There must be transparency as regards government’s funds

DEAR EDITOR,
There have been complaints about the wanton spending of government’s funds without proper accountability. Moreover there have been reports of the awarding of multi-million-dollar contracts without abiding by the required tendering procedure.
Over in Trinidad and Tobago, a High Court Judge delivered a landmark ruling supporting transparency in actions of the State in the expenditure of public funds.
In a written judgment Justice Frank Seepersad found in favour of the Joint Consultant Council (JCC) for the construction industry, which was seeking the release of information from the Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development on a $5.5 billion development. The Judge ordered the Minister to provide the requested information to the JCC within seven days.
Trinidad and Tobago has a Freedom of Information Act, and lawyers for the government argued that divulging information on the contract falls within the Act and the government was not legally bound to comply. The judge disagreed stating that “there must be transparency in any project undertaken by Government and that all attempts should be made as to dispel any perception of financial impropriety or misappropriation of public funds”
The decision in this case is certainly persuasive should anyone or any corporation/organization move to the courts to challenge government’s actions which they consider to be “shady” or not above board.
Guyana gained independence and the society must demand transparency. Legislative moves in that direction should be welcomed.  There should be no room for corruption which seems to be the order of the day in the Co-operative Republic.
Oscar Ramjeet