IN TODAY’s environment, no government or country operates in isolation of acceptable international charters, conventions, principles and practices. Even as the world evolves and these are refined, they remain the instruments and standard practices that guide local laws and influence human behaviours.Guyana does not operate in isolation of these conditions; neither will it be allowed to, given that as a member of international bodies that adumbrate the application of these values in everyday governance and living, the country is expected to comply.

The parties in the APNU+AFC government, when they were in the Opposition, consistently spoke about, and argued for, the respecting of laws and adhering to international best practices. In the 2015 General and Regional Elections, this group grounded its campaign messages likewise. The electorate was given support in shunning the disregard by the PPP/C Government for the principles of good governance, which was its Achilles heel.

Energised and motivated by the campaign core message that “It is Time” to move the management of government in a positive direction, and convinced that the incumbent could do better than its predecessors, the electorate rejected the PPP/C and gave their vote of confidence to the APNU+AFC. That the people — more particularly the young, who are the society’s majority — participated in the process of electing a government they think they can trust to conduct the nation’s business in the proper manner, they have communicated signs of little or no tolerance should such be betrayed.

The recent matter with the medical storage bond, where a contract was awarded by the Government of Guyana at the behest of Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton, has raised eyebrows and attracted public condemnation from all quarters, including from supporters of the government. The PPP/C Opposition, though when in government engaged in similar and worse conduct, has called for the minister’s resignation, which is a sentiment also expressed by government supporters and well-wishers.

The manner in which the contract was entered into with Larry Singh, and the varied stories presented by the Minister as to the reason why — including what is considered mis-appropriation of taxpayers’ money — has created doubt and suspicion in the minds of citizens as to the manner in which the government is conducting their business. The explanation that the contract brings to an end a contract of exorbitant monthly rental which was paid by the State to the New GPC is only part of the problem.
The crux of this issue is not merely about the sums of money that are involved, it is the process that has been applied. In the system of government accounting, there exists a structure that governs how every business involving financing is processed, inclusive of who will recommend, approve, and pay. This system in itself is ironclad, and any departure from procedure should involve calling to account the responsible operative(s). Bringing about and ensuring good governance is not centred on persons, personalities or titles; but is about the steadfast upholding of principles.

This government made clear that the days of single sourcing of pharmaceuticals were over. This decision, which has become a policy, would have been made at Cabinet, where Dr. Norton is a member. To operate contrary to the policy brings into question the regard for Cabinet and that of being a team player in the government. The APNU and AFC, throughout the pre-election campaign, brought to the citizenry’s attention and condemned the mismanagement of the people’s money, the deliberate alignment of procurement to secure single sourcing, and the awarding of contracts to PPP/C friends, families and cohorts. It is therefore not unreasonable for Guyanese to believe it is time to be looking forward to their newly elected leaders moving in the opposite direction.

Politicians, including the government, should not be upset or surprised at the people’s outrage, given what they themselves condemned and exposed when in the opposition. In this Information Age, both government and opposition should be mindful that what they say and do can and will be used for and against them. Gone are the days when a party, group or individual could have said and done something which is difficult to retrieve and has high possibility of escaping accountability. The world has also embraced a paradigm shift in what constitutes good governance. Such includes accountability based on respecting rights, laws, rules and time-honoured principles, and embracing internationally acceptable best practices. Consequently, the government will find it difficult on its part and unacceptable on the people’s part to defend the role Minister Norton played in awarding this contract.