Mr. EMILE Mervin’s letter in the Kaieteur News on June 11, 2009 is one of repetition. All matters raised by Mr. Mervin are past issues that were already addressed by the appropriate authorities. Mr. Mervin’s intent is to stir up hostility among the people of Guyana, brainwashing them to think that the Government is responsible for all the corruption that exists in Guyana today.

Mr. Mervin just like the main opposition rants about blaming the Government of Guyana for all the mistakes that people working within the Government make. Press reports seem to suggest that investigations have been conducted for queries as they arise; and these investigations were subjected to legal procedures and provided some level of confidentiality for the protection of the people involved, whether they are guilty or not.

Mr. Mervin should try chipping in the shoes of any leader and test himself to walk a straight line. Governing a country is not easy, and mistakes will be made, corruption will be present and the usual opposition vie for political power will exist. Many of us, including Mr. Mervin make unproven accusations against the government without knowing the full facts of the matter. The people themselves who work for the government are the real culprits, and those guilty of corruption should be blamed for their own reckless actions. For this reason, investigations are conducted and once found guilty; they will be subjected to prosecution. There are examples of these scenarios in Guyana. Mr. Mervin should check out the press for more information, instead of speaking in parables.

So Mr. Mervin should bring to a halt his weeping saga, especially because of his constant repetition and his presentation of serious flaws in his storyline. Blame the government! Blame the government! The laments continue; this is unacceptable.

When are we going to take responsibility for our own actions?

When systems are implemented to manage, the people themselves do not abide by the rules; and, inevitably, the blame falls on the Government.

Presently, it seems as if the government is working to attain the highest rates of economic growth that is possible; to eliminate poverty; to achieve geographical unity; to attain an equitable geographical distribution of economic activity; and to diversify the economy; the successful accomplishment of these goals requires the cooperation of all.

It is unfair not to recognize the developments that are happening; it is not fair to say that the Government did nothing for this country. We must unite as Guyanese and battle the harsh realities of life.

Mr. Mervin also needs to realize that remittances in any developing countries are part of its economic makeup, whether he likes it or not. And so, his argument of taking away the almost US$1 billion in remittances is insanity. Guyana needs remittances to help sustain its financial viability and this is not wrong. Should Mr. Mervin remain oblivious to the fact that a remittance is part of macroeconomic fundamentals, then I refer him to Kimberly James’ letter in Kaieteur News on June 11, 2009 titled, ‘Remittances – a plus for Guyana’s economy’, pointing out the importance of remittance to developing countries, including Guyana.

I am not speaking as pro-Government or anti-Government, but rather from the rationale of your everyday Guyanese life. Like any other Guyanese, I want to see my country progress; and so, regardless of our individual opinions, we need to support the Government of the day, whether it is the PPP/C, PNC/R1G, AFC, etc., and be constructively critical; but certainly not to become a nuisance to which Mr. Mervin has evolved.
NIGEL WILLIAMS