– calls for facts to be brought to the table, not political rhetoric
THEREs no denial that there are acts of corruption at several levels, since systems can sometimes be abused and manipulated; there is zero tolerance of corrupt practices, and those found guilty will be dealt with condignly, Minister Robert Persaud says. “Show us the facts, don’t bring political rhetoric…there is a lot of gaff and you can put a nice headline or go on the television…show us the facts,” he stressed at a press briefing yesterday at Freedom House.
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) campaign spokesman stated that the party’s Presidential Candidate, Donald Ramotar, has made it clear that, under his administration, measures will be taken to root out corruption.
“No one has denied that there are instances of corrupt practices. You go sometimes to get government services or even in the private sector…this must not be taken to the level where you say there is official tolerance of corruption, or taken to the level that the government or anyone in government creates or allows corruption to take place with impunity,” Persaud said.
He pointed out that many of those who allege that nothing is being done to tackle corruption should review their positions.
Persaud said many times persons have been charged and placed before the courts and those defending these people are the same individuals who, for political purpose, are now saying nothing is being done.
He added that in other cases, there are some individuals who have been fired from institutions, including the Customs and Trade Administration, who were fired for being corrupt and are now members of political parties contesting the elections – the same parties that are campaigning on the corruption platform.

NO EVIDENCE
Responding to allegations of corrupt practices in the execution of major projects, such as the Marriot Hotel and the Amaila Falls Project, he dismissed these, saying that such allegations are made by factions that are simply interested in remaining politically relevant.
According to him, these particular projects, among many other massive investments, will change the landscape of Guyana and bring benefits to all Guyanese people.
“Before the PPP/C took office, there was no tender board…duty free concessions were given at the discretion of the minster. There was no law. Today we have moved so far…these projects are done in an open and transparent way,” Persaud stressed.
He pointed to the Auditor General’s report, which has been done every year since the PPP/C took office, as opposed to under the opposition when there was no report.
He challenged those making allegations to point to where misappropriations have been made and how they have breached the laws.
Persaud said, “You cannot find in any one Auditor General report that there were misappropriations or that things were done in a way that was not compliant in terms of processes…you cannot point to a single instance.”
He called for those making allegations to look closer at the practices of Guyana as compared to the Caribbean, pointing in particular to the procurement laws.
“Look at our procurement laws and every other country in CARICOM (Caribbean Community),” Persaud challenged.
He explained that Guyana is the only country where the Cabinet has voluntarily given up the right to influence the award of contracts; rather it can only offer a no-objection to such an award.
“To say that the officialdom condones corruption is scandalous,” he said.
Persaud observed that political parties that campaign on allegations speak about a campaign that has clearly run out of ideas, and has reduced itself to “rum shop gaff.”