GUYANA’S ECONOMY


Guyana’s economy has been the focus of attention over the past two weeks with the recent Investment Conference. In the keynote address by the President of the CDB, Dr. Warren Smith, Guyana’s economic progress was commended. Recent growth figures, though modest, have been a cause for optimism, especially since most countries in the region have been struggling. However, this must be assessed on the basis of the past. The economic problems triggered by mismanagement, corruption and the oil crisis from the early 1970s were only interrupted between the second half of the Hoyte years and the Jagan presidency when it showed some growth. Thereafter growth again slowed for nearly a decade and resumed about four years ago.

The economy bequeathed to us in 1966 consisted of the export of sugar, rice and bauxite. Over forty-five years later, in 2013, the economy consists essentially of the same features, exporting mainly sugar, rice, bauxite, forest products and gold. Bauxite exports have reduced substantially since the 1970s and sugar is struggling. Our exports have little or no value added. In other words, there has been no significant structural change in our export profile for nearly fifty years. While the buoyant prices for commodity and raw material exports and remittances have been the main reason for our economic performance over the past four years or so, the dangers of reliance on this model is palpable. The sharp and continuing drop in gold prices speaks to the dangers.

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RESTRUCTURING AND REORGANISING THE PPP


That the current structure of the PPP is no longer effective, accountable and democratic is clearly indicated by the fact that  since I became a member of the PPP’s leading bodies in the early 1970s, none of these bodies have ever had a financial report, despite the fact that a Secretary for Finance is elected by the new Central Committee after every Congress. The records of Party Congresses up to the 1960s show that at every Congress, which was then held every year, a financial report was given by the Treasurer who, like other officers, was elected by and accountable to, the Congress. No officer is elected any longer by the Congress and no officer gives an individual report except for the now defunct body for the few years of its active existence, the Auditing and Controls Commission.

This situation is evidence that the Party structure implemented by the Constitution in 1977, intended to create a disciplined Party able to survive in authoritarian conditions, has degenerated into a centralized mechanism with no accountability. This is best demonstrated by the fact that only the centralized Central Committee Report is delivered at the Congress. Individuality and individual responsibility have been submerged by collectivity. There is no possibility for a young MP to bring the Congress to its feet and go on to be nominated for President like the youthful Barack Obama, although we have had our experiment with youth, promoted under centralized circumstances, and likely to have it again, emerging from similar circumstances.

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THE KLEPTOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF GUYANA


Since the last elections several revelations have emerged of corrupt, and even potentially criminal, activities by persons currently or previously associated with the PPP and who have friends in the leadership or access thereto. Corruption has become so pervasive that it is no longer possible to keep the evidence away from the Press and the Police. And most important, none of them have come to light as a result of any action initiated by the Government without prior exposure. It is now clear that the adamancy of the Government and the PPP in refusing to acknowledge the level of corruption in the society, and to do something about it, is linked to where the corruption is located. It is not known whether Government spokespersons are still so blind about corruption that they are still asking, where is the evidence? Guyana will soon qualify as  The Kleptocratic Republic of Guyana.

An important clarification needs to be made. There are thousands of public servants, businessmen, contractors and others who perform services of a high quality with dedication and integrity. In any discussion on the issue of corruption they must always be acknowledged.

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REMEMBERING WALTER RODNEY


There was a sense of anticipation in the political air upon the return of Walter Rodney to Guyana in the mid 70s. Elections had just been rigged in 1973 and our comrades killed. We in the PPP were especially happy when Cde. Cheddi Jagan reported shortly after he had met with Rodney that their discussions revealed a large area of agreement on the political situation in Guyana and the world and on the need for co-operation in the struggle to restore democracy. A good personal relationship and mutual respect had been established. This grew as their engagements intensified.

When the WPA was established there began almost immediately broad co-operation on many areas of political work. Joint activities were organized. Some attracted publicity, some did not. Regular discussions took place at the highest levels and for a sustained period. Camaraderie developed. Friendships were created. Hope was engendered. Rodney played a leading role in these developments.

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CALLING THE GOVERNMENT’S BLUFF


It is no surprise that yet another objection by the Government has now suddenly emerged to the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). After the AFC’s campaign and the Private Sector Commission’s public and forceful call, the Government has been on a propaganda blitz. It has paraded its record of legislation, publicized the work of the National Procurement and Tender Board (NPTB) and held a seminar for stakeholders. All this is to justify its resolve not to further advance the process of transparency in the face of continuing and credible allegations of corruption in procurement.

In 2000 the Constitution Reform Commission saw the need for a PPC, recommended it and in 2002 the National Assembly unanimously approved the amendment to the Constitution to provide for it. The Constitutional Commission, which is subject to law, would have the same review function which the Government well knows.

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