“Every official must account for assets or face the law” – President Ali warns

…says no immunity for corruption
Noting that “corruption undermines the efficiency, fairness and credibility of public service,” President Dr Irfaan Ali has renewed his commitment to stamping out corruption. “That is why we will strengthen our anti-corruption efforts by establishing a dedicated Anti-Corruption Unit, tasked with excising this cancer from our institutions and holding public and private officials to the highest standards of integrity,” Dr Ali told the nation on Sunday, in his first address after being sworn in to serve as President of Guyana for a second term.

“Every official will be required to account for their personal assets and any who cannot do so will face the full force of the law. We will pursue both the corrupted and the corrupters, leaving no room for impunity,” he emphasised. Additionally, President Ali made it clear that the Government does not have a system of lobbying and any person representing themselves as lobbyists or peddling access to anyone in Government is misrepresenting themselves and misleading others.
“A special mechanism will be set up to deal with such individuals,” he assured.
Plans to fight against corruption are outlined in the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) manifesto. In the document, the PPP/C said in its ongoing efforts to combat corruption, it will strengthen laws where needed; establish an anti-corruption unit; use technology such as blockchain to aid transparency, reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency; and fully enforce the Access to Information Act.
The previous PPP/C Administration had taken a strong stance against corruption, with Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo previously making it clear that there are no attempts to sweep such matters under the carpet.
In fact, Jagdeo has previously warned Government officials ‘wishing to be contractors’ that they must leave their positions.