Worried that Guyanese workers could be placed on the breadline, Opposition member and APNU Candidate, Ganesh Mahipaul, today called on the Government to halt all plans to have the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and Dominican Republic company Inter-Energy sign a Public Private Partnership Agreement.

He wants the proposed agreement to be made public in its entirety and to be publicly scrutinized. The agreement has been shrouded in secrecy.

At a press conference today, Mahipaul said a draft copy of the proposed agreement dated June 26, 2025, suggests that there could be severe implications for the hundreds of persons working with the state-run power company.

“The agreement appears structured in a way that could see hundreds of GPL and PPDI employees displaced, with severance and restructuring costs unfairly shifted onto Guyanese taxpayers. This is unacceptable and unjust,” Mahipaul told reporters.

Lashing out at the Government over its failure to consult with citizens on the proposed agreement, Mahipaul submitted that the high level of secrecy surrounding the agreement, which has not received parliamentary scrutiny, undermines democratic governance and public accountability.

“Inter-Energy Group, based on its tract record, has had significant operational issues, notably a reported 300% increase in power outages under its watch in Jamaica and serious allegations of fraud previously directed against its chairman. It is alarming that such a company would be granted broad control over Guyana’s critical national energy infrastructure, particularly procurement and contractor selection,” the APNU Vice Presidential Candidate said.

He said given concerns raised, the proposed agreement must undergo a transparent and independent technical and financial assessment, and be thoroughly scrutinized before it is signed off on.

The Dominican Republic company had submitted a proposal in 2024 to end power outages in Guyana by upgrading and transforming the country’s power distribution system.

But Mahipaul said under an APNU-led government, the challenges confronting GPL will be addressed head-on, and workers would benefit from better salaries and working conditions. 

According to him, the Gas-to-Energy Project, will be completed and effectively managed to bring down operational cost, thereby reducing the cost of power.

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