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Tell the full story
Dear Editor,
Kaieteur News – If we speak of hard truths, then the entire story should be told. In Guyana, a culture has taken root over the years where those with influence, wealth, and power bypass established procedures to avoid cost and secure expediency in matters controlled by the state.
Customs duty has been a sore point since the 1980’s. Many old enough to remember will recall incidents of pilferage and even the brazenness of customs clearances occurring outside of normal channels with the use of fake stamps for a split of the savings. It was a time when knowing someone allowed you to avoid the full cost of the process. A number of officers were caught due to their large expenditures and flamboyant lifestyles. What has occurred in the past continues to plague the present and the suggestion that someone in high office can facilitate a speedy and less costly process for those who are wealthy enough to pay the price should not be a surprise.
Unfortunately, this culture of “leff something” has been found in numerous government agencies and private businesses. The cost to the government is substantial and the lost profits to businesses are measurable. The higher the stakes, the higher the probability of this kind of corruption occurring. This is why most, if not all Guyanese, suspect foul play in the Exxon deal and have been requesting a renegotiation for the last TEN YEARS. The fiasco surrounding the signing bonus, the unauthorized reduction of the GRA audit findings and the reluctance to have the U.S. Government investigate using the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act have only added to the suspicion of foul play around the signing of the agreement and have fueled further calls for the renegotiation of the contract.
When the citizenry grows sufficiently tired of losing money due to corruption change will occur. We must hold those in charge responsible for their actions and we must discourage the use of bribery and corruption to get things done. The cost of doing otherwise is quite substantial and we are experiencing these unfortunate consequences in the oil and gas sector. Every day Guyana continues to lose large sums of money that could have been used to secure the future of our children.
Of course, the corruption that has taken hold in our society is not worth it. If the citizens of our country are ready for a more prosperous future and a cleaner lifestyle change for the better will occur. We will refuse the requests of corrupt officials, and we will pay the full price as required by the government agencies through official channels. When we are unhappy with the process, we will ensure that our leaders propose solutions that improve the speed, efficiency, and cost of the process. Conducting our nation’s business in this way will help place the importance needed on honesty and integrity in our society.
To do otherwise, will only allow the scoundrels amongst us to continue to gain power and it will also allow corruption to continue to be rampant throughout our society. Remember, where there is corruption there is crime and injustice. We must demand better for ourselves and for our future generations.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
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