Dear Editor
The Oligarchs of corruption in Guyana, I penned an article about a year ago indicating the PPP/C Achilles heel is the perceived corruption and will be their downfall again by 2030 or 2025, not racism or apartheid. There are too many actors (from both parties) on our political stage tainted or behaving in a manner that fosters an old mindset. It is time for some to get off the stage, they have overstayed their welcome. We Guyanese have short-term memory, and our Politicians exploit it. Send you on leave, pay you and hope over time the people forget so you can be resurrected. No one gets prosecuted or jailed, setting an example for others. So, the subterfuge continues. I am amazed America has to be our prosecutor. Follow the money trail!
I shudder listening to some each Thursday, we are awaiting the evidence, when it is happening right under our nose. In my many years in the diaspora, I was never asked by a government or private person for a raise (bribe). Yes, corruption is endemic across the world, but we need to stop burying our heads in the sand and thinking it will go away in Guyana. Its like eating a “Curass” and getting a bone stuck in your throat, you may need help getting it out. Some leaders have an Oligarch mentality, it buys power and keeps them in office. This is not a one man show. Follow the money!
The lack of system automation locally (paper vs. automation), BoG/GRA weakness, Police leadership being an arm of the ruling party in power at the time, leaves us Citizens powerless. Staff SOCU, CANU and SARU with independent FBI or Scotland yard resources, if we want to demonstrate to the world, we are seriously combating corruption. I am sure they will help us if asked. Those that say no, may have something to hide. We have done much work with the USA DEA, but we need to step up our game, not to become a failed state in the ensuing years.
Our judiciary must have minimum sentencing guidelines significant enough to deter corruption, it will stop the epidemic. All public gifts from President to Minsters and their significant others must be disclosed (publicly). handbags, bangles, free trips, watches, land, boats, cars, houses, cash, gold, etc., included. Some Leaders in the USA/UK/SA/ ROC etc. are prosecuted based on this doctrine, political malfeasance. I said before we are not exceptional, but in Guyana we play by few rules. Many have already figured out how to work around our paper system using second and third parties without their names being part of the transaction. Follow the money BoG!
As our Constitutional reform group coalesces around revisions our hopes are they will formulate guidelines that deter corruption through asset disclosure, seizure and penalties that make corruption worthless for public office holders. Remember most can be bought for the right price. Time limit in office also helps, not just at the Presidential level.
Yours truly,
Everton D. Morris
