Guyana found itself in the hot seat yesterday at the United Nations’ 140th Session of the Human Rights Committee in Geneva, Switzerland as a barrage of questions on corruption, human rights and public accountability for state assets were asked including allegations against Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira appeared virtually to represent Guyana at the hybrid session, delivering an opening statement and fielding inquiries from committee members.
A particularly pointed question came from United States committee member, Laurence Helfer, who inquired about public frustration over Guyana’s alleged failure to investigate reports of corruption involving Jagdeo.
“The committee… reiterates its request for information on measures to ensure prompt and effective investigations into allegations of corruption and the prosecution of perpetrators. The committee is aware of public frustration regarding, for example, the failure to investigate reports of corruption by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. Would the state party care to comment on these reports?” Helfer probed.
In response, Teixeira explained that no formal police report had been filed regarding a Vice News broadcast containing allegations of corruption against the VP. Without a formal complaint, she argued, law enforcement authorities were unable to launch an investigation.
“The issue of the Vice News’ accusation of a Vice News report article on the Vice President of Guyana and acts of corruption, there’s no follow-up on it. There was no police report made by Vice News or anybody else, and so the police cannot investigate without some form of report or complaint. However, the VP has answered this issue publicly several times in the same media that has carried these reports,” she stated.
Jagdeo had lodged a legal case against Su Zhirong who was the man who had levelled the allegations against him in the Vice News report. He had vehemently denied the allegations levelled against him by Su.
At the time of the Vice News broadcast, Su had been a tenant in one of Jagdeo’s properties and living near to where the Vice President resided. Su later disappeared.
Su had said in the Vice News broadcast that he lobbied the Vice President on behalf of Chinese investors and companies. He told the US-based Vice News’ Isobel Yeung, while she was undercover, that Jagdeo was his boss and “processing fees” had to be paid to him to gain access to lucrative contracts in Guyana.
The Vice President said that Su had brought his name into disrepute and globally it could mean that his image will be sullied.
“Yes, my reputation took a hit globally. They are not Guyanese so they may not know and this could be really major because it is international. This could be really big,” he said, pointing out that Vice has large viewership globally.
Jagdeo had in April of 2022 announced that Su had seemingly abandoned his place of abode, although he had paid his rent up to the end of May 2022.
Jagdeo had said that he was looking for the man he had openly claimed to be his friend to evict him from the rental property and then signalled that he would be suing Su for libel. It is unclear what has become of the legal case.
Police force
Helfer also noted that there have been allegations of corruption in the Guyana Police Force and the judiciary and he sought a comment on the same. In response to this, Teixeira stated that no reports have been made regarding corruption allegation against the judiciary.
Teixeira also answered questions regarding anti-corruption measures. These, she stated are in place and functioning, including the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) and the Integrity Commission. She said that the PPC had to deal with missing files and understaffing when it was appointed but is currently investigating recent reports.
The PPC has been severely criticized locally for not appearing to act on several important cases where contracts were awarded to unqualified companies and persons with links to government officials.
The Integrity Commission has been strengthened, Teixeira said, and given increased budgetary resources, and is actively publishing names of defaulters. Additionally, she noted that the Public Disclosure and Whistle Blowers Act cannot be activated yet due to implementation issues, but witnesses in cases are offered protection by the state and police.
The session shed light on the challenges faced by Guyana in addressing allegations of corruption and promoting transparency and accountability in government affairs. It continues today and tomorrow with more questions being put to Guyana.
