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Society is poorer for every corrupt action taken by public officials
DEAR EDITOR,
December 9 is designated by the United Nations as Anti-Corruption Day. It is an opportune time to reflect on the state of corruption not only in Guyana but the world at large.
Guyana ranks high on the corruption index as computed by Transparency International. In fact, Guyana is the 93rd most corrupt country out of 175, according to Transparency International’s Report for 2019. This is indeed an unacceptable state of affairs, which should not be allowed to continue.
The fact is that society is poorer for every corrupt action taken by public officials. Regrettably, the watchdog Integrity Commission, despite a promise to publish the names of all public officials who fail to submit their declarations, has failed to do so, on the grounds that it does not have enough financial resources to so do! This is an unsatisfactory situation that needs to be corrected by the government.
The example has to be set from the top, and there should not be any ‘holy cows’ when it comes to compliance with the requirements of the law.
The Integrity Commission has an important role to play in the fight against corruption, but it will be unable to fulfill its mandate unless it is fully resourced to expose those who are delinquent, and also to initiate the necessary procedures for remedial action.
Corruption is becoming a major political issue throughout the world and several leaders and governments have fallen on corruption allegations over the past few years. People are becoming increasingly intolerant of corrupt leaders, many of whom have amassed huge fortunes at the expense of the poor.
As a society, we have to send a clear signal that we will not accept corruption. Indeed, it is our duty and responsibility as concerned citizens to expose corruption whenever or wherever it raises its ugly head.
Hydar Ally
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