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Oct 22, 2012 Letters
Dear Editor,
It is agreed, and a generally accepted universal principle, that charitable funds which originate with the public, public institutions or government must be publicly and totally accounted for to the public. There can be no excuse to hide how any part of these funds were obtained or used or misused because it may jeopardize the organization especially where the organization is a religious one.
The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) which over its lifetime has prided itself, and correctly so, that it has without fail produced every year audited accounts for presentation to the Muslim community. The audit has always been done by a reputable audit firm. What follows may signal a change in policy, but we hope that this is not the case.
There has recently been what is, by all accounts, a major fraud in the CIOG’s Accounts Department. One staff was sent home early in the investigation. This investigation commenced several weeks ago, but as yet, while there was only a small, oral interim report, it seems that the investigation will go on indefinitely; and the two investigators, after several weeks, are yet to produce a final report, or a report approximating finality. A fraud of the supposed magnitude of this one would likely involve more than one person. It would appear therefore, that the delay in getting a final report made public means that some people who may be involved may be benefitting from a cover-up action, voluntary or involuntary, by the two investigators.
In order for speculation like this to be avoided we need as comprehensive a report as possible be made available immediately to every member of the Central Executive Council (CEC) which body governs the day—to-day operations of the CIOG. In the past senior members of the CEC in their arrogance have omitted including “ordinary” members of the CEC from “sensitive” discussions and decisions. The Muslim community, and the general public, cannot and must not sit idly by while the assets of the community are stolen or misused.
Two more staff have been sent home. The reasons for this action are unknown, even to senior CIOG executives, and appear to have a basis in other than the matter in hand. The public demands to know, in writing, the reasons for this action so that appropriate remedial action can be taken.
If the two investigators are incapable of producing written reports detailing their findings on both matters to the CEC, then the CEC should remove them or they should remove themselves so that others can be appointed to do the requisite work.
Editor, we thank you for giving this letter the publicity it deserves. We the Muslim community of Guyana, have no intention of allowing these matters to be swept under the carpet.
A very concerned Muslim
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