Dear Editor,
There currently exists a gap in our parliamentary structure. Some countries have an oversight and accountability committee within their governance structure, for example, the USA has one whose mission is “to ensure the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of the federal government and all its agencies. We provide a check and balance on the role and power of Washington – and a voice to the people it serves”. (Reference: oversight.house.gov).
Guyana would benefit from adding a bipartisan committee within its parliamentary structure that has a similar responsibility. Currently, this responsibility has been taken on by the Vice President and President, but they are doing so using a less structured approach and in an ad hoc manner. As the saying goes, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”.
A bipartisan parliamentary committee that focuses on accountability will ensure that the review and accountability process is systematic, well-structured and in accordance with the law. Key concerns will then be identified and acted upon in a timely and unbiased manner. CRG encourages the members of parliament to consider establishing such a committee and looks forward to this proposal being discussed in an upcoming sitting of the parliament.
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana