Proud to be Guyanese but the actions of some political leaders have been disappointing

Sep 14, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

I am proud of the position Kaieteur News has taken on issues. I am proud of being Guyanese but I am ashamed of my political leadership.
Thank you for exposing corruption and promoting good governance and exposing the lopsided Exxon contract. I and so many other Indians are ashamed of what some political leaders have been doing over the last 13 months, especially in being quiet about the one-sided oil deals that cheats Guyana of over one hundred billion American dollars. We voted for change but we got an exchange or worse. The actions of most of them are self-serving. They are not Jaganites; they take care of themselves first and foremost.
Some political leadership flagrantly violate rules and norms. They show no shame for their actions. Some of them have favoured their individual or family interests to the general detriment of their community, supporters, and the country at large. They divvy up spoils of office among a few at the top and their very close friends, neglecting the bulk of the small contractors and others who campaigned and voted for them and who guarded the ballot boxes for five months. The bulk of those who served the party during the campaign and the five months after voting have been excluded from the perks or spoils of office. Those who served with dedication, commitment, and loyalty and voters have been left with katahar.
There is much corruption in doling out contract awards. Contracts were given to unqualified bidders. There has been a sleuth of substandard work. Trinidadian contractors have replaced Guyanese; the Trinis gave campaign money and now want their pound of flesh. They are getting almost all the road contracts, housing contracts, building contracts at the airport and much of Exxon construction. The general population, the poor in particular, get hardly anything. Those who speak out against corruption or bad governance are victimised or harassed and their contracts cancelled.
Not a single Minister has spoken out against corruption, not even the popular and likeable Attorney General. Where is the voice of Ashni Singh, Frank Anthony, Vindhya Persaud and others? Have they sold their souls? We were so happy a year ago when Ashni Singh returned to serve as Finance Minister but have become disappointed by his silence of the many wrongs.
What passes for political leadership is appalling and must be condemned. I am appealing to decent minded people, regular letter writers of integrity, civil society and religious figures to wake up and hold the government accountable on its expenditures and in doling out contracts.
Sanctions are the only effective way to deal with politicians who are putting their self-interest and greed ahead of the country’s interests. I call on the ABCE diplomats, the US Ambassador in particular, to recommend actions against the corrupt. The diplomats went beyond the call of duty to ensure that democracy prevails. I plea with them to express same fortitude in ensuring that good governance prevail. I appeal to Ambassador Lynch to advise the State Department to consider visa cancellation against those involved in corrupt transactions.

Yours truly,
Balram Gangadeen

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