By Dorwain A. Bess
Guyana is once again in the spotlight on the international stage with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, roundly scolding a BBC Journalist’s questions, and or insinuations. The President has since been receiving his just accolades locally and internationally, deservingly so.
After all, he was defending Guyana and the development of its oil industry. He was defending the right of all Guyanese to pursue the opportunities presented. President Ali, is only one man however, and given the recent revelations during Guyana’s period report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, there were many genuine concerns raised, some specific to the oil and gas industry and more broadly the country’s management of its abundant natural resources.
In my column last week, I proposed that the recent focus on Guyana during the United Nations Committee on Human Rights had sparked renewed international attention, which in turn is exacerbating internal political tensions. I implored then, and reiterate, instead of employing diversionary strategies–such as the Journalist pointing to an inaccuracy in the amount of carbon emission from Guyana—it is crucial for our leaders to acknowledge the UN’s criticisms and embark on meaningful reforms. This moment offers a chance to prioritise the well-being of all Guyanese citizens over partisan agendas.
In its report the UN body expressed concern about reports of corruption, lack of transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources, particularly in the oil and gas extractive sector.
In its findings it said “In this regard, the Committee is concerned about reports of corruption by public officials in this sector, and the lack of information on measures taken to investigate such allegations”
With this in mind, it was recommended that the administration “should take all appropriate measures to ensure that the management of its natural resources is not subject to corruption. It should also ensure that government permits granted for the exploitation of natural resources and licences to exploit oil fields undergo adequate prior environmental and societal impact assessments carried out in a systematic and transparent manner, with a meaningful participation of all affected communities. Furthermore, the State party should ensure prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigations into reports of corruption in awarding public contracts and prosecute, and if a person is convicted apply penalties commensurate with gravity of the crime.”
These allegations are not being made lightly despite what others say or believe and our politicians must come to the realisation the time for petty politics is over. Guyana is at a critical crossroad where it stands on the cusp of greatness or dire peril.
For tòo, the Production Sharing Agreement signed for the exploration and production of crude oil has been the subject of criticism from. Raphael Trotman did little to clear the air years later in his book ‘From Destiny to Prosperity.’
The politicians on both sides of the divide have demonstrated an unwillingness to confront the challenge head on.
To this, I say as a people, the politicians serve us as elected leaders. With this in mind, my mantra: Each One, Reach One and Teach One. That is all it takes and together we can end these atrocities because at the end of the day, the power of any government in Office, exercise such power at the behest of the people.
The criticisms against this contract are far too many to be ignored. They are attracting the attention of international bodies designated to look out for human rights. There are eight billion people on this planet across some 193 recognised countries. That body, however empowered, can only urge our authorities to do the right thing.
We the people however, have a constitutional right to demand changes. The international condemnation against this contract has been playing out for too long. The depiction of the country within the context of the interconnected global community, as I said, is not merely important but imperative, particularly considering the nation’s emerging economic direction.
So, in concluding, this week’s discourse, allow me to reaffirm that accountability and preserving constitutional freedoms are sacrosanct, reflecting a sincere dedication to the nation’s welfare. I strongly advise the current administration to not evade accusations on this, our single largest economic earner–the oil industry/natural resources sector– but rather confront them resolutely.
Our constitution demands this on your/our part as a duty, not just a casual request. If not you, then think of the generations of Guyanese to come and ponder what legacy will we leave for their inheritance.
