ANAND GOOLSARRAN has compiled his writings in the newspapers into one book, which he has titled “Governance, Transparency and Accountability.”Goolsarran held several public offices, local and international and reached the pinnacle of his career as the nation’s Auditor General.
In the area of government accounting, where he not only served, but continues to share his knowledge and interest in the welfare of State, it is to Guyana’s advantage to not only recognise his contributions, but more importantly, act on his and others in pursuit of bringing about good governance.
His focus on the proper functioning of government should go beyond being just for reading, to that of becoming a teaching tool and guidepost, which would address matters such as transparency and accountability, which are pivotal to improving governance. The truth of the matter is that no country has unlimited resources and it requires prudent management to ensure the resources work in the interest of the people and their environment.
Over time, Goolsarran, through his writings, has been providing advice and criticisms, sometimes scathing, but none can question his well-meaning nature, as to how government can improve and optimise performance in the public sector by following certain guidelines, including accounting practices and the rule of law.
No right-thinking person should want to see government fail, regardless of which party or group holds the seat. Inept, corrupt or vindictive governments hurt the society, given that its policies and programmes are not conceptualised and implemented with all the people at the centre – just a few. Generally, in pursuing such divisive policies, government would seek to cover its tracks of short-changing the people, and disregarding established procedures, rules and laws.
A government that governs in the interest of all will govern from the standpoint that the State’s business is the people’s business, and by extension the people are entitled to know and government is entitled to provide answers and adhere to established guidelines. The non-adherence to these guidelines makes ripe the opportunity for corrupt practices by state and government officials.
The acknowledgement by President David Granger in his address at a recent book launch that some “crimes can escape detection because of the lack of transparency and that is why some people like opaque transactions because they conceal corruption, they can go unpunished because of a lack of accountability and they can flourish because of weak governance,” is noted.
The president’s statement is also signalling the desire to remove transactional practices that stifle accountability and transparency and hinder the realisation of strong government. Subject ministers may need to pay heed to these pronouncements and act accordingly to bring about the needed change. For instance, to the recognition that persons are dodging their legal obligations to remit to the National Insurance Scheme and the Inland Revenue Department, there may be need to revisit penalties for non-compliance, including the expediting of cases in the court. The responsible ministers and boards can establish synergies with the judiciary with the aim of stamping out such malpractices.
The recommendations in forensic audits can also be used to tighten up systems and bring about the needed transparency and accountability. When staff in the public sector and persons in the non-government organisations, recognise structures are being put in place to make systems fool-proof and violators will be held to account, such have the benefit of reducing unethical and illegal practices. Persons who are cheating the system, while some may do so out of ignorance – though ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law, others are fully aware that they can get away with it, because, in addition to the system being porous, the penalty is negligible or they can ‘grease a palm’. Those who do not know can benefit from education in the form of public notification. Also, other solution-driven approaches can be examined and implemented.
Good governance is everybody’s business, but more importantly it can be realised when government – executive, judicature and legislature work to effect the necessary changes, which can bring about the desired results. President Granger has recorded, once again, his interest in having strong institutions like the Public Procurement Commission, Integrity Commission and the Public Service Commission be active so as to prevent Guyana from being relegated to a rogue state. Similar calls have been coming from non-state actors, leaving no doubt that the President and society are on one accord, but these commissions and similar regulatory/oversight institutions are yet to be established.
There is growing disquiet that the President is saying one thing and responsible sections or branches of government are seemingly not acting in accordance with what are clearly his policy statements. It is hoped that responsible persons treat these issues as priority matters, deserving of immediate attention. Guyana has to emerge from its paralysis, or as the President said, the country avoids being relegated to a rogue state. Acts and perceptions of corruption are seen as being high and any unfavourable rating the country attracts from the reputable Transparency International and other external monitoring institutions will serve as reference point and guide for how other countries see and treat with this nation. These negatives must be worked on and avoided.
