Dear Editor,
The U.S. has informed the Guyana government that if they want information on sanctions against certain gold dealers and a Permanent Secretary, they should ask the Department of Justice (DoJ). This sounds like a classic game of international diplomacy and bureaucracy at its finest.
Finance Minister Ashni Singh mentioned that any request for information need to go through the DoJ, which will then check with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to get the necessary documents. Essentially, it’s like playing a game of legal “telephone” with a lot of extra steps. When it comes to sensitive information, a straightforward approach is just too boring. Why have one office handle it when you can involve several, adding layers of complexity that only a true bureaucrat could appreciate?
This situation is a reminder that job security in government is alive and well. By routing inquiries through multiple channels, a whole bunch of officials, clerks, and secretaries get to stay busy—all in the name of gathering information. It’s good to know our tax dollars are being used to create a conveyor belt of red tape stretching across continents.
Meanwhile, one can only hope that our local investigating task forces and security forces will not sit on their laurels while waiting months for the DoJ to get the information back to the Guyanese government, which I expect will be highly redacted and blacklined.
In short, the directive to go through the DoJ to get information on sanctions isn’t just about accuracy and due process. It’s a perfect example of how international relations thrive on inefficiency and bureaucratic splendor. It’s proof that in government, the journey is more important than the destination. So, my fellow Guyanese, don’t hold your breath for any juicy details on this situation anytime soon. Just enjoy living in your newfound democracy or kleptocracy.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
