Transparency International, others so silent on Harmongate?

Apr 06, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
We live in a country that has been embroiled in one corruption scandal after another. Kaieteur News has been at the forefront of exposing many of these scandals, as is expected by an aggressive and independent daily newspaper.
This is not on Kaieteur News’ shoulders only, however, because the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) has conducted several audits, which have revealed numerous skeletons in the closets of various Ministries.
This being the case, however, corruption, whether engaged in by members of the coalition or members of the previous administration, must be dealt with condignly. Corruption is a disservice to an entire nation and an abuse of public trust!
Kaieteur News has highlighted certain actions taken by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon which, if true, is indeed appalling. This is someone who has been vociferous against Bai Shan Lin and its ‘rape’ of Guyana’s resources, during his days in opposition, but who seems to now be their most powerful champion.
Certain individuals have not been sparing in their criticism. But why are certain groups, who should have been at the forefront of standing up for what is right, now so silent? Why is the burden left to individuals such as Dr. David Hinds, Anand Goolsarran and Christopher Ram, to name a few?
Transparency International is a global civil society organization that is supposed to be ‘leading’ the fight against corruption. It is this group’s duty to stand up for what is right. Why is its Guyana branch so silent, to the point where it appears to have turned a blind eye to Harmon’s purported shenanigans?
One would recall that the former director of this organization, Gino Persaud, was willing to protest on the streets against the former administration. He was scathing in his criticism of injustice. Let us hope that his successors have not fallen asleep at the helm.
This group, and other right thinking Guyanese who may or may not be supporters of this coalition must put aside bi-partisan feelings and stand up for integrity of public office. We have lived for too long in a society that lacked this.
In the words of Edmund Burke, “the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men should do nothing.”
Randy Talbot

Editor’s note: There is a press statement by TI on the issue in today’s edition

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