Dear Editor,
I read with interest an article (Stabroek News, April 5,2016) in which it was stated that a mere ten per cent reduction in global military spending could knock off poverty and hunger within fifteen years.
According to UN figures, an estimated six hundred million people live in extreme poverty and hunger.
These are indeed disturbing trends. There is no need for people to go hungry given the vast amount of available resources. Much of these resources are spent on the military which rake in billions of dollars to the military-industrial complex at the expense of the poor and down-trodden.
But it is not only global military spending that is responsible for so much poverty in the world. Far too much money is hidden in secret bank accounts as the “Panama Papers” revealed involving politicians and public figures.
Society is all the poorer when there are high levels of corruption especially by those who hold high public office.
This is why there should be zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt practices regardless who the perpetrators are.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally
