HINDS’SIGHT WITH DR DAVID HINDS – THE RAMOTAR/TIWARIE EXCHANGE
Dr. David Hinds
Dr. David Hinds

What it tells us about PPP rule

THE exchange of words between former president Donald Ramotar and businessman Brian Tiwarie is instructive; it’s a case of “Mouth open, story jump out.” What started as a quarrel about containers of steel rods quickly escalated into a full blown boxing match between two heavy-weights.

Mr. Ramotar has exposed the fact that Mr. Tiwarie had pledged loyalty to the PPP, while the latter has explained that he was forced to do so to protect his business interests. In the process, one got more than a peep into the way the PPP had governed Guyana. The use of the state as a conduit for the enrichment of a few specially favoured individuals in the society must be one of the most insidious aspects of PPP rule.

The genuflection of the favoured and the threats and extortion by the rulers are so nauseating that one wishes they were not true. As one reads of the exchange between the two men that took place before May 2015, one does not get the impression of one between a president and the other being an investor; it reads more like two men who were part of a big scheme.

One can only conclude that the Tiwarie case is not isolated. It is clear to me that this was how the business of the country was conducted — the PPP bought loyalty, and paid for it with the common resources of the country. What is a businessman doing pledging loyalty to a political party in such a slavish manner? What is a president doing remonstrating with a businessman as if they were partners in some scheme?

I suppose businesspeople kiss up to governments all over the world, and governments dispense favours to its supporters; but there is something very deliberate and nasty that arises from the Guyana case under the PPP. It is therefore not surprising that a tiny cabal, which includes business people, PPP politicians and their close associates, got extremely rich in Guyana. The alleged financial worth of this cabal is stunning.

I have no problems with people getting rich, but when they achieve their wealth through special favours from Government, then that is another matter. This Ramotar-Tiwarie exchange has convinced me more than ever that dismantling of the regime of corruption constructed under the PPP calls for a massive effort on the part of the present Government.

It is no secret that, under the PPP, the tendering process was highly discriminatory, especially against small contractors and those of particular ethnicities. The Government has a duty to correct that as quickly as possible. And the present rulers would do themselves and Guyana a great favour if they steer clear of the manner in which the PPP operated. Close relationships between business people and politicians cannot be the basis for conducting Government’s business; all must be given a fair and equal shot at securing business with the Government.

OMAR SHARIFF
News that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Presidency, Omar Shariff, is being probed by SOCU and has therefore been relieved of his post in the Ministry must be welcomed by those who have been concerned about Government’s sloth in moving against those who have been fingered for improprieties during the last administration.

Many have been wondering whether the Government had changed its mind. The decision to retain Mr. Shariff as PS at the Ministry was puzzling to many observers and most of the staff at the Office of the Presidency, who were aware of the allegations made against him.

I welcome this development, and hope that it is not an isolated move. I am convinced that official corruption has developed a life of its own, and has corrupted a large slice of the citizenry of Guyana. For me, this is not about moving against individuals or political persons; it is about correcting a national injustice and sending a signal to the society at large that official corruption would not be tolerated.

When individuals who are charged with managing our national affairs utilize common resources for personal enrichment, they are robbing children of a proper education, and the elderly and the poor of better health care.

There is a linkage between corruption and underdevelopment.

I hope this is the beginning of a larger process of cleaning up this national mess. There will be the continued charges of witch-hunting and racism from elements associated with the previous Government, but this administration must demonstrate strength and adherence to principle in the face of these charges.

More members of the Indian Guyanese elite must now lend their voices to this anti-corruption crusade. They must not allow narrow sentiments to influence their attitude to this national disgrace. In the end, official corruption benefits no group and taints all groups. And those ordinary citizens who may have wittingly and unwittingly benefited from corruption must look beyond short-term gain and instead think about the future of the country.

More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

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