Dear Editor,
As citizens, we should always take seriously public statements by our Head of State and others who swore to uphold the constitution. In all of his recent statements, we understand him to suggest a cleavage to decency and adherence to the lofty principles which characterises a democratic society. This means that the Head of State need do all things necessary and possible to avoid the existing perception of corruption eating away like cancer in our society.
Recently, we’ve had the revelation by Mr. Tony Vieira, giving reasons for leaving the Board of Directors of GuySuCo. Mr. Vieira and I do not share the same views on political matters, but his recent statements relating to GuySuCo are serious enough to warrant a full scale investigation by credible persons. GuySuCo is in receipt of millions of taxpayers’ money every month to keep the proverbial cane punts afloat and moving. The president and his lieutenants have recently doled out $250,000 to each retrenched sugar worker and now to hear that monies are being squandered either by incompetence or corrupt practices is a matter of national concern and ought not to be swept under the carpet.
Mr. Vieira has been intimate with the sugar industry from his childhood, having lived on an estate most of his life and perhaps the only other person alive knowledgeable about the sugar industry is Mr. Earl John. It therefore behooves the president, or whichever minister is responsible for GuySuCo, to go forth and hold an immediate enquiry so that citizens do not feel, that for whatever reason, they are being exploited by the management and directorate of the sugar corporation. Dear Editor, I need not elucidate on an industry responsible for all our ancestors, save the Amerindians, being in Guyana.
There should be no delay nor dilly dallying on this matter where many millions are involved. Incidentally, while the president is cogitating on this matter, he may wish to provide some measure of detail with regard to the monies allegedly handed out to fishermen, farmers and, Mon Repos vendors. Additionally it would be comforting if details are supplied on how the recent 44.7 billion dollars supplementary approved by parliament will be utilised. Such information provided should fit nicely in the box of transparency.
Sincerely,
Hamilton Green