Dear Editor,
Corruption, bad governance, and strong man authoritarian rule have weakened democracy in Guyana and can lead to rebellious activities. In light of the farm scandal, MV Barima, the incestuous $12 Billion contracts to kin, and countless other scandals involving Ministers and ranking officials in the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars, shouldn’t the security forces speak out and urge an end to corruption and terrible rule and restore order. In several countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, the security forces took action against the corrupt and bad regimes, empowering the people. Ultimately, the greatest contribution security forces can make to good governance is helping create an environment in which the law applies equally to everyone—including powerful officials,
Hundreds of billions of public money disappear each year over the last six years without anyone being held accountable. Ministers and other officials are getting richer while the working people get poorer. Because of corruption, institutions are losing credibility, citizens are losing trust, and organized crime finds opportunities to penetrate government. In such circumstances, people look to the military, police and other security institutions as the last line of defence against corruption and for better governance. What should be their role in light of current state of affairs?
Security forces have an important responsibility in protecting the state from threats that can undermine national security and public order. Yet they can’t sit idly and allow a few to rape the financial affairs of the state as has been taking place over last six years. They have a moral duty in combating corruption and bad governance. They can protect institutions, investigate wrongdoing, enforce the law and defend constitutional order without becoming involved in politics and taking political sides.
Corruption has become a National Security Threat in Guyana. It’s an economic and political problem, and its consequences can be much broader. When officials accept bribes, misuse public resources, manipulate state institutions for personal gain, ill treat and disrespect the public, hide actions from the public, they weaken the capacity of government to provide security and essential services. They weaken the state. They pose a threat to the nation not much different from outside forces seeking to undermine our border and existence. The security forces can’t sit by idly; they need to make their voices heard on corruption and bad governance.
The security forces have a legitimate interest in combating corruption which also poses a threat to their professionalism. Any security service compromised by bribery cannot effectively fight crime or defend country. Their job is protect the state and constitution, not individual politicians. They must send a clear message to politicians that corruption is not tolerated and act against the corrupt. History offers many examples of countries where the security forces moved against the corrupt to protect public order and the public purse.
The security forces cannot remain passive when corruption threatens national security.
Police investigators can gather evidence against corrupt officials and criminal networks. Specialized financial-crime units can investigate money laundering, illicit enrichment and the misuse of public funds. Military intelligence can identify attempts by organized criminal groups to infiltrate defence institutions. Security personnel can protect judges, prosecutors, witnesses, journalists and investigators who face threats because of anti-corruption work. Security forces can also refuse to participate in clearly unlawful activities. Professional discipline requires personnel to distinguish between legitimate orders and orders that violate the constitution or the law.
When civilian institutions are failing, citizens want security forces to “take charge” against the corrupt, particularly when corruption and appear overwhelming. It appears that security forces are the last option for Good Governance.
The fight against corruption is a partnership among institutions. Politicians must govern transparently and that is not happening. Courts must operate independently. Prosecutors must be protected from intimidation. Journalists and civil society must be able to investigate wrongdoing. Auditors must have the authority to follow public money. And security forces must enforce the law impartially. When government fails, security forces must step in to force government to do the right things.
Security forces have a vital role as guardians of constitutional order, public safety and national sovereignty. The challenge for Guyana’s security institutions is to confront corruption and political criminality, and to demand as well as enforce accountability through constitutional measures.
Yours truly,
Sharman Ally
