The envoys of the US, UK, Canada and the European Union (EU) yesterday said that they look forward to more initiatives by the Guyana Government to tackle and eventually extirpate corruption.
In a joint statement, US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, British High Commissioner Jane Miller, Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman and EU Ambassador René van Nes said “As the year draws to a close, we look forward to more initiatives by the Guyanese government to address and eventually root out corruption. Guyana’s sturdy anti-corruption policies together with swift responses to evidence-based cases of corrupt practices will clearly demonstrate to Guyana’s citizens, and the rest of the world, that the government is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness for the future benefit of all Guyanese”.
In the statement marking International Anti-Corruption Day being observed today and the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention Against Corruption, the four envoys noted the range of steps taken by the government to fight corruption but said that the battle against graft required more than just robust legislation.
“…combatting corruption requires more than a robust legislative framework. In each case where the legal framework allows for best practices, those practices must be implemented for all to see and experience. As corruption disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable in society, governments have a duty to hold to account those who engage in fraud, bribery, and collusion with criminal elements”, the envoys said.
They added that governments alone cannot solve this social disease but that civil society and the private sector must also do their part to work with governments to eradicate corruption at all levels. Among the initiatives they applauded the government for were anti-corruption workshops and an anti-corruption manual. They cited recent amendments to the Representation of the People Act which are intended to further promote fair and transparent elections. They also adverted to the revised Natural Resource Fund Act which allows for increased transparency and improved management over Guyana’s natural resource wealth.
“Importantly, amendments to Guyana’s anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism legislation may clear its path to membership in the prestigious Egmont Group, which facilitates cooperation and intelligence sharing among international financial intelligence units to investigate and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing”, the envoys.
Guyana has been discussing accession to the Egmont Group for more than a decade but this is still to fructify.
The envoys said that governments at all levels, all around the world, should honour their obligation to tackle corruption.
“At the local level, governments should commit to anti-corruption initiatives in collaboration with the public and private sectors as well as civil society. Such cooperation will yield positive outcomes leading to good governance, a robust civil society, respect for the rule of law, and the preservation of human rights norms. Strengthening legislative frameworks to deter corrupt practices, promote transparency, and uphold accountability is a key step in addressing corruption”, they said.
The envoys asserted that this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day highlights the pivotal link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development.
“Globally, corruption is a corrosive influence that undermines public faith in institutions resulting in diminished citizen security, stunted economic growth, and a drain on public and private resources. As such, we underscore the importance of ensuring improved accountability, increased transparency, and the dismantling of corruption in all its forms to build a more inclusive future for all”, they said.
Last year, in a statement to mark the day, Lynch had emphasised the need for anti-corruption initiatives from the government.
In a statement, Lynch had said “We continue to look forward to the government’s initiatives to combat corruption, including Natural Resource Fund legislation that offers both transparency and clear oversight, and to a meaningful and inclusive process of stakeholder engagement. A strong anti-corruption stance now will show Guyanese citizens, and the rest of the world, that the government is committed to transparent institutions that utilize the country’s resources to the long-term benefit for all Guyanese”.
The controversial new Natural Resource Fund Act had followed shortly after.
