Don’t Plunder the Public Purse
Today’s offering, in one sense, may be considered as a tribute, of sorts, to the Kaieteur News, the other acknowledged private “independent” newspaper in this country.
Frankly Speaking, I become extremely troubled whenever I see certain types of basic mistakes occurring in my own Stabroek News which actually appear almost daily and routinely in the Kaieteur. However, although it is still my own strongly- held opinion that more journalistic integrity resides in the Stabroek than in others. I must salute the work and popularity of the competitor Kaieteur. Especially that paper’s crusade to expose real or perceived corruption in official quarters, often leading to plundering of the public purse coupled with reckless, wanton misuse, wastage of the people’s money. Great job.
So I’m really adding my humble, working – class voice to the Kaieteur letter – writer who wrote about the plundering of public office and the parading of new found wealth by the government’s “new rich”; to Editor Adam Harris’ pieces on official secrecy and to the Kaieteur’s frequent news – stories and opinion pieces. (My own Stabroek offers some stinging insightful Editorials on the corruption issues too!)
But from where cometh the Kaieteur’s diligence and relentless pursuit? Perhaps I’ll border on the unethical with this, my own view.
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“When yuh own louse bite yuh…
The local folk proverb advises/warns: “when yuh own louse bite yuh, it bite yuh hat!” Former intimates, colleagues, close friends could become real bitter and dedicated enemies over certain types of falling out.
I’ve seen the glowing tributes by loyalists and beneficiaries paid to the Kaieteur News Publisher. I’ve also actually heard a TV owner/ commentator broadcast quite unflattering, but unchallenged, things about that same Publisher. That’s life, nuh?
When the five Kaieteur News Pressmen were gunned down, Kaieteur’s Publisher reportedly immediately called President Jagdeo on a private cellular phone. I suspect things have changed somewhat between the two former pals. We now have an aggressive expose-oriented Kaieteur News with dedicated anti- government writers and columnists. I welcome the investigative exposures in the public interest.
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From Corruption to Squandermania
Dedicated critics of the PPP/C government, more objective, even neutral professionals from independent bodies and civil society, all seem to agree that corruption in the official corridors of power is a norm, a routine. (Shades of such societies as Mexico, Nigeria…)
Corruption, I understand, would be hard to prove in a court of Law, as contractors, accountants, quantity surveyors, even consultant-monitors are now qualified at hiding both facts and truth. That is the essence of corruption in a kleptocracy. The Ram–McRae people remind us that corruption is internationally defined as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain”. My two points about that would be that (1) Corrupt politicians and rapacious businesspersons care little about definitions and (2) in Guyana official wrongdoing with the people’s money utilises expert surrogates and go-betweens.
All the legislation and institutions set up, on paper, are compromised by clever, “professional” kleptomaniacs in high places. I mourn for our overworked, underpaid working – class. Unionist Leslie Melville dubbed them “the employed poor”. They are bound to pay PAYE taxes; even the unemployed have to pay the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on necessaries. PPP/C sugar – worker supporters, PNC – friendly bauxite workers and AFC youth – these are “the people” whose money is being misused, squandered, stolen!
Let me stop or I’ll begin to wander – to write about the Consolidated Fund as mentioned in the constitution or to opine about foreign – fund projects providing “Commission” for those in “authority”. No, let me conclude with a suggestion.
Monitoring – and Community Protests
Certain opposition parties have advanced reasons why they no longer exercise the option of attention – getting mass demonstrations and street protest. Even peaceful protest seems to be a victim. Except by a hardy few.
Consider my proposal: whenever a national or community, people-funded project is being executed, put together a group of monitors –comprising of say, political party members (including the ruling Party – if it’s interested), trained engineers or social workers or lawyers (depending on the type or nature of project) and yes, an appropriate consultant, along with representative residents and potential beneficiaries.
This should be the type of civil but knowledgeable watchdog group to monitor the operation, cost, quality and progress of respective projects in the people’s interest. This group should always invite responsible media to join them as they stay on guard for the people. When and if they are hindered; or when wastage and poor work occur, then the vocal, visible, sustained community protests should be mounted. Please Discuss…
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Ponder, Consider…
Behind the burning: I agree with the Chronicle. Investigators should really discover and apprehend the arsonists who burnt down the Canal juice factory. It is not an “ordinary” petty crime. The owners must be made to “assist” much more too.
And shame! Just a 17 year old lad as security for multi–million dollar factory?
Whether it’s the Amaila Falls Road, the computers for 900 families, or the I.T. Technicians who will service and repair them, check the names and backgrounds of who gets the jobs.
How are the Guyanese African Organisations coming along with their IYPAD events? Is Dr. David Hinds mobilising resources for an 11 – month programme of tangibles?
I would welcome one of the laptops from the President and his contacts. But what about installing automatic recording systems in our courts. Don’t the magistrates still write long hand, (like I do?)
Recall our late National poet Martin Carter: “A mouth is often muzzled by the food it eats to live”. Many of us fear to speak because of the family’s welfare and the mortgage payments.
Could some serious young journalist investigate the construction of that ministry building at High and Princes Sts in GT? How many years? The final costs? The delays? Lord!
‘Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
