Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday rejected calls for opposition and civil society representation on the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), accusing opposition parties of adopting an obstructionist approach that he said would stall government progress.
Speaking at a press conference, Jagdeo argued that including opposition figures in executive decision-making would undermine the government’s efficiency.
“We live in a democracy,” Jagdeo said. “But do you think President [Donald] Trump would appoint someone to manage his executive functions who has a track record of negativity and delays? A leader must choose individuals who align with their efforts, not those who hinder progress.”
Jagdeo criticised the opposition for what he described as a strategy of consistent blocking and delay. “Their entire approach is focused on obstruction. What seems like a normal decision now takes forever when the opposition is involved,” he said.
Despite criticism over delays in government projects, Jagdeo highlighted progress under the current administration, pointing to the improvement of over 3,000 community roads through smaller contractors as evidence of the government’s achievements.
He dismissed claims that the government was failing to engage experts for key contracts.
“You want us to do in this country what has never been done anywhere in the world, with an opposition that is not even technically capable of contributing meaningfully,” Jagdeo said.
“They miss the big picture every time.”
The Vice President signaled that the government remains open to collaboration with the opposition under different circumstances.
“We will work with the opposition in the future if they change their attitude,” he said.
“But this blocking strategy won’t fly with us.”
