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GUYANA NEEDS ‘FIT & PROPER’ PERSONS IN ALL SECTORS

May 19, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

Where one might have expected a troubled reaction to the new rape allegation against one of its senior leaders, the complacent attitude of the ruling PPP illustrates the extent to which power has vanquished principle in that political arena.   The Party General Secretary and First Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo concluded that “Dharamlall has nothing to step down from…the matter is an allegation”.

He also stated that the Dharamlall case will be handled by the Party in the same way as the first rape allegations against him by a young Amerindian girl last year ‘allowing the law to take its course’. “We did not jump the gun”, he commented. Since this casual approach worked well for the ruling party last time around, the upper echelon no doubt looks forward to getting themselves off the hook as smoothly once again.

However, the legal course taken in respect of the first allegations did not go down well, prompting widespread public criticism of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Police Force and the ruling party. Over the years, Guyanese have witnessed a variety of wrong-doing by leaders and their associates who enjoy political immunity. Efforts to correct this situation have been piecemeal and disjointed. The Sexual Offences Act, for example, is imbued with a commitment to protect women and young people, but not seriously embraced by politicians.

The first Dharamlall incident prompted a storm of social media comments, followed later by similar outpouring over crude exhibitions of misogyny from male members of the ruling party against female Parliamentarians.  Unfortunately, periodic outbursts such as these are insufficient to address the protection enjoyed by wrong-doers.

More effective mobilising of indignation seems necessary. Civic bodies including business, religious, trade, sports, NGOs and other organisations would all benefit from paying more attention to fit and proper leadership.

A good place to start is by instituting fit and proper rules in their own sectors thereby raising national standards and a culture of integrity and accountability. This is particularly the case also with respect to those politicians and persons on National Commissions responsible for public funds. Such tests prevent corrupt or untrustworthy persons from attaining positions of authority over other people.

Guyana Human Rights Association

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