Wanted: Public Assistance

LUCAS STOCK INDEX The LSI declined 4.84 percent in the fourth week of trading in March 2012. The decline was on account of a 9.33 percent drop in the price of the stock of Banks DIH (DIH) and the light trading on the exchange this week. The stocks of DIH were joined by those of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) in trading this week, with the latter showing no change. The loss pushed the index down to just 2.43 points above the Treasury yield.

Public Accountability

Most times when there is an appeal for public assistance, it is the Police seeking help finding a suspect or some vulnerable community or needy individuals in search of government aid.  This time the call for public assistance is about a call for public accountability.  Instead of the government giving to the public, the public could return the favour and give to the nation by insisting that the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) be established by the 10th Parliament. As remote as it might appear from people’s minds, the issue of public accountability is not a trivial matter.  It is about how effective public dollars are in lifting living standards and improving the quality of life for Guyanese.  It is about the scope and quality of healthcare. It is about access to good public education and the enjoyment of a healthy and aesthetic public space.  It is about well-designed and well-built buildings, roads,