Emphasising the importance of a system of public accountability and transparency, former Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller says that as the country prepares for general and regional elections next year, politicians must embrace these principles to create “trust” in government and in national institutions.
Simpson-Miller made the observation on Thursday night at the Marriott Hotel, in Georgetown, where she was the featured speaker at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI)’s 130th anniversary celebration and awards gala.
“Therefore, there is no room for corruption in government institutions. As an administration, we spared no effort in accountability in the government that I led. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, I think there are some lessons here that Guyana could learn to ensure that in the coming period of investment and large revenue inflows, your government implements the right mix of economic policy reforms, which will create lasting prosperity for the people of Guyana,” she emphasised.
But while the event saw a packed Marriott Ballroom, there were no government ministers or representatives and opposition parliamentarians to hear the former Jamaica Prime Minister’s advice.
However, former PPP/C government ministers Robert Persaud and Manniram Prashad and former parliamentarian Charles Ramson Jr were in attendance.
In the face of calls by sections of the local business community for a review of Guyana’s participation in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Simpson-Miller also urged that the institution be protected.
The almost 50-year-old CARICOM, she contended, has an integral role to play in ensuring that member states are given the support they need. And with Guyana being the “the seat of the CARICOM Secretariat,” it should have a special place in the affairs of the region, she said.
“CARICOM is a vibrant regional body. We may be dissatisfied with aspects of provisions and interventions. However, it is an economic and social system that embodies the best hopes dreams and inspirations of the Caribbean people,” she said.
“Everything should therefore be done to protect this institution and the integration process,” the former Jamaican PM said, even as she listed a number of CARICOM organs.
Simpson-Miller observed that one of the most important benefits of CARICOM, its Single Market and Economy (CSME) initiative, is still experiencing a number of challenges, particularly with regards to slothful implementation and urged that this be swiftly addressed.
“The CET [Common External Tariff], which provides for interregional trade for Caribbean businesses to develop their capacity…this too needs to be addressed as a matter of great urgency,” she said while explaining that it is necessary if the body wants to build an international trading regime.
The free movement of skilled persons in the region was lauded, particularly since household workers also benefit from this provision, but Simpson-Miller said that “still more needs to be done” to make it as effective as initially planned.
While she boasted of CARICOM’s importance to interregional trade, the GCCI, through its President Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, said that there should be a renegotiation of the existing bilateral trade agreements, with a review of the cost versus the benefits.
He said that the GCCI believes that there should also be a “review of how much benefits have accrued to Guyana from being a member of CARICOM.”
Simpson-Miller said that Guyana holds a special place in her heart and she will render her support to this nation, whenever needed.
