright corruption.
D’Urban Park Project
One of the most notable examples is the D’Urban Park project, which was intended to host Guyana’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2016. The project became a symbol of financial mismanagement, with over $1.3 billion spent on a parade ground with wooden stands. A significant portion of the financial records for the project were missing, leading to a prolonged audit and raising suspicions of corruption. The lack of transparency and accountability in this project highlighted the need for stronger oversight mechanisms in government operations.
Sussex Street Drug Bond
Another contentious issue was the rental of a pharmaceutical bond on Sussex Street. The government single-sourced the rental without public tendering, paying $12.5 million per month plus VAT, amounting to nearly $200 million annually. Critics argued that this was an overpriced and unnecessary deal, especially since the government already owned a suitable storage facility in Diamond. The controversy surrounding this deal led to a private criminal charge against former Health Minister Dr. George Norton, which was later quashed.
Health Sector Procurement Fraud
Corruption in the health sector was particularly egregious, with the Ministry of Health implicated in purchasing $600 million worth of drugs without going to tender. Contracts were awarded to unqualified companies, and there were instances of mismanagement of funds allocated for school feeding programs. These actions not only eroded public trust but also had significant financial implications for Guyana.
Other Notable Scandals
The APNU/AFC government was accused of squandering billions on failed projects riddled with corruption. There were reports of land giveaways and dubious transactions involving state lands, with ministers allegedly diverting government businesses to their private companies or accepting valuable gifts. The lack of transparency and accountability in these projects and procurement processes underscored the need for stronger anti-corruption measures.
Impact and Aftermath
The extent of corruption under the APNU/AFC government was described by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo as “the most venal, corrupt government that we’ve ever had in our history.” The PPP/C government claims to have documented about 75 corruption scandals involving former government ministers or senior officials during their tenure. These scandals not only eroded public trust but also had significant financial implications for Guyana, highlighting the need for more robust oversight and anti-corruption measures in government operations.
