GUYANA | AFC's David Patterson Flays Govt's role in GPL Blackouts: Poor Maintenance, Decisions

Georgetown, Guyana - Amidst ongoing challenges in Guyana's electricity sector, Opposition Parliamentarian David Patterson of A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) has criticized the private sector for its silence on the deteriorating state of electricity generation in the country. 

His critique comes against the backdrop of the government's announcement of potential management changes at Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and Power Producers and Distributors Inc, coupled with plans to augment the electricity supply through the acquisition of additional generation sets.

Government's Measures and Promises 

The Guyana government, in response to escalating concerns over electricity reliability,  has outlined a strategy involving significant managerial reforms within GPL. This includes the potential hiring of foreign technical workers should local expertise prove insufficient. 

Moreover, the government is set to procure additional generation sets, aiming to fulfill an electricity demand ranging between 165 to 200 megawatts, while concurrently striving to repair existing facilities. These measures represent a concerted effort to mitigate the ongoing electricity crisis that has plagued the nation.

Criticism from David Patterson 

David Patterson, who served as the Public Infrastructure Minister from 2015 to 2020 under the APNU+AFC administration, did not mince words in criticising the current administration's approach to the electricity sector's woes. Patterson contrasted the private sector's current reticence with its past activism, suggesting a bias in response depending on the ruling party. 

The former minister highlighted the absence of public outcry or statements from notable private sector entities, such as the Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber, and the Berbice Chamber, over the loss in business due to unreliable electricity - a stark departure from their approach during his party's tenure.

Fuel Crisis Exacerbates Power Woes

capsized oil tanker off the Tobago coast spilling hundreds of barrels of oil.

The electricity crisis in Guyana has been significantly worsened by a severe fuel shortage, a situation rooted in a logistical debacle in February this  year. A vessel tasked with delivering 35,000 barrels of heavy fuel oil to GPL, a lifeline for the country's power generation, faced unexpected difficulties off the coast of Tobago, resulting in a critical shortfall. 

The fuel, crucial for the operation of the country's power generators, never arrived, plunging the electricity supply into a more acute state of disarray. Despite initial denials, it was confirmed that the vessel was indeed bound for Guyana, casting a shadow over the Ali/Jagdeo administration's handling of the crisis and raising questions about transparency and accountability in its governance.

The origins of the spill, tied to the capsizing of a vessel named "Gulfstream," have been shrouded in mystery and secrecy. 

The oil spill was blamed on an overturned barge that had departed from Panama and was being tugged to nearby Guyana when it began to sink, according to  investigations. According to Trinidad and Tobago authorities, the Gulfstream was towed by a tugboat named the Solo Creed, on a journey that was bound for Guyana from Panama before it became stranded off the coast of the Caribbean nation.

Controversy ensued as the current administration, led by Ali/Jagdeo, faced accusations of a lack of transparency and accountability, particularly concerning the vessel's intended destination and the overall management of the electricity crisis.

Private Sector and Government Engagement In the midst of these challenges, voices from the private sector have been notably muted, according to Patterson, except for some interventions by entities like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). 

GCCI President Kester Hutson acknowledged the issuance of a statement in November 2023 addressing the electricity sector's plight and highlighted ongoing engagements with the ministry responsible and GPL. Hutson's commentary sheds light on a more collaborative attempt to address the power outages, with a clearer understanding emerging from recent discussions led by President Ali.

This may well be one of the last available images of the vessel GULFSTREAM, which capsized off the coast of #Tobago. It was photographed by @planet just 2-3 days prior to the catastrophic #oilspill. The vessel was towed by RANGER (7505994). Thank you @bellingcat for clues! #OOTT pic.twitter.com/IPxuNMdkSJ

— TankerTrackers.com, Inc. (@TankerTrackers) February 14, 2024

Looking Forward: Solutions and Strategies 

The narrative of electricity generation and management in Guyana is a complex tapestry of past decisions, current crises, and future plans. Patterson accused the current administration of exacerbating the sector's challenges through poor decisions, such as the dismissal of seasoned technical staff and reliance on second-hand fossil fuel generation sets, leading to a marked deterioration in maintenance and operational capacity. 

Yet, Patterson also reminisced about the strides made during the APNU+AFC administration, which included significant investments in new generation capacity and infrastructure upgrades, painting a picture of a more stable and reliable electricity supply.

The government, on its part, has outlined immediate and long-term strategies to bridge the generation gap, including the purchase of additional sets and the contemplation of a natural gas-fired electricity generation station, signaling a pivot towards more sustainable energy sources. 

However, these initiatives are juxtaposed against the backdrop of a pressing fuel shortage and the need for comprehensive maintenance overhauls, spotlighting the critical balancing act between immediate needs and long-term sustainability.

Conclusion The discourse surrounding Guyana's electricity sector is emblematic of the broader challenges facing the nation's infrastructure and governance. As stakeholders navigate through accusations, counterclaims, and efforts towards resolution, the focus remains on ensuring a reliable, efficient, and sustainable electricity supply for Guyana. 

The path forward demands transparency, accountability, and collaborative engagement among all parties involved, with the overarching goal of fostering national development and improving the quality of life for the Guyanese people.