The Alliance for Change (AFC) has noted that Guyana’s efforts against corruption could be severely undermined if it were to be de-listed from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). In fact, the party strongly believes that the country has another suspension looming over its head.
During the AFC’s presser today, Member of Parliament, Ricky Ramsaroop raised alarm about the potential suspension of Guyana from the EITI and the broader implications for national accountability.
Ramsaroop emphasized that the initiative’s persistent shortcomings in achieving transparency and accountability in Guyana’s extractive sectors pose a significant threat of suspension and potential delisting from the international body. “Since its inception, the Guyana EITI was intended to serve as a cornerstone of transparency, ensuring that revenues from natural resources benefit all Guyanese equitably. However, the reality has fallen short of expectations,” he stated.
He said the AFC identified several key issues contributing to the initiative’s failures. One major concern is incomplete sector coverage. According to Ramsroop, the EITI’s local chapter has been unable to comprehensively include all extractive sectors, particularly small-scale mining and informal operations, leading to significant gaps in transparency efforts. Ramsaroop also pointed out that these gaps undermine the initiative’s core objective of comprehensive sectoral transparency.
Another critical issue he said, is the accuracy and timeliness of data. Ramsaroop highlighted that reports have frequently been delayed and marred by inconsistencies, casting doubt on the reliability of information disclosed to the public.
Governance and oversight concerns also plague the initiative. Ramsaroop criticized the governance structures, independent stakeholder engagement, and operational capacity of the GYEITI, arguing that these weaknesses severely undermine its credibility.
The AFC member also pointed to the lack of tangible impact and accountability. Despite data disclosures, there has been a notable absence of concrete improvements in governance, corruption reduction, or effective revenue management. Ramsaroop cited the 2021 GYEITI report, which revealed that out of seven recommendations made by the international transparency body, only two were ongoing while the rest were either unmet or repeated from the 2020 report that had previously led to Guyana’s suspension.
Highlighting specific discrepancies, Ramsaroop referred to financial inconsistencies between government receipts and company declarations. For example, he noted that ExxonMobil reported payments of 6.4 billion, while government receipts reflected only 3.2 billion, showing a significant discrepancy. He stated that it could be that the difference of the funds are being siphoned off, and if Guyana were to be de-listed, the citizens may never know. He was also keen to note that it is possible that Exxon has a reasonable explanation for the discrepancy, but that is yet to be found out.
He reiterated the AFC’s commitment to advocating for reforms. “We recognize the critical role of transparency in fostering sustainable development and protecting the interests of our citizens. It is with deep disappointment that we acknowledge the necessity of this decision,” Ramsaroop stated.
Looking ahead, the AFC calls upon the Government of Guyana to undertake urgent reforms to address systemic issues that could lead to suspension or delisting from the EITI. The party urged the government to enhance transparency measures, strengthen governance frameworks, and take proactive steps to engage stakeholders and rebuild trust. “The AFC reaffirms its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency in Guyana’s extractive sectors. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our natural resources are managed responsibly and contribute to the sustainable development of our beloved country,” Ramsaroop noted.
