Mr. Corbin’s diagnosis, prognosis require full disclosure

May 24, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
The main view articulated by Fedila Corbin in her letter regarding Kemraj Ramjatan’s call for information on her father’s overseas treatment, which was published in the SN on May 21, 2009, respectfully, should not be allowed to contend.

It is not my intention to engage in a disputatious exchange on this issue. Personally, while I wish Mr. Corbin well and a full recovery, I have no interest in seeking or absorbing information beyond what his office or family currently choose to make public. However, I do wish to promote advancement towards an open, transparent Guyanese society in which there is good governance and judicious accountability.

One recognises that Guyana has not yet evolved into an open society that espouses an acceptable level of full disclosure by public officials, as practiced by so-called Western democracies. However, this break down of our polity should not preclude prudent public policy; decent, right conduct by public officers, or disproportionately prejudice the public’s reasonable right to know.

Mr. Corbin is indeed entitled to his privacy. However, the supposed level of privacy to which he is entitled is relative to his decision to be a public official, thereby thrusting aspects of his private life into the realm of public business.
If the public scrutiny concomitant with public life is not palatable for his family, under certain inconvenient circumstances, then Mr. Corbin has to make a determination about his continued involvement in public life and balancing his need for privacy with the public interest and right to know. It is a civilized course to accurately and adequately inform the public of the health and general well-being of the Opposition Leader of Guyana – a constitutional officer of the State.

This should include a summary of his diagnosis and prognosis. This is especially de rigueur in light of the circumstances and speculation surrounding his alleged medevac from Georgetown to New York.
It is naïve to say it is a private matter, when Mr. Corbin, as a political leader has supporters and a constituency whom he represents and who are concerned about his health and welfare.
I do not believe that a credible or convincing case can be made otherwise.

The secrecy and apparent elusiveness which have characterized public pronouncements by various assumed spokespersons for Mr. Corbin have been disobliging and irresponsible, and have only fueled more speculation.
I believe strongly that Mr. Corbin is entitled to government paid health care. Specifically, I also feel that disclosure of the cost of Mr. Corbin’s medical treatment and attending issues should be subject to extant policy and prevailing practice on such matters and the discretion of the government and Mr. Corbin. In this regard, Fidela’s implication that in this context there should be full disclosure by and for all is therefore apposite.

There is a difference between freedom of information and public disclosure, although freedom of information can lead to full disclosure.
The status of Mr. Corbin’s health is a moral issue that requires full disclosure. In this context, full disclosure means making public all information/facts that are material to a public official, i.e., facts that are pertinent to Mr. Corbin’s life and his office. Generally these are facts that allow the public to make its own, uncoerced judgment; in this instant – about Mr. Corbin’s health. Disclosure therefore must be seen as a prerequisite to public integrity and clean, honest conduct.

On the other hand, freedom of information facilitates free, open and transparent governance. Disclosing information about the total cost of Mr. Corbin’s medical treatment to tax payers is a relevant governance issue to which the Government may be obligated under its responsibility to freedom of information. It is Khemraj Ramjattan’s job as a Member of Parliament to pursue this course .
Information about Mr. Corbin’s diagnosis, prognosis and overall health is an appropriate matter which requires full disclosure. It is the responsibility of Mr. Corbin’s office is to facilitate this.
Rickford Burke