Dear Editor,
We have a serious, ongoing problem in Guyana, perpetrated by those who hold political office. And despite talks about social cohesion, national unity and a “fresh approach”, the levels of arrogance and intolerance on display by ministers of the new APNU+AFC government are very troubling. This trend began soon after the new government took office last May during a confrontation between Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes and Child Care and Protection Agency Director, Ann Greene. Greene was unceremoniously sent on leave, which prompted Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) to label the Minister’s action as an “early sign of intolerance”, and urged the “tempering of arrogance” since the decision to send Greene on leave conveyed disregard for those perceived to be on a lesser level of authority.
Then we witnessed the discriminatory dismissal of thousands on the government’s payroll who were perceived to be supporters of the former PPP/C administration. This was followed by the ongoing hunt to retrieve “stolen government assets.”
We’ve also witnessed the arrogance of suspending Standing Orders in the National Assembly and passing pieces of legislation without allowing sufficient time for the opposition to debate the issues.
The Venezuelan threat may not have escalated to the point where that government has now suspended the granting of agrément to the posting of an ambassador to Venezuela, if our Foreign Affairs Minister had not been so arrogant but more diplomatic in the choice of words used during his condemnation of this threat.
And during the budget debate, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was heard throwing racial slurs at the Leader of the Opposition. This is the same Nagamootoo who now appears confused and questions Jagdeo’s refusal to have talks with him on the issue of national unity. When a seasoned politician who is also Prime Minister and first Vice President, uses unparliamentary slurs in the National Assembly, how can this man be expected to negotiate a proposal for national unity in good faith? It’s not gonna happen.
But as if this is not troubling enough, the trend continues. In an earlier report, former President Bharrat Jagdeo challenged the administration to have all Members of Parliament declare their assets, both local and those overseas, as part of the code of conduct for parliamentarians touted by President Granger. According to the Opposition Leader, he is prepared to work with government to unveil MPs’ assets around the world and is also prepared to subject himself to the same scrutiny. “In fact, I am advocating it… I’m also prepared to work with Government on declaring that every Member of Parliament must clear for the past 10 years their payment of taxes for them to make public, so that anybody could walk over the road and check this.”
Editor, I endorse this call for total transparency to ensure at the end of a politician’s term in office, he can honestly account for whatever additional assets he may have accumulated over the years, in keeping with his declared assets, salary, gratuities and other benefits he is entitled to. Those in the APNU and AFC opposed to corruption, and those who have, over the years, questioned Jagdeo’s wealth and the assets of former PPP/C ministers, should welcome this declaration with open arms as it keeps politicians in check, and promotes good governance, transparency and accountability. But apparently, there are those among us who feel disclosure should not apply to them, but should be limited to Bharrat Jagdeo.
If this administration is really serious about stamping out corruption and wants to avoid any perception of getting kickbacks for services rendered; if this administration is serious about holding ministers of government accountable; and if ministers of government do not wish to see themselves on the receiving end of a forensic audit in 2020, I strongly urge full support for the implementation of the Jagdeo proposal. For to disregard this initiative would be to leave another loophole for corruption to fester.
Yours faithfully,
Harry Gill, MP
