Dear Editor,
These days corruption seems ubiquitous as a way of life in our small Guyanese society. It is like a cancer in public life, that has now become rampant and is raising its ugly head everywhere in this land. A country where we have seen and read of some of our erstwhile leaders from all strata of our society having lived exemplary and uncorrupted lives.
When we write and comment about corruption in public life, it covers corruption in politics, local government, central government, business, industry and several others including the police force. The ordinarily unsuspecting members of the general public encounter it in almost all government offices as those are the places where corruption is rampant and subtle. If one does not pay for the work/service the work or service won’t be discharged or rendered properly – just half baked. One also finds it in the markets too, where one is short changed by vendors’ weights and measures and even the poor quality of goods and services.
Some citizens and public officials have grown an insatiable appetite for money and will go to any extent to get it by corrupt means. Undoubtedly they would speak of morality and the importance of a value-based life, but that is for outer show, just platitudes to impress. Their inner voice is something else.
There is always a cry for money: ‘Dat would cost yu!’; ‘Leff some nah!’ It has been seen that some of those who are deputed to investigate matters of corruption may turn out to be corrupt themselves. Some of our leaders too are not immune from the corrosive effects of corruption. Thus the network of corruption goes on as usual and remains unchecked.
The ugly face of corruption is seen even in the recruitment department where appointments are secured through a reliable middle agent. The nexus between politicians and bureaucrats works in a very sophisticated manner. A connection also exists between criminals and some police.
Everybody knows that criminals have no morals, hence we can expect nothing good from them. But the police are supposed to be the symbol of law and order and discipline. They too indulge in corruption. Moreso because they enjoy unlimited powers and there is no action against them even if complaints are made and sufficient proof of abuse of office and high handedness are made available.
Corruption can also be need-based or greed-based. Better governance could at least help to check need-based corruption. Better governance could check greed-based corruption if the punishment for the corrupt were very effective and prompt in a better-governed society..
More condign legal, effective and prompt steps should be taken to correct/combat the situation overall. Declarations of the assets of government employees should be made compulsory by statute and routine and surprise inspections and raids be conducted at certain intervals.
Though it seems very difficult to control corruption it may not be impossible. It is not only the responsibility of government alone to play its part, but that of every citizen of our land too. Our society could reduce or even eliminate corruption if there is joint effort. We must have some high principles to follow so that we may be models for the coming generation. All in our society should try to create an atmosphere free from corruption. That should be our goal as true Guyanese citizens, as corruption is an enemy to all of us because its tentacles and corrosiveness affect everyone eventually.
It seems to some of us, Editor, that corruption is the master currently and its corrosive effect is eating into the vitals of our Guyanese society and even worldwide too.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)