We need an anti-Corruption Czar

Dear Editor,

In light of objections and contention from the government on the $138 M fraud allegations leveled by WIN leader on the $2.1 billion paddy subsidies, other allegations on the hundreds of millions to fishermen, other cash grants, farming subsidies, housing subsidies, and other forms of assistance, isn’t it time we have an anti-corruption czar to investigate (using forensic and other means) these programs?  A lot of resources are lost to corruption. Something must be done to crackdown on corruption.

Irfaan Ali committed to appointing an anti corruption czar during the campaign if he were to win the September 1 election ostensibly to stamp out corruption. It is now more than four months since he was re-elected. Yet, there has not been any movement in appointing an anti corruption czar. Worse, he has not recalled parliament for over two months. Parliament met once since June. No policy has been debated. There is government without parliament.

We have witnessed corruption of catastrophic proportions from officials. Corruption has been hindering business and growth. Corruption has undermined ‘prosperity’ and promotes breakdown of law and order. It  damages the economy, political system, processes and institutions. It leads to impoverishment and not surprisingly poverty rate in Guyana has remained persistently high.

Several officials have been siphoning away resources from their intended purposes for personal interests. One official owns eleven properties on the Corentyne and more in Georgetown and the East Bank. Almost every Minister owns properties beyond their source of income; some are in relatives names. Some acquired properties in New York, Long Island, Florida, and elsewhere.  Several officials use and abuse public office for private gain.

We must stamp out the cancer of corruption and put the country on a sustained trajectory of good governance. If we eliminate corruption, more resources will be available for grants and subsidies for farmers and fisherfolks. The poor and working class will benefit.

I call on the President to recall parliament and have it establish the office of an independent czar to combat corruption.  The office will be charged with rooting out bribery, fraud, and misconduct within public institutions and to strengthen transparency and accountability. The czar should be appointed on the recommendation of several names by the Opposition Leader. Appointing a czar will show the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.

Yours truly,

Nathan Barton