PSC calls for stronger anti-corruption measures, Gov't says current measures can be better applied
The Private Sector Commission has called on the Government to strengthen anti-corruption measures so that investment in the local economy will not be inhibited by a lack of transparency and accountability.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Paul Cheong was at the time speaking at the opening of the second edition of an Anti-Corruption Framework Workshop aimed at educating participants from various agencies on existing anti-corruption framework.
“People invest in societies that have good policies and programmes and shy away from places that have bad policies and uncertainties. A prime example is the North and South Korea. Companies that also practice good governance are more successful than companies with poor Governance structures. They are able to attract and retain good talent. They are better able to attract and retain better talent. They are better able to access resources and at lower costs."
He went on to praise the Government for moving to engage the private sector on ways to enhance transparency and accountability.
Cheong said that corruption can only be countered effectively by combatting money laundering, illicit trafficking and all forms of criminal activities that fuel corruption and allow criminal actors to shelter these activities.
Meanwhile, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira has said there is no need for Guyana to establish an Anti-Corruption body since the current focus remains on the effective implementation of existing frameworks and allowing the respective agencies to perform their duties.
“There are a number of issues talking about whether one should have some big anti-corruption body that brings every Tom, Dick and Harry together. My own personal view is that its unwilly. I think that we need to get the agencies that we have now that are provided for in constitutional law to function, and function to the best of their ability. After that, we can graduate to another level.”
She went on to note that the current focus in on implementing existing framework efficiently and effectively.
The Anti-Corruption Framework Workshop was first hosted in June as a one-day event with the aim of educating participants on existing anti-corruption framework and the role of various agencies in regards to this.
Over the two days, panel discussions will focus on transparency and accountability in; oversight bodies of Government, private sector and civil society organisations.
The Minister did not say how many of these workshops will be held, but made it clear that she intends to continue facilitating these discussions to strengthen capacity in the enforcement of the anti-corruption framework.
Existing anti-corruption framework in Guyana involves Guyana’s obligations to the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (IACAC), the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the Lima Commitment and the UNGASS Political Declaration on Corruption. Guyana is also committed to the CELAC Working Group specialised in preventing and combating corruption.
