Dear Editor,

I HAVE, with much annoyance, recognised the relentless accusations that are continuously being printed and aired in the media against the Honourable Joseph Harmon; and therefore wish, through this missive, to categorically denounce the unsubstantiated claims that are being made against this philanthropist.To begin with, some vocal members of society have reprimanded Minister Harmon over the appointment of Mr. Brian Tiwari. Their arguments were primarily based on Mr. Tiwari’s alleged involvement with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). No other arguments were made which could have convinced me and other readers and listeners that Tiwari is associated with corruption.

When this new Government took over, it was BK Tiwari who began the massive clean-up exercise, and it was BK Tiwari who spoke about the many sluices that were left unattended by the PPP. I vividly remember seeing him on HGPTV Nightly News publicly chastising the PPP for their complete neglect of the many kokers and sluices.

It was BK who spent money and showed the public he was fulfilling his corporate responsibilities. When this businessman was doing the above, none of us spoke; rather, we all sat quietly, and when he was given an honorific certificate — which basically is a form of appreciation, with no pay — we all suddenly got the audacity to speak against Harmon. Why didn’t we tell Harmon from the beginning to let BK go, and don’t allow him to do anything for this Government? Why didn’t we do that?

Secondly, clarity was already given with reference to Minister Harmon’s trip to China, hence I need not waste ink to reiterate. However, I would like to know if it is a crime to take a picture with anyone? Whether it is accepted or not, let it be registered in the minds of all that Bi Shan Lin came to Guyana under the PPP, and I am absolutely sure that he has all the legal documentation to show that he is not here illegally. He is an investor, and assuming that he was not conducting himself properly during the PPP’s tenure, then it is quite understandable that Mr. Harmon and Bi Shan Lin would have to meet.

The duty of this Government is not to chase away investors or create an unfriendly environment for investors, but to put corrective measures in place so that current and prospective investors will agree and comply. In short, Harmon and Bi Shan Lin had to meet.

Thirdly, it is an arguable fact that the Chinese have contributed significantly to the current and continuous economic growth of this country. Even though some people believe that Guyana will soon become GuyChina, it is an undeniable fact that the Chinese have contributed significantly to the development of this country, and therefore what was illegal if the Honourable Minister just requested a favour to put a hold on the seizure of the vehicles? Remember, it was the ambassador of China to Guyana who requested the favour. Put yourself in Harmon’s shoes and ask yourself what you would have done.

In closing, permit me to define the word corruption. Simply put, corruption is dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, and it typically involves bribery. I therefore ask the public what was dishonest or fraudulent about Harmon’s action. Did he take a bribe from anyone?

I maintain that Minister Harmon did nothing illegal, and it is my opinion that someone, or more than one person, is after Minister Harmon; but I am sure that he or she, or they, will not succeed. Minister Harmon will continue to serve the people of Guyana, and I wish him well in doing so.
Yours sincerely,
GANESH MAHIPAUL