The disclosures pinpointed monumental asset accumulations with Pres Ali’s name immovably affixed. He has acknowledged that the farm property is his. A great start. So also, all the inanimate structures, and all the thriving, exotic, life forms, that form part of a physical animal farm. He admits they have been in his portfolio for years. Years prior to his ascendancy to the number one office in Guyana. It’s not an office to be trifled with: many citizens revere the very title. Even seen by some as sacred. Due to the developments now moving like an out-of-control avalanche around this much-talked about farm, and not in a good way, Pres Ali has his work cut out for him. He must go all out to protect the presidency. He must leave no stone unturned in his efforts to help the presidency emerge from a grim condition to a clean light. One that’s better than when this deluge of revelations shocked Guyanese silly, and left them stunned. My kind counsel to the president is that he proves he has nothing to hide. And because he has nothing to fear, there will only be the straightest, cleanest, and most persuasive of outcomes about this farm. Neither subterfuge nor complexity will intervene in the days ahead.
In the aftermath of Mr. Azruddin Mohamed’s disclosures, it’s vital that Pres Ali discerns that he has a matter before him that calls for the best that’s in him. He defends himself strongly, while manifesting new levels of wisdom. The wisdom that goes beyond himself. Place this whole matter, Mr. President, in the hands of others. Others outside of Guyana. He is the sitting head-of-state. Hence, it is not in the best interests of himself and Guyana for this matter to be reviewed and pronounced upon by Guyanese. Wrong move. A local study/inquiry of what’s now public would invite contentiousness. Over what appears artificial. About what looks like a whitewash. Past appointed local bodies have attracted endless criticisms re their terms of reference, procedures, actual probes. They have raised more questions and controversy than provided answers and closure. Recommendation: place this locally insoluble matter in foreign hands. For full disclosure of the facts, as tracked and treated. From how they came into existence, to identification of all involved parties.
It would help immensely if the Integrity Commission Act is amended to allow disclosure of submissions in situations such as these. Frankly,, I do not support any arrangement where the assets of politicians are kept secret. This would cover from their earnings to their acquisitions to their liquidations. Further, any amended Integrity Commission Act must provide for a majority of its members to be drawn from civil society, as nominated by civil society. From that majority a chair is chosen. Of what strength, what utility is a chair, chosen by a government, when a member of that same government, has to be scrutinized?
President Ali, any politician, any public servant, has a right to mount the most vigorous defense when claims are made about their conduct in office. I endorse that to the fullest. Using the same standard, the public, the taxpayer, the electorate, is entitled to an inquiry that is hoped to be authentic, appears to be authentic, and is authentic. In its probity. In the quality of its work and output. In the confidence that it inspires. There is a system. It is working and it delivers.
I wish Pres Ali well. I wish also that he would be most seriously engaged in allowing full ventilation of what is encircled and embedded in his farm cum estate. Through those wishes, I think that much could be achieved. The air must be cleared. So that this matter is put to rest., once and for all.
