Dear Editor,
In a letter written by Mr Oscar Ramjeet captioned, ‘The Caribbean diaspora is being tapped for support’ (SN, July 22) he comments, “It is ironical that the PPP/C is in power for more than 21years and the situation is not better.” I would like to differ!
Let’s look at some of the facts from the 2014 Index of Economic Freedom in Guyana. Over the 20-year history of the Index, Guyana has advanced its economic freedom score by 10 points. This overall increase has been achieved by enhancements in seven of the ten economic freedoms, notably the management of public spending, freedom from corruption and monetary freedom, the scores for which have improved by 10 points or more.
Guyana slipped back into economically “repressed” status during the late 2000s, but has risen out of that category since 2012.
With regard to corruption, the National Assembly approved a government motion that members submit annual declarations in keeping with provisions of the Integrity Act. The act sets out both criminal and administrative sanctions for non-disclosure. If a person fails to file a declaration, the fact can be published in the daily newspapers and the Official Gazette. Failure to comply with the law can lead to a summary conviction, fines and imprisonment for six to twelve months.
If there is any evidence in existence of corruption this should be brought forward and the charges should be laid. To date there is none.
Yours faithfully,
Victor Yacoob
Association of
Concerned Guyanese
Toronto Canada
