Dear Editor,
THE rampant corruption that occurred under the A Partnership for National Unity plus Alliance for Change administration was brought to an end in 2020. Through the democratic process, the Guyanese people removed the former administration of APNU+AFC after a five-month delay. They had attempted to pervert the true will of the people of Guyana.

Since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government entered office in August of 2020, numerous acts of corruption, nepotism, cronyism and favoritism have been unearthed. The former administration of the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change did little to nothing for Guyana and Guyanese and grossly mismanaged this country and its resources. Their many acts of deliberate misappropriation of taxpayer’s money have seen many of them being brought before the courts on charges; and rightly so.

These acts, along with their many other indiscretions, resulted in the APNU+AFC facing a no- confidence motion three years into their tenure. The behaviour of those political leaders subsequent to the successful passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018, left much to be desired. From 2020 to now, the revelations of corruption have not astonished this letter writer. Many of these acts of corruption and deals entered into by APNU+AFC officials occurred illegally. This illegality the APNU+AFC government were fully aware of.

We can now see the former government, now a pitiful political opposition, for who they really are. Recently, during the examination of the Auditor-General report of 2017, another example of the rampant corruption surfaced. This time, the Ministry of Education came unto the radar involving a fuel scandal. This is not the first scandal associated with the former administration. The Auditor-General reports over the years have unearthed countless acts of corruption.

Only last month, tension erupted between Jermaine Figueria, Chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Senior Minister of Public Works, Bishop Edghill. The senior minister was, at that time, seeking clarification into the sales of some derelict vehicles by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs back in 2017. The ministers’ inquiry saw direct attempts to suppress information into the highly irregular sale that occurred when the APNU+AFC was in power. It appears that thus far 2017 was another corrupt year under the failed Coalition.

The work of the PAC is important; it is for this reason that it shouldn’t be rushed or fast tracked. This would enable for the thorough examination of the AGs reports and the appropriate actions being taken. It would further highlight the travesty that occurred under the former administration.

The work of the PAC must be done with circumspection, diligence and with the requisite care. The work of the Public Accounts Committee remains very important and crucial in any democratic and transparent society. To this end, the members of the PAC, especially those representing the government, have to remain vigilant. It is important to the people of Guyana as it should be to every political party and their members to be committed to transparency and accountability for the expenditure of public funds.

Yours sincerely,
Nkosei Williams