Dear Editor,
It has been reported in the media that the cabinet has given clear instructions to the Minister of Finance to send Mr Winston Brassington on administrative leave pending the outcome of a probe into the affairs of NICIL. The same was done in the case of Mr Sattaur at the GRA. Cabinet did the right thing in accordance with the principles of due process. This is the normal practice for any government and Guyana is no exception in taking such action against heads whose departments or whose decisions are under investigation. But it appears what is good for the goose is not good for the gander under the APNU+AFC government.
It has been reported in the private media that the Minister of Infrastructure, Mr David Patterson has refused to send Mr Colin Welch, the acting CEO of GPL on administrative leave pending a probe into his alleged interference in the procurement process. According to the Minister, there is no reason to send him on administrative leave; it is up to the Board of Directors of GPL to act, but at the moment, there is no Board of Directors.
Others who were not aligned to the government were sent home for the same reason. It is clear that the Minister and by extension the government is pulling wool over the eyes of the people. Where are the voices of reason and fairness in the cabinet? Where is the accountability and transparency promised by this government? The CEO has been under a cloud in relation to another allegation since last August, and yet he was appointed to the position. It seems as though due diligence was not done by the Minister.
It is clear that the Minister’s actions will cause irreparable damage to the government. There can be no proper investigation of Mr Welch who is the custodian of all the records if he is still at his post.
Should President Granger allow this decision by the Minister to stand, it will destroy the image and moral credentials of his administration which could result in huge loss of confidence in the government. There has to be an independent investigation, and let the chips fall where they may. If not, how can the government justify sending other heads of departments on administrative leave pending investigations and not the acting CEO of GPL.
The integrity of the government is at stake and it will pay a heavy price for this loss of judgement. The people will be the judge and the jury.
Yours faithfully,
Asquith Rose
Harish Singh
