TO eradicate corruption in Guyana, civil society and the private sector must also do their part and work collectively with the Government of Guyana.

This is according to the US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; British High Commissioner, Jane Miller; Canadian High Commissioner, Mark Berman, and EU Ambassador René van Nes.

In a joint statement to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day and the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention against Corruption, the diplomats gave government high praise for consistently making efforts to fortify its anti-corruption framework and policies for greater transparency and accountability

“Guyana’s government has held anti-corruption workshops and developed an anti-corruption manual. Also, recent amendments to the Representation of the People Act have been made to try to further promote fair and transparent elections. In addition, the revised Natural Resource Fund Act allows for increased transparency and improved management over Guyana’s natural resource wealth.

“Importantly, amendments to Guyana’s anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism legislation may clear its path to membership in the prestigious Egmont Group, which facilitates cooperation and intelligence-sharing among international financial intelligence units to investigate and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing,” the statement said.

The diplomats said that while they applaud these actions, combatting corruption requires more than a robust legislative framework.

They added that in each case where the legal framework allows for best practices, those practices must be implemented for all to see and experience.

Since corruption disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable in society, they pointed out that governments have a duty to hold to account those who engage in fraud, bribery, and collusion with criminal elements.

“Governments alone cannot solve this social disease, however; civil society and the private sector must also do their part to work collectively with governments to eradicate corruption at all levels,” they said.

As the year draws to a close, they said they look forward to more initiatives by the Guyana Government to address and eventually root out corruption.
“Guyana’s sturdy anti-corruption policies, together with swift responses to evidence-based cases of corrupt practices will clearly demonstrate to Guyana’s citizens, and the rest of the world, that the government is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness for the future benefit of all Guyanese,” they said.

International Anti-Corruption is observed on December 9, and was held this year under the theme, “Promoting Transparency and Strengthening Institutions.”

This year’s day highlighted the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development. Globally, corruption is a corrosive influence that undermines public faith in institutions resulting in diminished citizen security, stunted economic growth, and a drain on public and private resources.

As such, the diplomats underscored the importance of ensuring improved accountability, increased transparency, and the dismantling of corruption in all its forms to build a more inclusive future for all.

“Governments at all levels, all around the world, should honour their obligation to tackle corruption. At the local level, governments should commit to anti-corruption initiatives in collaboration with the public and private sectors, as well as civil society,” they said.

They posited that such cooperation would yield positive outcomes, leading to good governance, a robust civil society, respect for the rule of law, and the preservation of human rights norms.

A key step to addressing corruption, they added, is to strengthen legislative frameworks to deter corrupt practices, promote transparency, and uphold accountability.