Dear Editor,
A New and United Guyana (ANUG) applauds the recent announcement by the Integrity Commission that 231 public officials have failed to declare their assets has rightly sparked public concern. While the Commission’s publication of these names is a necessary first step, ANUG must now ask pointed questions about what comes next.
Editor, the Commission has set a filing deadline of June 30, 2026, for declarations covering the period from June 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. This 365-day gap is troubling. It means that some public officials are allowed to remain in non-compliance for an entire year before enforcement is even considered. While we commend the Commission for publishing the defaulters’ list, this represents the bare minimum of its mandate.
The critical questions now are:
While the names have been gazetted, full public disclosure is essential for transparency and accountability.
The law is clear: continued failure to file is an offence that carries penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. Historically, the Commission has relied on a “name-and-shame” strategy, but prosecution has been rare. We need to know if these defaulters will finally face the legal consequences.
As an independent body funded by the public purse, the Commission is answerable to the people of Guyana. It is duty bound, not only enforce the law but also to communicate its efforts clearly and transparently to the citizens it serves.
ANUG and the public demands more than published lists. We demand to see the Integrity Commission fulfill its legal mandate to enforce the law without fear or favour.