Dear Editor

IT is instructive to note, based on a Demerara Waves news report of April 18,2018, that there was not a representative from the private sector, or opposition party present at the anti- corruption walk.
Even though there has not been any statement forthcoming from this important socio-economic sector as to its absence, it should be reminded that corruption is the “business of all’, and not confined to the public sector as may be the erroneous perception.
There must be no ambivalence about the stance against corruption, from any sector, since it is a disease that if not checked, destroys the capabilities of any country to develop. The absence of this sector can only send a message as to which side it has chosen. Not a surprise, for in fact, many of them would have been granted significant favours by the former PPP/C administration, and still feels great loyalty.
Thus, despite all the platitudes about working closely with the government for the common good, the absence from the walk against corruption is an indication that contradicts such pledge.
The private sector is about making profits — regardless; and what rich harvests did they reap for the past two decades! The tax waivers, and tax concessions were given bountifully, with many of the recipients found not to have utilised same for purpose as requested. Maybe, Jagdeo would want us to believe that the latter which amounted to a false declaration, was not a crime.
No doubt that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) caught many of them, flat-footed, and they decided, without any protest to pay the required sum that ought to have been paid in the first instance.
But such is only a peep-in into the vastness of the criminal state which had existed and flourished in Guyana. And if the private sector would want us to believe that some of its sections were not involved, then it means that there was never such a socio-economic segment existing in Guyana!
Editor, I am not in any way branding this entire body as being involved in the criminal state, which has since been exposed and now being gradually dismantled, and with its many participants facing prosecution. Of course, there are many honest business and commerce constituents who continue to make their contributions to the well-being of the Guyanese nation without being part of any criminal enterprise, and violating any of the country’s laws.
However, given the pervasiveness of the criminal landscape continuously being supported by further evidence, as with the recent revelation by SARA’s Head, Professor Dr. Clive Thomas of further evidence from international agencies, it was highly impossible for there not to have been levels of complicity by some private sector operatives.
Finally, as to the opposition party, what moral good has it ever supported in this country?

Regards
Earl Hamilton