Guyana making progress on Good Governance

May 08, 2009 Letters

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Dear Editor,
Over the years, persons have made attempts to slander the Government of Guyana and many have made criticisms about the perception of this Government harbouring corruption.  These deliberate attempts are misleading and are key ingredients to the creation of unnecessary conflict and mayhem within this society.
Returning democracy in 1992 to Guyana after 28 years of authoritarian rule, the Government of Guyana continues to take measures to achieve Good Governance. And Government recognises that Good Governance is a prerequisite for sustainable development.
The United Nations Development Programme defines Governance as “the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels.  It comprises the mechanisms, processes and institutions, through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences.”
On August 11, 1999, President Bharrat Jagdeo extended an invitation to then leader of the PNCR Mr. Desmond Hoyte to engage in dialogue. This led to the establishment of several joint committees, pertaining to Local Government Reform, the Border and National Security, the Distribution of Land and House Lots, the Resuscitation of the Bauxite Industry, the Depressed Communities’ Needs, and the Radio Monopoly and Non-partisan Boards.
Also Constitutional Amendments were made, such as: The Constitution {Amendment} {No.2} Act 2000 which led to the establishment of five Constitutional Commissions. These Constitutional Commissions are the Ethnic Relations Commission, Indigenous People’s Commission, and Commission for the Rights of the Child, Commission for Human Rights, and Women and Gender Equality Commission. The Constitutional {Amendment} No.6 Act 2001{Article 119A}, which provides for the establishment of a Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform.
In addition, the Constitution was amended at Article 119B, which provides for the establishment of Parliamentary Sectoral Committees overseeing Government policy and administration. The Constitution {Amendment}{No.4} Act 2001, which repealed and reenacted Article 13 of the Constitution, ensuring that the political system of the state establishes inclusive democracy, thus allowing citizen participation. The Constitution {Amendment}{No. 2} Act 2001, Article 71 was changed to engage people in governance through the local government system. In addition, Article 78B was introduced into the Constitution whereby the electoral system beneath the Regional Democratic Councils provides for the participation, representation and accountability of individuals and voluntary groups to voters. All these efforts were made as an attempt to develop trust and enhancing inclusive governance.
Today, members of the opposition are allowed to submit written and oral questions of Ministers and under Standing Order 41, the President can also be questioned through motions. This Government has also encouraged the participation of civil society.
Guyana is a beneficiary of aid from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank and both organisations exact full compliance with Good Governance principles prior to disbursement of funds. According to the World Bank, a country must possess six components of Good Governance: voice and accountability, political instability and violence, government effectiveness, regulatory burden, rule of law, and control of corruption. A country is not eligible for aid if it does not meet these demands. Guyana complies with the requirements of all six components.
Here again, it is important to acknowledge that Guyana is a signatory to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which was established to promote economic growth and reduce extreme poverty in developing countries.  Before a country can qualify to become a member of the MCC, the country must be eligible for assistance; only countries that perform relatively well in terms of good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people, will become eligible to receive funds.  All countries must steer aid in the direction of reinforcing good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people that promote economic growth and eliminate extreme poverty.  Guyana has fulfilled all requirements and receives aid while the MCC continues to monitor its spending.Guyana is ‘free.’
The powers of the President are reduced, there is opposition participation, the political culture of Guyana is vibrant, and it consists of a national mass media enjoying freedom of expression. These are all measures which aid in Good Governance.
With the people’s continued participation and support, we can reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development through Good Governance.
Marissa Lowden

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