“APNU+AFC Govt has zero tolerance for corruption” – AG Williams
─ “It is important you understand what you ought not to do” – AG tells Anti-Corruption Sensitisation seminar
─ Govt will continue to implement legislation to “ensure that corruption does not stymie our development”
─ “govt has strengthened the legislative framework to deal with it and has done so by passing the State Assets Recovery Act, the Witness Protection Act and the Protected Disclosures Act”
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, February 6, 2019.
Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., told residents of Mabaruma and surrounding communities in the Barima-Waini (Region 1) that “fighting corruption is high on the government’s agenda”.
The AG was at the time delivering remarks at an Anti-Corruption Sensitisation seminar hosted in the region. He noted the importance of such forums as it comes at a time when Guyana is transitioning to an oil economy.
“An important component of corruption is bribery, hence why it is important for you to understand what you could do and what you ought not to do,” the AG stated.
AG Williams said the Coalition Government will continue to implement legislation to guide the populace and “ensure that corruption does not stymie our development”. He further emphasised that “the APNU-AFC Government has zero tolerance for corruption.”
He explained that corruption adversely affects the development of society and leads to poverty. Noting that such corruption also leads to the erosion of public confidence in a government and also affects financial institutions such as banks.
“The government has strengthened the legislative framework to deal with it and has done so by passing the State Assets Recovery Act, the Witness Protection Act and the Protected Disclosures Act,” the AG underscored.
The Attorney General was accompanied by a team from his Ministry who briefed the participants of the seminar on the components of the various acts.
Regional Executive Officer, Randolph Storm told the participants that corrupt acts rob the nation of its benefits and funds which could have been used in the development of the country. According to Storm, “the success of this conference is not what happens here today… it is what happens after we leave.”
He urged the participants to put into practice the knowledge gained from the session.
Echoing his sentiments were the Regional Chairman for Region One Brentnol Ashley and Mayor of the Township of Mabaruma, Chris Phang.
The participants who included regional and NDC officials and teachers among others were encouraged to report corrupt practices as they happen. They were also encouraged to disseminate the message of anti-corruption in their agencies and within their communities.
Wednesday’s session of the Anti-Corruption Sensitisation Seminar in Region 1 is part of the Ministry of Legal Affairs series of public engagements to engage citizens across the country and to sensitise them to the pitfalls of corruption and the economic importance of a public free of corrupt practices.
Anara Khan.
Images: Karime Peters.