Guyana urgently needs whistleblower protection measures

By Mark DaCosta- In Guyana’s ongoing struggle to realise transparency and accountability, the glaring absence of any whistleblower protection measures – robust or otherwise – represents a critical deficiency in our legal and governance framework. Unlike several developed countries, Guyana lacks comprehensive legislation and mechanisms designed to shield individuals who courageously expose wrongdoing from retaliation and persecution. This regulatory gap not only undermines the safety and well-being of whistleblowers but also impedes our collective efforts to combat corruption and ensure the integrity of our society.

But what exactly constitutes a whistleblower, and why should we, as a nation, be deeply concerned about their protection? Whistleblowers are individuals who, often at great personal risk, come forward to disclose illegal, unethical, or dangerous activities within organisations or institutions. They play a pivotal role in safeguarding the public interest, serving as catalysts for accountability and transparency in both the public and private sectors.

Throughout history, whistleblowers have emerged as unsung heroes whose courageous actions have led to significant reforms and prevented countless tragedies. Take, for instance, the case of Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee who exposed the extensive surveillance programs operated by the US government, prompting a global conversation on privacy and civil liberties. Similarly, Chelsea Manning, a former US Army intelligence analyst, leaked classified documents revealing human rights abuses and corruption, sparking international outrage and calls for accountability. Regardless of the eventual outcomes of those cases, the fact is, it took great courage to do what they did.

In a more recent and pertinent example, the case of the Boeing whistleblower underscores the urgent need for whistleblower protections in Guyana. Sam Salehpour, a Boeing engineer, raised alarm bells about shortcuts in the manufacturing process of the company’s widebody jet models, including the 777 and 787 Dreamliner. Salehpour’s concerns, meticulously detailed in his whistleblower complaint to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), highlighted serious risks of catastrophic failures as these airplanes age. Instead of being lauded for his vigilance, Salehpour faced retaliation and victimisation from the company — a stark reminder of the perils whistleblowers face when they choose to speak truth to power.

The significance of whistleblower protection extends beyond mere legislative measures; it encompasses a range of safeguards and support mechanisms aimed at empowering whistleblowers and facilitating a culture of accountability. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have enacted robust whistleblower protection laws that not only shield individuals from reprisals but also provide avenues for anonymous reporting, independent investigation, and legal redress.

In Guyana, where corruption remains endemic and impunity prevails, the absence of whistleblower protections perpetuates a culture of silence and complicity. Despite superficial assurances from the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime, genuine action to implement whistleblower protection measures is unlikely, given their vested interests in maintaining the status quo and shielding their allies from scrutiny.

It falls upon the political opposition to lead the charge in advocating for whistleblower protections and holding the government accountable. Members of parliament must champion legislation that enshrines these protections into law, ensuring that whistleblowers are shielded from retaliation and provided with the necessary support to continue their vital role in safeguarding the public interest.

The urgent need for whistleblower protection measures in Guyana cannot be overstated. These measures are not merely a matter of legal compliance but a fundamental safeguard of democracy and good governance. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders, particularly the political opposition, to take decisive action in ensuring that whistleblowers are protected, empowered, and respected for their invaluable contributions to our nation’s integrity and accountability. Only then can we truly aspire towards a future where justice and transparency prevail in our beloved country.