A consortium of business and public advocates, led by businessman Dorwain Bess, has unveiled a unique and groundbreaking political manifesto titled, “Manifesto for the 2025 Regional and General Elections, Our Manifesto for the People.”Mr. Bess’ Manifesto, which addresses injustices and inequities ordinary Guyanese suffer daily, is to be the bedrock of a political action committee titled VPAC, with the “V” representing the acronym “VIGILENT”, which will act as a guide for what Mr. Bess and V-PAC want to accomplish on behalf of Guyana.

Addressing Injustices

The manifesto highlights the daily injustices and inequities faced by ordinary Guyanese, serving as a blueprint for the changes Dorwain Bess and V-PAC hope to achieve. As Bess explains, “For too long Guyanese have watched our political leaders complain about the problems we face as a nation without offering any solutions. Their focus is to increase personal wealth and not the wealth of our nation. It is time to plan for our future, create solutions for our problems, and remain vigilant as we impress upon our government the need to make positive change. This Manifesto is my vision for a new Guyana. If you want to know who I am, and what I stand for, it is in the Manifesto. I hope you will agree with my ideas, and if you have better ideas, please offer them. This Manifesto is not about ideology. It is about what is best for our future.”

A Personal Journey to Advocacy

Dorwain Bess’ journey to social advocacy began several years ago after political insiders used their influence to wrongfully seize his petroleum importation business. Malicious accusations and arrests followed, despite court records showing no evidence of criminal activity.Rebuilding his life and name, Bess now aims to educate Guyanese on their legal rights and actively defend those rights socially, politically, and judicially. His recent campaign against predatory automobile dealership practices underscores this commitment.

Solutions for Guyana’s Challenges

Declaring Guyana at a “crossroads,” the manifesto outlines current problems and proposes solutions to shape the nation’s future. Key highlights include:

Diversify the Economy:

Move beyond reliance on petro-dollars as its source of funding by:

•  Establishing a national gold repository to back the currency and secure future credit needs.
• Overhauling the tax system to eliminate corruption, focusing on fair taxation for luxury imports like automobiles, and introducing tax credits for job-creating importers.
• Educating and training Guyanese to lead infrastructure projects, with a mandate for large companies to subcontract 30% of work to local startups.
• Providing access to industrial & construction equipment for young entrepreneurs & startups.

Land Development:

Utilize surplus land for planned communities with modern infrastructure, utilities, roads and transportation., offering discounted government-owned land to first-time buyers to build equity.

Anti-Bias Legislation:

Enact laws to combat racial & ethnic discrimination in business & government institutions.

Anti-Corruption Measures:

Create independent agencies to review & address governmental & bureaucratic misconduct.

Boost Public Sector Opportunities:

Invest in civil servants, particularly teachers and first responders, through better pay and expanded opportunities.

Plan for the Future:

A call for the government to be honest and transparent and plan for the future, rather than just looking to benefit from the present. Every Guyanese knows that Guyana’s economy is the fastest growing economy in the world. How is it then that our current government has initiated cash payments to each household in order to stimulate a lagging economy?

Building a Better Future Together

Mr. Bess and V-PAC state that the intention of the Manifesto is to establish and grow a platform through which Guyanese can discuss and realize their dreams and goals for a government, economy, and society that celebrates all people and provides equal opportunities for success in what is the ‘world’s fastest-growing economy.’

As our economy grows and matures, our democratic institutions must evolve alongside it. Otherwise, the concentration of oil wealth in the hands of a few will undermine any democratic future for Guyana. This issue is already evident, with the government favoring political insiders with lucrative contracts and opportunities for four years, only to distribute minimal financial assistance and minor contracts right before elections, creating a façade of support for ordinary Guyanese.

The Manifesto, along with subsequent versions, will be made available on the upcoming V-PAC website to support the transformative future of Guyana.

“I hope you will join us” – Mr. Bess