Concerns about widespread corruption in the Jagdeo administration and its connection with convicted narco-dealers and how this has led to the criminalization of Guyana, were raised by the Alliance For Change (AFC) during a recent meeting with representatives from the US State Department.
The issues were raised by party Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan during a meeting in Washington with Ambassador Charles Shapiro, Senior Advisor for Economic Initiatives, Bureau of Western Hemispheric Affairs. Bob Piehel, Southern Caribbean Desk Officer, Office of Caribbean Affairs was also present at this meeting along with other overseas representatives of the AFC.
Ramjattan, in an outline of his presentation, pointed to the government’s alleged dealings with narco-dealers who have been convicted in the USA. In recent months, Guyanese Roger Khan and Peter Morgan have both been convicted of drug trafficking in US courts. He argued that the State has been “criminalized” through the administration’s relations with these narco-dealers.
Further, he outlined his party’s case that there is “tremendous dictatorial tendency” in the present administration. A document stating why the AFC believes that “Guyana could enter the abyss of a failed State category along with a partial Corruption Dossier was also handed over.
Issues of financial impropriety, including the controversial $4 billion in funds awarded to the Housing Ministry before Parliamentary consent was approved, the abuse of the Contingencies Fund and the misuse of Lotto funds and NICIL revenues were also raised. The pronouncements by the Auditor General on corruption and irregularities were also highlighted, Ramjattan said.
Issues of nepotism, whereby friends of the government make huge profits from State land they purchased for low prices were raised.
Government’s planned use of taxpayers’ money to set up the Marriott franchise to compete with other hotels, without proper transparency and the US$15.4 million contract granted to Fip Motilall for the Amaila Falls road project and the unanswered questions surrounding the deal were discussed too.
A copy of the Hansard with the Parliamentary debate surrounding the controversial $4 billion was handed over to Shapiro as well as a document prepared by Gerhard Ramsaroop: “Report on Guyana Government Blogging as paid by taxpayers monies”.
Ramjattan also recommended that there be more stringent demands for transparency and accountability before money is lent to Guyana. He also urged that “certain consequences” be attached to corrupt officials, including the cancellations of visas for corrupt officials.
According to Ramjattan, the officials said that the USA has to respect sovereignty and that denying aid to a poor country may be doing more harm than good. It was pointed out, though, that there is a push to ensure aid funding meets its intended target rather than the “pockets of high officials”, Ramjattan said.
He said too that during the meeting the Ambassador plugged the concept of “Secured Transactions”, which provides for the provision of loans to small business owners without them having to put up large collateral. According to him, his party has embraced this concept, since it views it as a way of fighting poverty in the country and creating employment. He said that that Ron Alert and economist Tarron Khemraj have been asked by the party to develop this idea so that “it can be a big sell” for the party’s 2011 Campaign.
