Jagdeo/Ramotar regime evading checks and balances - GTUC

Jagdeo/Ramotar regime evading checks and balances – GTUC

Apr 27, 2013 News

Government has been slothful in activating important Commissions that will allow accountability and transparency even though President Donald Ramotar has acknowledged that corruption exists.

GTUC’s President Norris Witter.

According to Norris Witter, President of Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTU), these Commissions, including the Integrity Commission and the Public Procurement Commission, are likely to force Government to practice good governance- something the Jagdeo/ Ramotar regime has been evading.
He made those comments in relation to the US State Department Human Rights Report 2012 that highlighted Guyana’s deficiency in not having these Commissions that facilitate accountability and transparency.
Witter believes that now that the US is paying keen attention Government would be compelled to establish these Commissions. However, there should be careful consideration in keeping the Commissioners independent.
Witter believes that checks and balances are needed in every democratic society and that it is the fundamental reason why these Commissions are so important.
Zooming into the non-appointment of Commissioners of the Public Procurement Commission he said Government functions largely on taxpayers’ money. As such, there should be a body to ensure accountability and transparency.
According to Witter, Cabinet offers its no-objections to the award of contracts and there are oftentimes allegations of corruption surrounding these contracts as such, this Commission is needed to investigate the awarding of contracts, etc.
He said that it is time Guyanese get value for their money. He said that it is ironic that Jagdeo repeatedly called for value for money on projects but never saw the establishment of this commission.
The PPP/C Government is strong on rhetoric and weak in expedition without any substance Witter stated.
He said that Parliamentarians and civil society would need to be vigilant and demand that the Commissions be established with urgency with persons of integrity that will ensure the Commissions operate professionally without outside interference.
The Trade Unionist believes that Government recognizes the room to maneuver is getting smaller and establishing the Commissions is the only decent thing to do, especially when the international community is looking on.