I know that years ago I touched on the concept – and fear – of Guyana gradually taking on the dubious characteristic of a national kleptocracy.
I am aware too that two years or so ago, I discussed GHK Lall quoting the Mahatma Gandhi tombstone (warning) on politics without principle, wealth without work.
Well these past days’ ‘papers and newscasts replete with the local politics and crime, strongly attracted me to, and motivated this return to comments on thievery. Besides the old, oft-present “get-rich-quick” syndrome the concept and practice of theft on the job now seems nationally prevalent. Gosh! Just check these daily pages for those captions that scream out at you.
Of course, the “enabling environment” of endemic corruption, transparency and accountability breakdown along with the transgressors’ belief that a lax judicial system will be “kind” to them if caught, all make for frequent forays to stealing by various levels of employees. And they are the fortunate! Lucky – qualified, or skilled, or well-placed enough to actually be employed!
Kleptomania, Kleptocracy
I still say “poor” Guyana hasn’t quite arrived there yet. We are not a full-fledged kleptocracy. That’s a State within which the Rulers deem it their natural, absolute right to be entitled to the taxes, natural resources and investments really meant to benefit the people’s national development. As in the old Emperor/peasant days and systems, there are executives from governments who “entitle” themselves to the State’s , the People’s resources in all manner of ways. You read, you know, you suspect, you speculate about our local situation.
One curious problem is that your “ordinary” classical kleptomaniac is defined as “one who has an irresistible tendency to theft, even though not tempted to it by needy circumstances”.
Like a millionairess shoplifting stockings every week. Now that type cries out for psychological examination and psychiatric treatment. They are mentally unwell.
So our employed thieves might be different. Just that – thieves in white or blue collars or shirt-jacs. You have the young policeman who joined the Force knowing the salary was “small”. But he wanted both a job and the potential “runnings”. Then there is the accountant or supervisor who knows the flaws in the accounting systems or the needs of certain customers and business-owners.
So both executives, the managers and their juniors steal. The business and the country pay the price.
Wealth without work
Apparently, the Mahatma Mohandas strongly disapproved of and lamented those around him who craved wealth and comforts without working to earn same. Poor Great Soul. What would he do in today’s Guyana? In India? In Colombia? Recall that work used to mean “expenditure of energy”, “lawful effort, task-mental or physical – to achieve some laudable purpose or objective”. Legality is implicit in those definitions. I however seem to recall suggesting that the biggest crook, conman, petty thief, junkie or armed bandit will probably tell you that their enterprise is also work. To them. Yes, I suppose, that in the context of today’s criminal “morality”, the risky midnight thief, or midday accountant will consider their illegal doings as ”work”.
The headlines, the courts
Just check our local dailies: “Broader probe underway of GRA duty-free scam”. (Poor Mr Khurshid, monthly his customs people or his tax-officers are allegedly at it.) “Six months later and former Grove/Diamond NDC overseer still to repay missing funds” (Local residents are approaching the Local Government Ministry about missing millions; the overseer wrote a letter with certain “admissions”.
I won’t go on. But from the Police Force’s Finance office to the Office of the President to the GPL and Drainage Board, fraud and theft seem to thrive. How did this come about? Discuss…
At next year’s Flag-raising?
Congrats to the Ministry of Culture’s Events Planning Committee on the staging of this year’s major Independence Flag Raising Re-enactment at the National Park in Georgetown.
The programme featured now usual presentations of cultural entertainment. And a still new President. President Ramotar did not step out of his political box, but he did not ’buse anybody. Great!
Now Ministry, please consider my suggestions for May 25, 2013 at the Park. The President must be joined by the following each for ten minute- “speeches”: Opposition Leader, Labour leader, Youth leader, (one) Religious leader, one Private Sector leader. (Even five minutes!)
Then persons born on the 26th May 1966 must be presented with birthday cakes and any reasonable wish (come through). A Guyanese living overseas since the sixties must present the oldest Guyanese in Guyana with a meaningful memento and National Awards must be announced in summary form.
What? I must be dreaming? Well, boys and girls, great ideas and achievements often begin with dreams!
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Ponder this…
*1) Thieves caught with the booty, compliments of immediate police response, were told to plead not guilty by their attorney. The police must prove the red-handed theft in a court. Right?
*2) Have you heard of the new Public Policy/Advocacy NGO in Guyana? Look out for the GNCPP from this weekend.
*3) Sill the best American Ex-president? Jimmy Carter? He says the new Egyptian leader will continue to honour his Israel/Egypt Camp David Accords. Seems that new President will have no choice??
‘Til next week!’
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
