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Glowing defence of Joe Harmon

May 11, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
I have recognised with much annoyance the relentless accusations that are continuously being printed and aired in the media against the Honourable Joseph Harmon and therefore wish, through this missive, to categorically denounce the unsubstantiated claims that are made against this philanthropist.
To begin with, some vocal members of society have reprimanded Minister Harmon over the appointment of Mr. Brian Tiwari.  Their arguments were primarily based on Mr. Tiwari’s alleged involvement with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). No other arguments were made which could have convinced me and other readers and listeners that Tiwari is associated with corruption.
When this new government took over it was BK Tiwari that began the massive clean up exercise and it was BK Tiwari that spoke about the many sluices that were left unattended by the PPP. I vividly remember seeing him on HGPTV Nightly News publicly chastising the PPP for their complete neglect of the many kokers and sluices. It was BK that spent money and showed the public that he is fulfilling his responsibilities. When this businessman was doing the above none of us spoke, rather we all sat quietly and when he was given a honourific certificate which basically is a form of appreciation with no pay we all suddenly got the audacity to speak against Harmon. Why didn’t we tell Harmon from the beginning to let BK go and don’t allow him to do nothing for this government? Why didn’t we do that?
Secondly, clarity was already given with reference to Minister Harmon’s trip to China hence I need not waste ink to reiterate. However I would like to know if it is a crime to take a picture with anyone? Whether it is accepted or not let it be registered in the minds of all that Bi Shan Lin came to Guyana under the PPP and I am absolutely sure that he has all the legal documentations to show that he is not here illegal. He is an investor and assuming that he was not conducting himself properly during the PPP, then it is quite understandable that Mr. Harmon and Bi Shan Lin would have to meet. The duty of this government is not to chase investors away or create an unfriendly environment for investors but rather to put corrective measures in place so that current and prospective investors will agree and comply. In short Harmon and Bi Shan Lin had to meet.
Thirdly, it is an arguable fact that Chinese have contributed significantly to the economic and continuous economic growth of this country. Even though some of us believe that Guyana will soon become GuyChina it is an undeniable fact that Chinese have contributed significantly to the development of this country and therefore what was illegal if the Honourable Minister just requested a favour to put a hold on the seizure of the vehicles? Remember it was the ambassador of China to Guyana that requested the favour. Put yourself in Harmon’s shoe and ask yourself what would you have done?
Editor in closing, permit me to define the word corruption. Simply put corruption is dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power typically involving bribery. I therefore ask the public what was dishonest or fraudulent about Harmon’s action? More so did he take bribe from anyone? I maintain that Minister Harmon did nothing illegal and it is my opinion that someone or more than one is after Minister Harmon but I am sure that he or she or they will not succeed. Minister Harmon will continue to serve the people of Guyana and I wish him well in doing so.
Ganesh Mahipaul

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