Reflecting on corruption

May 20, 2015 Editorial

Looking back, one can only reflect on the many possible explanations for the corrupt practices that took place during the last decade. Most of these mega ventures were under the direct supervision of individuals described as competent public servants. But in all honesty the leaders were in denial.
In a number of cases involving corruption, there was absolutely no acknowledgement of wrongdoing. There was no fulfillment of promises to the nation to discipline those who were caught committing fraud.
Over the last few years, there were credible reports by reputable individuals such as accountant Chris Ram and others that those in authority were misusing the power vested in them. The reports have recommended that legal action be taken in relation to several questionable projects, especially the Marriott Hotel, of which we are yet to learn of its financiers.
And while the reports pointed to areas of culpability on the part of senior officials, neither the Jagdeo nor Ramotar administration made any decisive move. Not only was no one prosecuted, but to add insult to injury, on occasions the taxpayers were told that the persons who organised the deals were not accountable to them.
The big question is: will the newly elected coalition Government conduct a forensic investigation on corruption and prosecute those who committed such grievous and unethical acts against the people?
In Guyana, the impact of corruption is incredibly wide; it has not only eaten away at the quality of life of the masses, it has eroded the consumers’ confidence, increased the price of goods and services, and undermined the confidence in public institutions and government. It has enabled organized crime to flourish which in turn has led to an upsurge in criminal activities by armed bandits and “hire for murder” gangs.
Corruption has significantly increased threats to human security and has driven fear in Guyanese from coast to coast. It has seriously damaged the psyche of many as well as the country’s perception and ranking in the international arena. What wrongs have Guyanese committed to suffer such terrible consequences?
Corruption is clearly defined as the abuse of public office for private gains, often driven by individual greed, and manifesting itself in ways which are inimical to the national security and political and socio-economic interest of the people and the country.
The political enclave who ruled previously ignored the issue of corruption for too long and it has consequently become a scourge on the nation. They pretended that corruption was and is not as widespread as some in the previous opposition claimed, and it is up to them to prove it. During the campaign, the Coalition took a predictably adversarial position to the nonchalance, indicating it will prosecute those who commit wrongdoing. Now it is up to them!
What must be a matter of serious concern to all Guyanese is the wayward and reckless conduct of the former regime, whose arrogance and indifference while in office came under intense scrutiny, locally and internationally, in the latter stages.
To compound matters, not accepting the results of the election and calling for the resignation of the Chairman of GECOM, the PPP’s leaders are showing total disrespect for the people and contempt for the constitution. Is this not the same leadership who claimed to believe in democracy?
The people have not and will not see the emergence of a culture of political maturity, decency and honesty from the current opposition now or in the future. It is up to the Coalition government to start the healing process to unite the races, rebuild the image and infrastructure of the country, improve the fortunes of the people and move Guyana forward.
Can they do it? We hope so, for the good of this durable nation.

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Reflecting on corruption

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