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Concerned PAC calls for operationalized Integrity Commission
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) member, Jaipaul Sharma has deemed the awarding of “shady” contracts by ministries as one of the areas that is “full of corruption.”
Member of Parliament and PAC Member, Jaipaul Sharma
PAC Chairman, Carl Greenidge
He said that based on the numerous cases that have been before the PAC, it is clear that there is a serious need for the Integrity Commission to bring an end to those who try to cheat the system for the purpose of self aggrandizement. Sharma also stressed that not because the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry along with other officials may be brought up for correction by the PAC, it means that the Ministers are off the hook.
“It is important that in light of so many cases that unfold before the PAC, that we work towards getting the Integrity Commission functioning. Shady contracts under several ministries for several years say something that is very profound. Not because persons from the Ministry are made to feel the heat it means that the Ministers are not in some way responsible. It is their Ministry. They should know what’s going on. And if there is a bad egg, then action should be taken. The PAC, I am sure is concerned about this. It has gone to a level that is very surprising and more extensive to say the least. I will most certainly pilot the call for the Integrity Commission to be in place so that officials can be held accountable. There are millions of dollars being spent and we must ensure we ascertain the reasons why the money was spent and if they are being pocketed and by who.”
The Financial experts of the political opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have categorically expressed that moves will be made to ensure that the recommendations made by the Public Accounts Committee are adhered to.
Chairman of the Committee, Carl Greenidge also supported Sharma’s call as he too weighed in on the issue which is of grave concern.
“I think it goes without saying that there is much concern about the level of corruption in Guyana. As Chairman, each week we find a number of cases which fall in the category of transactions that are unacceptable, fall outside of financial guidelines and some strongly suggest acts of corruption. In most cases, recommendations have not been followed through so that action could be taken to prosecute persons. But rest assured that it is of concern to us and it will be addressed.”
Greenidge added, “The reports of the Auditor General show that corruption is a phenomenon in Guyana and if you look at the World Bank Reports and that of Transparency International, they show that corruption is a major problem. Corruption has never been as extensive as it is today and it spares no sector; Politicians on the government side as well as Public Servants and even the Private Sector. One area that is full of corruption is the awarding of contracts. This is like a disease and some seem to be quite comfortable with shady contracts.”
The Parliamentarian then stressed the need for the Integrity Commission as it is intended to ensure financial probity and ensure persons are not abusing their positions for personal enhancement. In light of the numerous cases that come before the Committee, and the scale of the recommendations made by the Committee, he stressed that the Integrity Commission may very well answer a lot of questions as to what has become of the millions of dollars that are yet to be accounted for.
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