Dear Editor,
The Government of Guyana should reconsider any suggestion to use Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to distribute the GY$100,000 cash grants or any cash grants for that matter. While the intention behind the grant is admirable, entrusting NDCs with this process exposes the program to significant risks due to the councils’ history of corruption and mismanagement.
In his recent press conference, the Vice President said that they have not concluded on a definite medium in which this distribution will be done, but NDCs, should not be one of those options for distribution. Reports as recent as April 30, 2024, demonstrate that NDCs have not operated with the required transparency and accountability. A case from the Port Mourant NDC involved an overseer issuing fake receipts from a private receipt book, creating an environment ripe for fraud, two other overseers from the same NDC were dismissed following investigations that revealed missing funds and unaccounted cash. This is a troubling trend of financial mismanagement within local councils, raising red flags about their suitability to handle large cash distributions. Now I am not sure if the government is oblivious to what goes on in these NDCs, especially Port Mourant, but several individuals who have been participants in these misappropriation attempts are still within this NDC disguised in other positions. Recycling corruption does not stop corruption, it enables it with new opportunities. A simple Google search of “Port Mourant NDC” shows you eight (8) news articles about corruption, fraud, overseers being fired, and more.
If NDCs are entrusted with the grant program, there is a heightened risk of funds being misappropriated or withheld from intended recipients. Furthermore, the public perception of corruption within NDCs could erode trust in the government’s broader relief efforts, undermining the credibility of both the cash program and the institutions involved. This would not only harm beneficiaries but also taint future community development initiatives.
Instead of NDCs, the government should explore more transparent distribution channels. Partnerships with reputable non-governmental organizations, or centralized government agencies with stronger accountability frameworks, and regional democratic councils. Leveraging technology can also enhance efficiency and limit opportunities for corruption.
While the cash grant initiative is well-meaning, placing it under the administration of NDCs introduces unnecessary risks that could derail the program’s objectives. To ensure the grants reach their intended recipients and bolster public confidence, the government should employ more reliable and transparent distribution mechanisms. The people of Port Mourant do not trust their NDC, and we still see no reason to.
Sincerely,
Rajendra Lachman BBA
