When reports are unfavourable

Nov 19, 2009 Editorial

Every year some international agencies review the performance of countries around the world and pronounce on them. There have been pronouncements by the United States Department, the United Nations, some others and more recently, Transparency International.
It is amazing to note the reaction to these reports. When they are favourable to us we quote them extensively but when they are critical of us we shun them and abuse the architects of the reports.
There was a recent report that examined press freedom in Guyana. We were rated highly and we basked in the glory. Our authorities proclaimed that Guyana has been vindicated and the resulting reports were widely quoted.
It was the same with the report on human rights.
There were reports that Guyana, by and large, did not condone torture, did not prevent freedom of worship and had among the freest media in the world.
There were reports by those monitoring the health of the various nations. Guyana’s efforts at fighting HIV/AIDS were proclaimed to be among the best in the region. There were creditable reports on other aspects of health.
The politicians smiled and the state media were in their element.
But out comes the Transparency International report that deals with corruption. But even before that, there was a report that concluded that Guyana was a difficult place to do business and that it took eons for requests to be honoured.
The government was angry but it took steps to modify certain regulations to facilitate foreign private investors. Since then Government has also done certain things to boost investment capabilities. One of these is the granting of tax holidays, in some cases waiving taxes and duty.
The Transparency International report may be described as far from complimentary. It lists Guyana as being among the most corrupt countries in the world.
Of 180 countries, Guyana is ranked 126, behind every other country in the Caribbean Community, except Haiti. This rating has not changed and it speaks volumes.
Of course the politicians are debunking the report. They are angry and they say that the report is cock-eyed. The General Secretary of the ruling party says that the report must be the result of work by the People’s National Congress Reform.
He said that the investigating group should reveal the method it uses to arrive at its conclusion because in his book, while he admits that there is a level of corruption it certainly cannot be as bad as Transportation International makes out.
But what is the reality? Over the past few months Kaieteur News had cause to investigate what it considered over-priced contracts. In many cases the answers provided left a lot to be desired.
There was evidence of people being involved in actions that could not stand scrutiny. Cases of corruption, when reported often get nowhere because the people making the report decline to confront the accused.
But in many cases, international investors have been known to accuse Government officials of demanding a “token” to ensure that whatever they need can be readily achieve.
Indeed, the government has denied that such things happen but when one considers what has led to the investigation of the Guyana Revenue Authority, the reports of illegal drugs being facilitated through the international airport, and the reports of people greasing the palm to secure contracts are all acts that might have reached the ears of the investigators.
Is the rating too harsh?

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When reports are unfavourable

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