Guyana should seek outside help to investigate corruption

Dear Editor,

Ever since the new APNU+AFC took over from the corrupt PPP/C regime, announcements are being made almost on a daily basis of the large number of massive frauds, embezzlement, corruption and wrongdoings.

Some persons feel that the administration should tackle each corporation or entity at a time and not carry out too many investigations at the same time. The main reason is that the country does not have either the financial or the manpower resources to do so.

In addition to the large-scale corruption at a variety of entities which would cost the country a fortune to investigate, the administration is saddled with conducting enquires such as the tragedy at the mining pit which killed eight persons, which will cost more money. The previous government had already spent a US$1 million in the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry.

It is not a secret that the Granger/Nagamootoo government inherited an empty treasury and the dilemma is to realize funds for these investigations. I feel that the government should start to tap friendly countries for financial and technical assistance. The ABC countries, America, Britain and Canada, wanted to see the back of the PPP/C administration and they might be willing to assist because they are totally against corruption. The United Nations, Australia, and other friendly countries should be contacted.

It might be surprising how much assistance a country like Guyana can get in its plight. In my experience as a Solicitor General in St Vincent and the Grenadines and Belize, a few countries are willing to give assistance if approached, and I would strongly advocate that the government appoint a small team of senior officers who have overseas contacts to work towards realizing funds to carry out investigations, and perhaps contribute towards the salaries of some judges, prosecutors and top investigators.

Australia, a few years ago, was willing to pay judges for Belize, and only two years ago the US Government assisted in the setting up of a magistrate’s court in the southern end of that English-speaking Central American country.

Influential and world known Guyanese are scattered throughout the planet. Maybe a few can be contacted to assist.

 

Yours faithfully,
Oscar Ramjeet