The British High Commissioner is spot on

Dear Editor,

THE British High Commissioner to Guyana was spot on in his assessment and opinion with regard to the lack of transparency and show of arrogance at City Hall, particularly as it relates to the parking meter fiasco and other related matters.  However, if he thinks that those officers have the great strength and character to say sorry in this matter in which they have found themselves; and if he believes they would even consider offering comfort to the public by saying how they are going to make it right, then clearly High Commissioner Quinn does not have a clue of how arrogant and obtuse these individuals are.

High Commissioner Quinn is clearly oblivious to the fact that the Georgetown City Council must be the most corrupt and venal municipality in the world, when he expresses the expectation that they would comply with the standards that a transparent and democratic council should hold for itself.

The High Commissioner points to the lack of transparency, the lack of a democratic process within Council’s deliberations, and the fact that in the face of it all the public was told that no apologies will be offered. Clearly, again, this British envoy has not heard of the “Fantastic Four,” the group which has been making many other unlawful decisions without the knowledge and consent of the rest of the Council. Just one example — and there are many — is the unlawful, illegitimate and dishonest waivers of millions of dollars in interest that they have granted to selected persons from their outstanding property taxes. This is being done outside of the amnesty period, and without the Council’s knowledge or permission.

The High Commissioner ought to know that there are no good reasons for keeping the parking meters deal secret, except for a complete disrespect for other councillors and the citizenry at large. It is understandable for the High Commissioner to contrast and measure the Georgetown City Council’s standards with cities in Europe, but that is a sad, sad mistake. Nowhere else in the world could a small food vendor who used to walk and sell dhal puri in the municipal markets become overnight the biggest contractor in the city, earning tens of millions of dollars weekly by getting contracts without even bidding for them.

Should High Commissioner Quinn do a one-week internship at City Hall, he would leave Guyana at the end of his tour a very heartbroken man, after seeing the corruption, nepotism, egotism and criminality propagated on a daily basis.
Regards,
SHANTA SINGH

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