LAWS are necessary for the growth, development, and peaceful coexistence of society and its people. This is a universal belief held in esteem.According to the Organization of America States’ (OAS) online extrapolation on “What is the Law”, subsection ‘Why we need it’ says, “If we did not live in a structured society with other people, laws would not be necessary. We would simply do as we please, with little regard for others. But ever since individuals began to associate with other people — to live in society –laws have been the glue that has kept society together.”

Thus, in the instance of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), enshrined in the Guyana Constitution, it is reasonable to expect that this institution would have been established. Where the PPC has responsibility to ensure proper management of public goods and services, its non-functioning is one of concern. This is even more so given that its placement in the constitution came during the 2001 reform, and was never established.

The public was last advised that names were being submitted. The National Assembly, and more particularly the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which has responsibility for getting the PPC going, should treat with this issue as a matter of national importance and urgency. Understandably, the public has grown skeptical of the handling of the awarding of Government contracts.

Past instances of awarding contracts not based on ability, but on friendship have caused billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money to be wasted on badly constructed infrastructure; and the pharmaceuticals’ scandals of single sourcing, overpricing, and acquisition of supplies the shelf life of which was close to the various expiration dates will not easily erase skepticism.

Recent announcements that billions have been awarded to source goods and services on behalf of the people raise eyebrows in the absence of the PPC. Given the past, there is little, if any, appetite for continued malpractices. And this is not to say that there is no trust in any leader.

The reservation is understandably borne out of the lack of trust in politicians, and perceptions — rightly or wrongly — that they generally seek office for self-serving reasons.

In that the present opposition, who chairs the PAC, when in government did not establish the PPC, and is seemingly now lethargic to so do, coupled with a record of allegations of corrupt practices, it is feared that there may be efforts; nay, it be said on both sides, to disregard this important public sector institution.

Transparency International (TI) ranks Guyana highly corrupt on its Perception Index. The absence of the PPC will aid the perception, making it more difficult to remove the stain, which should be of concern to all. TI notes, “Corruption impacts societies in a multitude of ways. In the worst cases, it costs lives. Short of this, it costs people their freedom, health or money. The cost of corruption can be divided into four main categories: political, economic, social and environmental.”

All are affected by the non-adherence to laws. While ordinary citizens are deprived of an improved quality of life, such as in social services, and wages/salaries and essential commodities remain out of reach, given their pricing; the well-connected and well off are ensnared as well.

Corruption robs the society of the security that comes with everyone having similar opportunities, the presence of a clean environment, quality education and healthcare, etc.  These deprivations hinder development, personal and national. Criminality also thrives in such an environment, making none safe.

These regressive factors need not be ignored. In fact, they should be the reason to propel the PAC to act, and the people should see to it that they do. The names of nominees should be presented to the National Assembly for a vote, which would set in train the process for the PPC to be established.

Where one side or committee of the House fails to act, the other side and committees must push for action.