PPP GENERAL-SECRETARY Clement Rohee told the media yesterday that the party’s internal Integrity and Discipline Commission (IDC) is functioning well.
And he rejected comments made by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP), Joseph Harmon, which were published in yesterday’s Kaieteur News under the headline: ‘T&T gets rid of scamps but Guyana promotes them – MP’.According to Harmon, Guyana would have been much better off if the leaders of the incumbent People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration had policies similar to those of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has taken a no-nonsense stance against corrupt practices of her Cabinet ministers.
The PPP General-Secretary noted that the proper conduct of its members, particularly Government Ministers, has engaged the party’s attention.
“Yes, people were demoted for irresponsible behaviour in the party,” he admitted. “We have a process in the party of criticism and self-criticism, where members are criticised and steps are taken in accordance with our disciplinary committee’s rules.”
Additionally, the General-Secretary maintained his position that the IDC is important, given the perception of corruption associated with some party members.

STANDARDS OF INTEGRITY
The idea of the IDC was first raised last year and is intended to ensure that party members, serving in public office at all levels, maintain the highest standards of integrity in performing their duties.
Rohee at a press conference on October 21, 2013, explained that the Commission will be mandated to investigate allegations levelled against party members in relation to theft, bribery and forgery; and misconduct by party members who engage in activities “unbecoming of a good member”, including defamation and sexual harassment or misconduct.
The General-Secretary added then that establishment of the IDC was an idea that came out of a Party Congress, held in August 2013, and the deliberations of the new Central Committee.
He pointed out that at both forums it was affirmed that additional steps be taken to establish a mechanism to address allegations of misconduct, thereby reinforcing party discipline at all levels.
The IDC is also touted as a further enhancement of the Anti-Corruption Committee, which was established some years ago by the Party.
Written By Vanessa Narine