What? FOI Laws? Capitalism?
I’m attempting to examine the issue of real, but responsible freedom of information as it relates to citizens’ rights in our own society.
And yes, it’ll be within the context of my layman’s perspectives. And my most elementary methodology. (Never mind. I acted as government’s Chief Information Officer under Forbes Burnham and was political/ PR campaign man for three elections campaigns. Nah-I’ve briefed myself and learnt much about freedom of information over the past decade.)
Just what Freedom are we talking about in terms of information? What information? Should ordinary citizens or their groups or their representatives really know what authorities are doing? And when, how and why? What good will that information do for the citizen who, it is to be hoped, has the capacity to appreciate what is factual-and true? Additionally, are citizens’ rights really involved?
The aspirations and intentions of our constitution and Acts and Statutes all govern how we should behave in our society. But in this challenged economy where the struggle, of the ordinary honest man, to survive dominates, who reads the constitution, or understand our laws? That’s why there are representatives!
I peeked into our current constitution and came upon our “Fundamental Rights and Freedoms”. There is mention of personal liberty, many “rights” and more “protections”. But where information is concerned, my layman’s eye saw only the freedom of conscience, of assembly, association and demonstration, of movement and of expression. The freedom of expression is defined as the Guyanese individual’s “freedom” to “hold opinions without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference, freedom from interference with his correspondence; and freedom to receive ideas and information without interference”.
All well-intentioned. And there are actually a few laws spelling out how and what information can be utilized or expressed. Vulgarity, incitement, hate and so on must be forbidden, however, the comprehensive issue of citizens’ rights to specific types of information which can impact upon their lives, in a modern society, can only be enhanced by a body of additional laws specified by a Freedom of Information Act.
Information? What you don’t know…
But let me develop all the above by using topical/current issues in Guyana. Aroused sometimes by the media, interested Guyanese would like to know some of the following: (i) who in the government, police force, private sector and political opposition Drug Lord Roger Khan mingled with? (ii) How did millions in GPL fuel really leak out? (iii) Who should be penalized for the CLICO funds being sent to The Bahamas excessively? (iv) Who swiftly withdrew their funds before the CLICO debacle was publicized? (v) Are all cabinet members taxes paid up? (vi) What is the strength of the GDF? (vii) Ethnic breakdown available – or necessary? (viii) How can it be proven that there is no discrimination in allocation of house – lots to citizens?
Now here are a few reasons – (advanced) as to why specific “Authorities” are reluctant to share information with their publics: (a) confidentiality is crucial to early business negotiations; (b) certain disclosures can compromise “national security”; (c) releasing confidential information can jeopardize early police investigations/ informants can be in danger; (d) too many citizens are not matured or literate enough; not to misunderstand or mis-interpret facts released; (e) persons have their own right to privacy.
Both of the above lists are woefully incomplete, but you can get the picture (of respective positions). A Freedom of Information Act can legitimize reasonable and professional enquiries. Taxpayers must know how and what their billions are being used (for); government transactions using voter’s money must be transparent. Govern-ment’s earnings – on behalf of the people – must be open to all; Private Sector governance vis-à-vis the tax system must be scrutinized; details of government contracts known.
Dr. Luncheon will argue the present lack of data, statistics, retrieval systems; parliament can marry a freedom of information law to our security and privacy concerns. Government was elected to manage but we are ready for accountability. What-you-don’t-know-won’t-hurt you” does not apply here. (The only exceptions being police investigations and intelligence and what American Ambassador John Jones decides not to reveal.)
Official secrecy often fuels speculation, mischief and real chaos.
Capitalism
“Gone Mad?”
I’ll save my “Capitalism” for next Friday’s Labour Day. For now, just experience how the world’s markets – all capital driven – are being intimidated by that same capital. Or lack of it.
Many governments have been invited to intrude with more stringent regulations, or with bailouts to assist capitalism’s excesses, perpetrated by the greedy and the corrupt.
For now, just ponder the words of one anti-capitalist, American Charles Sullivan: “Corporate Globalization must be met with global worker solidarity. Otherwise, jobs will continue to be outsourced as capital seeks the cheapest labor with the least amount of regulation. The result is that corporate profits will continue to rise, more jobs will be outsourced, worker will compete against worker in the new world economy, and wages will be driven down. And that is exactly what has been happening, even as productivity has sharply increased.”
Ponder too…
*1) Seriously, even as I share Public Servants’ justified needs, just when last did the GPSU persuade this Government to pay reasonable wages and salaries?
*2) My Lord! Have you ever studied what is property tax? And capital gains tax?
*3) Congrats again to Comrade Nigel Dharamlall – from the festival to fish to forest! The new Permanent Secretary of Guyana’s First People.
*4) Great pix Kaieteur – Lara coaching President Obama.
’Til Next Week!
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