Dear Editor,
It has come to my attention that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) administration in the Corriverton Town Council appears to be turning a blind eye to serious allegations of corruption involving a senior officer within the council.
The nature of the allegations reaching my office suggests that a senior officer is engaged in a series of fraudulent transactions (paying rates and taxes) on lands and derelict buildings registered in his name. Accordingly, after doing so for a few years, he applies to the Court for prescriptive titles to these properties.
The information provided to my office further indicates that this officer has been involved in more than 100 such transactions. If this is accurate, it means that he has been successfully manipulating the system for personal gain at the expense of the public interest. It also means that people within the Town Council hierarchy (Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Councillors) are aware of this practice.
This officer’s blatant abuse of power, the impunity with which he acts, and the silence of the PPPC-controlled Council indicate either the Council’s apparent condoning of corruption or its participation in such activities.
Editor, the actions of both the officer and the Councillors of this Township undermine the integrity of our local governance, creating further instability and mistrust not only of the government but also of the local government system in our beloved Guyana. Hence, there is a need for swift, decisive action by state agencies and municipalities.
In this regard, I call on the Local Government Commission, the Audit Office and the Municipality of Corriverton to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into this officer’s conduct and, by extension, the conduct of those who may be complicit in overlooking such misconduct. Justice must be served, and efforts must be made to restore transparency and accountability within the Corriverton Town Council.
In my next letter, we will examine the councillors’ corrupt practices in greater detail.
Our citizens deserve better, and this matter must be addressed without delay. Mr. Editor, I note the efforts to silence my voice; I will not be silenced. This has strengthened my resolve to continue exposing the corruption of the PPPC and its friends, family, and favourites.
Yours truly, Sherwin C. Benjamin Secretary PNCR
