Dear Editor,
In the light of a minority government being elected to office, I believe this indicates a rejection of Bharrat Jagdeo’s policies, and I think it is fair to conclude that many had contempt for him and felt that there was a lot of sleaze under his watch. I wish to recommend the following be done by the new government in a show of good faith and upright conduct without having to wait for the opposition leaders to press for this:
1) Appoint new chairpersons to the boards of Guysuco, GPL and other state-owned companies, and these should be suitably qualified and experienced persons who have no known party affiliations.
Also the various boards must have representatives nominated by the two opposition parties.
2) Advertise for and appoint a professionally qualified and experienced accountant to head the Auditor General’s department in order to raise the standard of work performed by this department. In addition increase resources to this agency so that vacancies can be filled quickly and if necessary upgrade the salary scale.
3) Remove the existing Commissioner General (GRA) who the majority of people perceive as being closely connected with senior leaders of the previous regime. Even if this is not so the public perception of this gentleman who resides in Pradoville next to the political directorate is that he is not independent.
4) The incumbent Commissioner of Police must be sent into retirement immediately and be replaced by the best of his deputies.
5) The judiciary and its moribund state have to be fixed quickly. I suggest improving the salary scales and benefits for the magistrates and judges, recruiting immediately three judges with one being assigned immediately to the commercial court.
6) Investigate all major contracts say over $50 million awarded by the outgoing government over the last 12 months.
7) Appoint an Ombudsman immediately.
8) Appoint qualified forensic accountants to check if there was any significant abuse or misappropriation of state funds over the last five years, including the Lotto fund.
In addition President Ramotar , parliamentary Opposition Leader Granger and Mr Ramjattan must conduct themselves in a statesmanlike manner and ensure that the country’s interest is put first at all times.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
