Accountability Watch

In several of our articles in this Column, we highlighted the need to have adequate systems and procedures as well as the highest possible degree of efficiency and effectiveness in public procurement.

Last week, we discussed Financial Papers 1 and 2 of 2016 which the National Assembly recently approved before going into its customary two months’ recess.

Over the last four years, this column has been scrutinizing the various financial papers that have been submitted to the National Assembly for approval.

It is easy to stand with the crowd. It takes courage to stand alone.

Corporate governance broadly refers to the mechanisms, relations, and processes by which a company is controlled and directed.

Three important appointments were recently announced, namely the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and members of the three-person Bid Protest Committee.

In the final analysis, the ultimate test is the extent to which we are able to translate all the legislative requirements into real action.

Access to information on government programmes and activities is a fundamental right of all citizens.

Last week, we ended our final article on public financial management in the post-Independence.

This is the fifth and final in a series of articles on the above aimed at highlighting the extent of our achievements in the post-Independence period.

This is the fourth in a series of articles on public financial management in Guyana’s post-Independence period.

So far, we have carried two articles on the above subject.

Last week, we began a discussion of our achievements on the public financial management front since we attained independence from Britain in 1966.

Last Thursday marked 50 years since Guyana attained its Independence from Britain.

Baishanlin International Forest Development Inc. is again in the news. This time it is challenging the decision of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to seize two Lexus motor vehicles because of the company’s failure to pay the requisite taxes on the importation of these vehicles.

This column had carried several articles on Guyana’s efforts to address the issue of anti-money laundering and the prevention of the financing of terrorism.

Last week’s article completes our discussion on the conservation and management of our forest resources and the procedures in place for the protection of our environment.

Three matters that made the news in recent days deserve brief commentaries.

President Granger’s announcement that two million hectares of Guyana’s forest will be placed under conservation as Guyana’s contribution to combatting climate change and global warming, is a most welcome development.

A clean confession, combined with a promise never to commit the sin again, when offered before one who has a right to receive it, is the purest form of repentance.