Dr. Ashni Singh and anti-corruption prospects

Jun 22, 2021 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

The article titled, “Ashni unfolds effective anti-corruption program” (KN June 20) refers to the coverage of the Hon. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, and his address at the UN. My comments follow.
I admit awe at the mental gymnastics gracing the construction of that title; it relays the mischief afoot, and the cosmetics that add gloss to anti-corruption claims. I agree the man with this weighty title, and responsibilities still mysterious, is well-credentialed, brings much to the table. But it would comfort to know what he has delivered beyond words, other than the usual party voice and all for one public practices now well enshrined. I believe that the likes of Dr. Ashni could make worlds of difference here, but only if they (and he) truly stand up for people and country first, and not for leader alone and always.
For sure, this good Guyanese with all the imaginary responsibilities attached to his portfolio, can speak with aplomb before international audiences about anti-corruption programmes. Public postures are cheap, accompanying words the cheapest. For the learned Senior Minister to pretend that the very subjects of which he was reported to speak “drugs…money laundering” have not flourished under his government and leaders, both prior and present, says so much. The good doctor, according to KN, outlined that “Guyana could look forward…to achieving pride of place as one of the world’s least corrupt societies.” I must hand it to him: the man is either a better pretender, dodger, dreamer, or joker than any we have had around here in historical and living memory. A special medal should be cast for him, and for doing the dirty job before the international community with a straight face. What an emissary! One almost as saintly in carriage and delivery as a Mother Teresa, while the big fellows run their rackets with smirk and wink.
Editor, his leaders have been about blanket secrecy on the things that matter to the people of this country, its major sources of wealth, and the Senior Minister makes this astounding claim about Guyana on the way to being “one of the world’s least corrupt societies.” I must remember to seek insights from the good doctor on what potion he favours, that creates such mirages. For magic it is, when his masters deceive the Guyanese public about natural resources business. And conceal from them any of the vital information that they need to know. And rise up craftily in calculated defense of the foreigners, the Cossacks, who run wild here and pillage the valuable properties of this nation. The shadow finance man should know that Guyanese are still waiting for his chief (the real finance man) to tell one straight story on anything where big money is in the mix. Reality collides with rhetoric. Again. I am amazed that this supposedly consumer-oriented article could have partnered with the blind encomia lavished with what is a disservice to a still expectant society.

Sincerely,
GHK Lall

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News