Dear Editor,
I note the recent proposal by APNU Member of Parliament Dr. Terrence Campbell to amend the Integrity Commission Act to require the publication of summary declarations for specified public office holders.
Greater transparency in public life is a worthy objective and, if implemented fairly, would strengthen public confidence in our institutions.
However, transparency must begin with those calling for it. If Dr. Campbell believes that public officials should make summary declarations available, then he should lead by example and voluntarily release his own declaration first. Leadership is demonstrated through action, not merely through legislation.
The proposal also raises an important question: Why were these amendments not introduced when APNU/AFC formed the Government between 2015 and 2020?
If the coalition genuinely believed the Integrity Commission Act was inadequate, it had the opportunity to strengthen the legislation while it held executive power. The public deserves an explanation as to why these reforms are only now being championed.
Additionally, history shows that a number of APNU/AFC Members of Parliament and officials were themselves listed by the Integrity Commission for failing to submit declarations.
Those facts make it even more important that today’s calls for transparency be accompanied by consistency and accountability.
If Parliament is serious about reforming the Integrity Commission Act, the amendments should go beyond summary declarations and include meaningful accountability measures that apply equally to every public official, regardless of political affiliation.
Some worthwhile reforms should include:
Transparency should never be selective or politically convenient. If Guyana is to build stronger institutions, every political party must be willing to subject itself to the same standards it demands of others.
The Guyanese people deserve accountability from everyone entrusted with public office.