The Carvil Duncan Affair

PRESIDENT David Granger’s decision to suspend Carvil Duncan from constitutional offices consistent with Article 225 (6) of the Guyana Constitution has been met with negative reactions from the Opposition PPP/C. One such reaction is its Members of Parliament boycotting President David Granger’s address to the National Assembly on Thursday.There is something amiss with a political party that has been using its time in the opposition calling on the APNU+AFC administration to respect the Constitution, to then decide when the administration acts accordingly it is deserving of retaliation, not support. Duncan is the chairman of the Public Service Commission and member of other service commissions. These are very influential and strategic positions as the offices are held in esteem by the society, and it is expected that the holders of these offices conduct themselves likewise. The charge brought against him by the state for stealing $984,900 while a member of the board of the Guyana Power and Light company (GPL) casts a shadow on his character and by extension the offices he holds.
Recently, he said he will not resign from these offices and was earlier this year offered a financial package by President Granger and Minister of State Joe Harmon to resign, which both have denied. He went on to say he promised the President and minister to return after discussions with his family to make known his decision, but has been unsuccessful in reaching Minister Harmon. Outside of making such information public after the tribunal was established, gives rise to speculation that his resignation was hinged only on a financial package, not seeing such as the ethical thing to do in the presence of a criminal charge brought against him, the very thought of which is disconcerting.
The PPP/C, which has been daring the government to confront corruption and remove the corrupt from office, their visceral reaction to the Tribunal opens speculation as to their discomfort. In challenging the tribunal’s existence on the argument that its decision can influence the case before the court takes a deliberate decision to blur the distinction between the two issues. In the inquiry before the tribunal, the panel will have to determine, based on Duncan’s conduct as an officer placed in a privileged position to address issues on behalf of the people, whether he can be trusted to continue doing so
The case of fraud is in the Magistrates’ Court, while the perception and will of the people are being addressed by the tribunal. Everyone must have his or her day in court and none can rightfully fault any who is requesting the same for Duncan; at the same time, it cannot be ignored what is known and has been admitted to. According to him, he took the money based on authorisation of then subject minister Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who has categorically denied ever issuing such an edict. Whereas the court will determine guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented and argued by the prosecution and defendant, the tribunal, given what is known about Duncan’s conduct on the GPL matter and other instances of behavioural issues, will bring to bear in arriving at a decision of his suitability to continue holding the offices.
The GPL is a state entity and is managed by standard practices and laws. It cannot, and ought not to be accepted, that public accounting must disregard the requirement of establishing a paper trail when it comes to spending of the people’s money. Government and corporations accounting require this also at the time of auditing. Where financial decisions are made absent paper trail it is seen as being corrupt.
When persons are placed in positions, elected or appointed, and are not prepared to follow the rules it suggests that they have taken a decision to disqualify themselves from conducting business on behalf of the people or any organisation. Government must set the tone in society for intolerance for corrupt practices. It must be prepared at all times, without fear, favour, ill-will or appreciation to hold all accountable, be they elected or appointed. Only until such a signal is sent that this nation will see some progress in minimising the culture of corruption that has become so pervasive.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.