Should the President discipline Minister Patterson?
Dear Editor,
It has been reported in the media that the Cabinet has given clear instructions to the Minister of Finance to send Mr. Winston Brassington on administrative leave pending the outcome of a probe into the affairs of NICIL.
The same was done to Mr. Sattaur at the GRA. Cabinet did the right thing in accordance with the principles of “Due Process of Law” and to preserve their constitutional rights by sending them on administrative leave with full pay.
This is the normal practice and procedure for any government and Guyana is no exception to take such actions against the heads of departments who are allegedly accused of corrupt practices. But it appears what is good for the goose is not good for the gander in Guyana under the APNU+AFC government?
It has been reported in the private media that the Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson has refused to send the acting CEO of GPL on administrative leave pending a probe into his alleged tampering with the procurement process. According to the Minister, there is no reason to send GPL’s CEO on administrative leave pending the outcome of the probe, it is up to the board of directors of GPL to act but at the moment, there is no board of Directors.
It is a blatant cover-up for one of their own. Others who were not aligned to the government were sent home for the same reason. It is clear that the Minister and by extension the government is pulling wool over the eyes of the people. Where are the voices of reason and fairness in the Cabinet?
Where is the accountability and transparency promised by this government? The CEO has been under a cloud of suspicion since his appointment last August. We are yet to see a reply from him elaborating on his qualifications.
It is clear that the Minister’s actions will cause irreparable damage to the government and could result in its demise. There can be no proper investigation of Mr. Welch who is the custodian of all the records and who may influence the outcome. Isn’t there some level of self-interest and self-preservation here?
The English Philosopher and Political Theorist John Locke has clearly stated in one of his essays that human motivation is principally driven by the essential self-interested nature of human beings. Therefore, it was found that the fundamental laws of nature necessitate the following: 1) a duty to preserve one’s self-interest; 2) a duty to preserve others when self-preservation does not conflict.
Are we witnessing favouritism in public office again as was the case with the last government? Should President Granger allow this attitude by the Minister, it will destroy image and morality of his administration which could result in huge loss of confidence in the government by the people.
There has to be an independent investigation and let the chips fall where they may be. If not, how can the government justify sending other heads of departments on administrative leave pending investigations and not the acting CEO of GPL. The integrity of the government is at stake and it will pay a heavy price for this injustice. The people will be the judge and the jury.
Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh
