AFC suspects cover up in NCN probe
…. Calls for full disclosure
The AFC initiated removal of subsidy to NCN has resulted in the disclosure of gross financial irregularities at the State owned National Communications Network. The Party now feels fully vindicated for taking the bold and unprecedented step to cut the allocations for NCN that was presented in the 2012 National Budget. The people of Guyana now see it was the right thing to do.
As a result, of the decision to cut the allocation, we learnt that NCN was raking in more than $500 million from commercial activities, leading President Ramotar to order a probe into the company’s operations.
We have all since learnt that persons at NCN were collecting money on behalf of the company and putting it into their personal bank accounts. This is tantamount to fraudulent conversion. We do not know the full scope and depth of financial impropriety at NCN whether it is confined to the revelation of $3 million from GT & T or whether there is more. We suspect, based on the government’s call for the resignation of the CEO, that there is much more.
In this regard, the AFC is calling for full disclosure and that the report of the probe is made public. The AFC strongly believes that there is now a belated cover-up attempt to protect the former Chief Executive Officer and others at NCN from facing the full brunt of the law.
It is appalling that even as they were protesting and holding candle light vigils the two publicly named officials who have been sanctioned, may be at the root of the financial impropriety.
Staff at NCN who criticised the AFC for cutting the subsidy and lamented the possible loss of their jobs may now want to question exactly how much money NCN raked in over the past five or six years and how much went into private purses.
It is not good enough to say that the CEO has resigned and that a senior manager was suspended. NCN as a state owned company was receiving millions of taxpayers’ dollars over the years in annual subventions. The people therefore have a right to the full details on what has been happening at NCN.
The AFC is consulting among its Members of Parliament and seeking legal opinions and advice on how best to address this matter. We believe that anyone suspected of skimming the cream off the milk jug must be thoroughly investigated.
The AFC will continue to pursue this matter in the interest of the Guyanese people. [END]
(Cathy Hughes)
Comments
The PPP has been lying to the people for years. I think that they have convinced themselves that once you keep repeating a lie it will eventually sound like truth. The sad thing is their people are so gullible that they believe them, even when they know it’s a lie. They are deliberately sowing seeds of division by saying that the opposition wants to prevent progress. Where is the progress as a government? The only progress I see in Guyana is individual, where some people are constructing mansions, own several vehicles and businesses that have suddenly appeared. Are we saying that the government has no funds to maintain proper infrastructure? Some of our roads are in deplorable condition and the water coming out of the taps in some areas in Georgetown is worse that that in the canals. Georgetown is no longer the garden city with the pile up of garbage all around. I know that they will want to say that the City Council is responsible for its maintenance, but a caring government (as they claim to be) would ensure that these important issues are addressed.
What has happened at NCN and GT&T is blatant and they are still not doing what is right because the people involved are their supporters. How can you convince intelligent people that you are transparent (a word they love to use) and that you are for all the people?
If fraud is uncovered after the probe, then what??? Will the guilty party(ies) be jailed and have to repay the monies? I wouldn’t hold my breath. Until these types of people are held accountable and made to do time for their crimes, this type of behaviour will continue to plague Guyana. The government need to show Guyanese that they’re committed to stamping out greed and corruption (including their own)..
another example of “greed” and “corruption” regardless on who
the “receivers” are…were.
If the evidence is there then prosecute them and jail them if
convicted…it will send the “right” signal to others…
UK banking institutions are as corrupt but eventually they get caught and seldom “jailed” … but their reputation does “suffer” ! Like MP s they are forced to resign and in some cases prosecuted ! The politicians in UK enjoy this exercise as it distracts the MEDIA from their shortcomings…being made public…a few are serving “in JAIL” time for their crimes which
will hopefully discourage others from “cheating”
In “sport” you cheat but its publicly televised… in politricks you cheat and the media has to “expose” you !
A subtle difference but neccessary one.
UK media is very “agressive” in this respect and it does “contain” the idea that to cheat is “smart” or “clever” !
kamptan
Are Greed and Corruption the twin wheels that drive the State apparatus? If so then these are the necessary evils of Society and has to be dealt with. The Barclay’s Bank of UK was found guilty of inside trading and rates fixing and was fined half a billion $us dollars, The CEO, Mr Diamond resigned and the House of Commons was in Uproar as the Politicians argued about the repercussions this action had in the UK and for the Economy.Who will bell the cat of Corruption in Guyana. The Politicians, the Police, the Courts of Law, the Chief Justice, the Speaker or the President? Until these men act in a particular way, stamping out the Corruption will be a Child’s Game!
I share your “pessimisism” but am forever the “optimist”
The TOP man in GUYANA has made it a public “issue”
now lets wait and see how this trangresses into action.
my grandmother (bless her) always preached
“words are wind but blows are unkind”….
let all GUYANESE “walk the talk” then things will only get better !
kamptan
Remember this top man is only one man whop knew what was going on inside but who chose to keep quiet. Today, The head of his secretariat is telling him that the C word is there a long time and so has Ramkarran who had the testicular fortitude to write about the C in the Party’s Mirror news. The President must wake up from his slumber and set ut the ANTI CORRUPTION TRIBUNAL IN GUYANA. Investigate all instances of C and start to jail people who are Guilty. Confiscate their properties and all the bank accounts with the ill gains of C.In case no one knows what to do the Law of the land is Supreme.
if my leader endorses an “anti-corruption” agenda and does it “publicly” that is enough for the moment…..
my suspicion that we will have a “few whistle blowers” sooner than later….JUDAS betrayal was no “secret” neither is the “corrupted” or “corruptable” unaware or naive about their actions and the consequences.
I remain optimistic
Time heals most hearts
kamptan