THERE is hardly an international gathering that convenes to discuss social issues that affect the existence of countries that does not make reference to, or discuss the extant issue of corruption. That the latter has continued to be a  constant theme for debate and discussion, is because its monstrous mark has evidenced a trail of socio-economic deprivation affecting lives,  in whatever states it has been allowed to flourish, thus becoming institutionalised.

In Guyana, it has been a topic that has continued to engage the attention of commentators, and moreover the man in the street. It is spoken about because of its definite existence in terms of what is reported in the media, and since 2015 – hardcore evidence  that has emerged from extensive audit exercises that had been ordered by the succeeding A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change government( APNU+AFC).

But the question should be asked, whether it is fully understood as to the full- term implications that such parasitic, social form of human behaviour, cost the state where it exists, and how it affects the daily lives of citizens?

First, it should be clear that corruption is a malignancy, a cancer that is unconscionable in its spread as its only focus is to undermine the state where it resides, weakening and destroying its foundations, which in effect means all of its institutions. The latter soon becomes impotent in the face of such relentless advance, thus allowing for the unchecked feed on the state’s resources.

Secondly, and in simple language, state resources for socio-economic development are derived from state revenues, inclusive of direct taxes. But of significance are loans, and grants that are received from donor institutions and friendly countries. These are the sums that are looted by state officials, friends and cronies for self-enrichment.

Thirdly, such pillaging of funds that were intended for the building of a community’s health centre; a better road for pedestrians; the provision of a water-treatment plant for potable water; and a community centre where residents can meet for social occasions, are just some of the ways that corruption continue to devalue the quality of life that citizens should rightly have.

It explains why, since 2015, the President David Granger-led administration has been relentless in its efforts to combat the monster of corruption.

It explains so much of why whole communities have been without social amenities, and is only now able to have them, as a result of the proper utilisation of such resources, that are necessary for decent, daily living.

Even more significant, since 2015, and in accordance with Guyana becoming a signatory to the United Nations Anti-Corruption Agreement, the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs has been taking the message of the battle against the cancer that is corruption to the country’s regions, as it continues its programme of educating state employees about the need to fight this lecherous practice that still continues to rear its dangerous head.
It is instructive to note that only recently this ministry, led by the Honourable Attorney General, conducted its sixth public anti-corruption sensitisation seminar at Bartica, where he made mention of the link between the existence of  corruption and poverty. He is absolutely correct, for since corruption is the daily diversion/stealing of state funds meant for growth and development purposes, as alluded above, it can only result in socio-economic stagnation. And this has been the sad, but deliberate experience of governance during the 23 years of PPP/C governance.

Public seminars on the need for public employees to combat the menace that is corruption, for these public servants to  fully appreciate and comprehend their role in protecting state assets, are as vital, as they are necessary, if this threat to the current and future development of this country is to be reduced and eventually be nullified. As a suggestion, we  are of the belief that this very important initiative, ought to be carried to the wider public, since among the latter, there are many who might have been indirect beneficiaries of such a serious criminality. But it should also become part of the school’s curriculum as well, given the institutionalisation of this threat that is manifest in all forms.