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Need for Investigation of Corruption

Aug 04, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

Reference is made to commentary by Mr. Glenn Lall on his radio show and as reported in KN (Aug 2).  Corruption, the abuse of positions of office or power or using it for illegal economic gains, is widespread. It takes many shapes and forms including giving out land or privileges or tax breaks to favoured persons or businesses. There is usuallykickbacks in return.

Government funds are misused by the officials running the government as among the most egregious acts of corruption. Drawbacks are accepted or demanded in providing services or doling out contracts. Generally, people engage in corruption to enrich themselves. People use their power to get benefits in politics. It is a hobby among some. It is an addiction among others. And there are officials who can’t help but to steal or accept bribe; they would become ill if they don’t take bribes or accept drawbacks.

Guyana has declined in global perception index as produced by Transparency International – slipping two positions over the last two years, suggesting an increase in corruption under the Ali Administration. Transparency Guyana has been complaining about lack of transparency and accountability in spending.

Few officials are not corrupt. No office escapes corruption. Only a handful of Ministers are not on the take. Even those at the top are on the take as we learn from the Vice News expose and Su. That is most unfortunate as so many have put their trust and faith in political leadership who they thought was above corruption. Now, we know otherwise.

Corruption has the potential to destroy the nation with destructive effects on politics and economy. Corruption kills trust, transparency, accountability, equality, and justice, and it discourages investment. It destroys opportunities for honest people and businesses. It encourages both to compromise their integrity in order to get business or process paperwork. There is no equality in awarding of contracts. Contracts are based on favouritism and bribes. If you give drawbacks, you get contracts. If you are favoured, for whatever reason, you get contracts. Contractors complain they have to give a drawback. Certain companies are favoured resulting in monopoly or a few companies getting all the contracts; they are from a particular faith. The rich, in particular, gets the contracts. The rich or politically or religiously connected pay bribes to enter the market, driving away competition. The rich are in a position to pay the bribe. The poor can’t compete as they have no accumulated wealth to pay bribes.  It results in uneven wealth distribution with the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer.

A major effect of corruption on government work is poor workmanship. Because money is siphoned off from contract, there are not enough funds to perform sturdy long lasting quality work resulting in shoddy performance and inferior infrastructural projects that falls apart. This is clear in looking at roadwork or pipes or houses, for example. Roads have been collapsing almost everywhere — sinking holes or crests and potholes. The edges of roads are breaking up. Pipes are leaking in several areas. House walls are cracking. Officials are demanding sex in exchange for contracts or service. And there are so many other examples of corruption.  All around, there is abuse of power.

Corruption causes people to lose confidence in the system and withdraw trust in politicians, the political system, and the judiciary.

Corruption is pervasive as Glenn points out. Something needs to be done to combat corruption – perhaps an independent body to investigate corruption and bring to account those who have abused their positions for monetary or sexual gains.

 

Yours truly,

Edward Burrowes

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