Dear Editor,
The most recent sitting of the House of Parliament was a disgrace to watch. Here we have those accused of corruption on both sides of the house sounding like hypocrites. They are trying to put down each other for corruption while also trying to present themselves as someone of high integrity.
The Guyanese people are no longer fooled by this shameful charade!
The government is more interested in emptying the nation’s purse while neglecting their duties to those that have put them in a position to serve. Additional funds have been requested under the theme of an “accelerated work plan” while the only urgency that truly exists is that of preventing flooding. Unfortunately, the accelerated work plans are not all focused on this most pressing priority. It would be better for the members of Parliament to come off their artificial high horses and allow an independent agency to investigate the accusations of corruption on both sides of the house. An agency which will help rid our people of those whose intentions are more focused on serving themselves instead of serving those who have placed them in a position of service to our nation. We the Guyanese people must hold them accountable. The line between good governance and corruption has been crossed and the honour of the house of parliament has been trampled upon and discarded.
The tragedy of the situation is that when the oil revenue has been exhausted in wasteful spending the few in government would have made themselves temporarily rich while the people of our nation will be left in poverty. A poverty that could have been prevented if the government had sincerely and honestly focused on what is best over the long term for our small country of close-knit communities. Greed must be dealt with and a clear message sent that it will no longer be tolerated. We must hold those who are corrupt accountable. Whether it is the person in the highest office of the land or the newly appointed public servant, an example must be made of him or her to deter others from doing the same.
Remember, service can turn into servitude if theft becomes the objective and the outcome. What is stolen must eventually be paid back one way or the other. It is better to do that which is correct and not betray the people of our nation. We have all pledged ourselves with hand upon heart, and it is this pledge by which we will each be measured. Included as a reminder for our elected officials and those aspirants among us:
“I pledge myself to honour always the flag of Guyana,
And to be loyal to my country,
To be obedient to the laws of Guyana,
To love my fellow citizens,
And to dedicate my energies towards the happiness and prosperity of Guyana”.
This pledge must be made before each sitting of the National Assembly if service to the people of Guyana and our Nation is that which will help guide the actions of our elected officials.