Dear Editor,
If one is to read the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) 2015 manifesto and the Cummingsburg Accord, one would find that it sets out as one of the rules of engagement within the coalition, six principles. Number six on that list was: “Zero tolerance for corruption and the promotion of transparency, financial probity and accountability at all levels of Government”.
But this People’s National Congress-led regime’s performance around good governance, transparency and accountability has been nothing about the promotion of transparency, financial probity and accountability – especially within the Cabinet room and the Ministry of the Presidency. At the last election, the Guyanese people provided power to David Granger since it was felt, then, that he would have brought a better work ethic to the Cabinet room than Donald Ramotar. Unfortunately, Granger has been found very wanting on this front and cannot be classified as someone who is committed to the promotion of transparency, financial probity and accountability.
Actually, the evidence clearly illustrates he appears more committed to vague and opaque financial transactions using constantly these non-disclosure agreements on all deals made in the name of the people of Guyana. We believed then in the principle of freedom of contract, but within an environment of transparency and fair dealing; not what this Granger regime is doing.
This regime now has a history of public dishonesty and deceit starting with the 50 per cent for the Ministers to the D’Urban Park Project and, of late, how they again use the Treasury on the Medical Plan for Ministers using taxpayers’ money.
But these infantile excuses that the petroleum contract cannot be disclosed because of Venezuela must not be accepted. Now we are reading about the bridge contract for the new Demerara River bridge being confined to a non-disclosure agreement. This is nothing but public corruption and malarkey from this APNU/AFC regime.
It is clear that these people have an agenda and it has nothing to do with the development of Guyana, but more to do with “the abuse of entrusted power for private gains”. I was quoting directly from the Transparency International’s definition of corruption.
Sincerely,
Ryan Basdeo
