Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat is challenging the Opposition to play a more meaningful role in governance, beyond criticising the management of Guyana’s oil and gas sector.
Speaking on The Starting Point Podcast, Bharrat said opposition scrutiny is a normal feature of democratic societies and is not unique to Guyana or oil-producing nations, noting that the Government has never claimed to be perfect and accepts that mistakes should be highlighted when they occur.
“We don’t expect the politicians of this country to praise the President or the Vice President or myself or any other minister. But we expect a fair Opposition that will give credit when things are done properly and criticise when things are not done properly, because we have never proclaimed to be a perfect party or a perfect government,” Bharrat said.
The minister said opposition parties have an important role to play in national development and governance, given that citizens elected them to represent their interests.
“They were elected by the people to help govern the country, and Opposition has to play a meaningful role in the governance of the country as well. So criticism from the Opposition will continue. I’m not fazed by it either. Being a politician, you cannot be fazed by criticism from the Opposition,” he said.
Bharrat maintained that criticism would continue but said it does not distract the Government from its responsibilities, adding that the administration remains focused on managing the petroleum sector transparently and accountably while ensuring the benefits reach ordinary Guyanese.
He reiterated that transparency, accountability and broad-based economic benefits remain central to the Government’s approach to managing the country’s rapidly expanding oil and gas industry.
