Latest update March 21st, 2025 7:03 AM
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CORRUPTION AFFECTS ALL
In nearly every corner of the world, from the Arab World to Latin America and many places in-between, there are growing concerns from citizens about massive corruption by public officials. But many governments have unwisely shrugged off the concerns of the citizens. However, the goal of this government is to weed out corruption and it is doing its best to achieve it, but it needs the support of all.
Corruption became endemic in the country during the reign of the last administration, so much so that it cemented Guyana as one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean. Corruption still exists today, but it would seem to a lesser extent. It erodes trust, robs the citizens of their dignity and stifles the economic growth and development of the country. Corruption is prevalent in most government departments and agencies and in almost every region of the country. It is pervasive and has reached the level whereby many persons in the country are coerced to pay a bribe for public services that are essentially free.
Since elected to office, the government has promised to treat corruption seriously and to prosecute those found culpable of corrupt practices. It has established the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) and has ordered several forensic audits in government departments, agencies and corporations. These are some of the practical steps underway to reinforce the fight against corruption. However, in spite of some strong evidence from the forensic audit reports and from the illegal activities unearthed by SARU, except for one Minister and her assistant, no one else has been charged for corruption or misuse of state resources.
The public is waiting patiently for charges to be filed against those allegedly found culpable of corrupt practices, meanwhile corruption continues to cripple the basic functions of the state. Until the government intensifies the fight against corruption and charges those deemed to be corrupt, the people will not feel at ease.
Corruption has negatively impacted the nation and has strangled the economy. It has and continues to affect the poor and the most vulnerable in society, who are denied services because they cannot afford to pay bribes. It is horrible, and the government must act quickly to end this scourge on the nation.
Corruption has always been a threat to the nation. It has hindered the ability of the government to meaningfully address that threat. However, efforts to end corruption would require the political will of the government and cooperation of the people. Certainly, the government alone cannot end corruption; everyone in society has a responsibility to tackle it since it affects all.
These realities demand that the government must establish an anti-corruption agency as a first-order priority to help stamp out corruption. Stronger penalties and enforcement are also needed to solve the underlying problems of corruption by public officials. Words must be matched with action and emphasis must be placed on punishment for corrupt officials to prevent dishonesty.
There are too many shady transactions by some in the administration which are not made public and, as a result, they have not been disciplined. The government has to put an end to cover-ups and the sheltering of illicit funds, as well as close the loopholes that allow for money laundering. Children are witnessing the corrupt practices and are likely to do the same when they become adults. It is not good.
Corruption cannot be ignored because of its negative impact on the nation. It must be tackled on all fronts in order to create a healthy environment where citizens do not have to pay bribes to obtain government services or avoid being prosecuted for breaching the traffic laws. The authorities must do all within their power and use all the necessary resources at their disposal to end the scourge of corruption. It affects all in society.
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