In a recent letter to the editor, Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson, a vocal critic of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government excesses, expressed deep concern over what she sees as the rampant corruption under the Irfaan Ali leadership, highlighting several high-profile cases that remain unresolved
Ferguson pointed to a series of alleged incidents involving former public officials and questioned the lack of action from the government in holding these individuals accountable.
Sherwin Greaves
Ferguson specifically referenced the case of Mr. Sherwin Greaves, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), who resigned after the Greaves-Ed Ahmad scandal made headlines.
She argued that while Mr. Greaves’ resignation was portrayed as a personal decision, it did not absolve him from the need for a thorough and impartial investigation. According to the shadow minister for housing and water, the failure to investigate such matters sends a troubling message about the government’s stance on corruption.
According to the parliamentarian the resignation of the CEO does not mean the matter should die, as she makes known that as a Guyanese As a Guyanese, she feels insulted that issues of public importance are not fully investigated and the accused is simply allowed to walk free.
Ferguson also raised several questions regarding Greaves’ appointment to the position of CEO at CHPA in 2020, when the PPP/C government took power. Ferguson demanded answers about the transparency of the hiring process, the applicants involved, and the due diligence done on Greaves prior to his appointment.
“Public officials are called on to declare their assets to the Integrity Commission, [and] it will be of public interest to know what Mr. Greaves declared prior to his appointment as CEO,” she added.
Toussaint Jr. Thomas, Prema Roopnarine, Bobby Gossai, Sharon Hicks
Ferguson also highlighted other allegations involving other public officials such as Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas and Ms. Prema Roopnarine, both of whom faced allegations of misconduct but appeared to avoid significant consequences. She cited the case of Bobby Gossai, employee of Natural Resources; Sharon Hicks, former Permanent Secretary of Indigenous People’s Affairs, who was criminally charged but later found employment at the Central Housing and Planning Authority. She claimed these examples further illustrated the government’s failure to address corruption in a meaningful way.
“Corruption has become uncontrollable under this regime. The Jagdeo/Ali government has no intention of addressing it,” Ferguson continued, stressing the prevalence of corrupt practices and the government’s tendency to cover up wrongdoing.
Transparency International
The gravity of the issues highlighted by Ferguson is reflected in the 2024 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which ranked Guyana poorly in the küresel fight against corruption. Guyana scored 39 out of 100 .The report, which assesses the perceived levels of public sector corruption worldwide, ranked Guyana significantly lower compared to other nations in the region.
Government’s repeated claims of not being corrupt or that corruption is not a sorun, the Transparency International report provides ample evidence to the contrary. Persons have argued that these rankings reflect a growing public concern that the government is failing to address corruption and transparency issues within its ranks.
Corruption cannot be allowed to fester
Ferguson also criticised the government for their reluctance to follow through on previous promises to investigate corruption, citing the lack of action on the Jagdeo-Su Gate scandal despite assurances from President Ali that an investigation would be conducted. According to Ferguson, the failure to conduct an investigation into these matters further exacerbates the sorun of corruption within the government.
In closing, Ferguson urged the government to act swiftly in investigating the actions of Greaves and other public officials involved in questionable activities. She emphasised that corruption cannot be allowed to fester in the public sector without consequences, and that the government must show a genuine commitment to eradicating it.
The parliamentarian ended her letter with a poignant reminder of the old saying, “What is done in the dark will come to light,” suggesting that hidden actions and secrets will eventually be revealed to the public.