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Corruption has taken root all over Guyana
Dear Editor,
I spent the first 40 years of my life in Guyana and the last 30 years in the United States. I have visited Guyana five times between 1984 and 2007.
Like all Guyanese abroad, I still cherish deep values for Guyana. Consequently, I follow closely the daily internet reports appearing in the media.
Undoubtedly, much is being done to improve the lives of the people, including the Amerindians. But, how soon have we forgotten. There are daily reports of rampant bribery and corruption. The Government is paying out large sums of good money to build schools, roads, hospitals, etc., but, in return, is getting work of a very poor quality.
Many completed projects, like the Good Hope Stelling fail to meet designs and specifications, and are falling apart or cannot be put into service. Citizens will complain, as this is unacceptable.
The reports have indicated that regional officers, engineers and consultants are corrupt, negligent and incompetent. Bribery and corruption have taken root all over Guyana. This is sad, regrettable and an embarrassment to the Government.
The President and his Cabinet Ministers must see bribery and corruption as great evils, if they want to remain in office. They must be firm and ruthless and do everything necessary to wipe out this evil. They owe it to their supporters.
All those who are in service of the people, including Cabinet Ministers, and, are part of this evil, or, fail to see this evil, should be fired. Any public servant who ask for, or, accept a beer, a lunch, a raise or a gift of any kind from a contractor or from anyone else in return for services rendered is guilty of bribery and corruption.
There is much talk of elected dictatorship and the need for a change of government. Indeed, some are even hoping and praying for a return of the PNC. How soon have we forgotten?
The supporters of the Government fail to admit that some of these reports of bribery, corruption and mismanagement are really true. Reports have shown that those who speak or write about this evil are attacked and assaulted. For 28 years Indians suffered oppression and persecution in Guyana. How soon have we forgotten?
Mr. Kissoon may be unjustified in some of his writings, but, this Government has rightfully return free speech to the people. The evil act committed on Mr. Kissoon will not go unpaid.
Guyana has certainly progressed under with the PPP/C in office. But, bribery and corruption should not be a part of this progress. To support bribery and corruption would be like the days of the PNC. Eventually, good will overcome evil, and what happened to the PNC will eventually happen to the PPP. Then, this time, the PPP will only have to blame themselves.
Public Servants are paid to serve the people. I say to them do an honest job, or, go and till the land. Many seem to believe that bribery and corruption go hand in hand with their jobs. I saw a report where a senior police officer said: “There is not a single person in or out of Guyana who with justification can say Slowe asked for or was given a bribe or was involved in any corrupt or illegal activity”. Good for him, but, this is exactly what he was supposed to do. There are many other honest police officers and public servants like him. I was a public servant for over 20 years and never asked for or was ever given a bribe. This is what is expected of every public servant.
The Tapakuma Drainage and Irrigation projects were massive on the Essequibo Coast, and were carried out by contractors from England (Pauling and Co. and Reed and Malik). The consultants were also from England (Sir William Halcrow and Partners). The works included the Dawa pump station, many new irrigation canals, drains, sea sluices, roads, bridges, culverts, several government houses, etc. There were never any report of bribery and corruption. These works were of top quality, and stood up for decades.
Maybe the Government should get contractors and consultants from overseas. This, I feel, will ensure better quality work and erase bribery and corruption.
M. Majeed
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