News Source Guyana Reports | The Government of Guyana is actively enhancing public institutions to combat corruption, according to Minister of Governance Gail Teixeira, who spoke at the opening of an Anti-Corruption Roundtable this morning.
Minister Teixeira highlighted that the fight against corruption is a continuous endeavor. “Strengthening our public institutions is an ongoing effort,” she stated, emphasizing the need to evaluate the effectiveness of structures, qualifications of personnel, and the necessity for reorganization and training within various ministries and statutory bodies.
In the Public Service, the Ministry proposes integrating Governance and Anti-Corruption training into the broader Public Service Training Programme. Teixeira pointed out the critical role of the Integrity Commission in monitoring public officials under the Integrity Commission Act.
The Minister also noted that technology is being leveraged to enhance transparency and efficiency in government services. The Single Window System was identified as a key platform intended to streamline service delivery and minimize opportunities for bribery in land applications, which involve multiple agencies.
“One of the important anti-corruption platforms is the Single Window Platform, which helps reduce the frustration that applicants face when dealing with multiple agencies,” Teixeira explained, stressing that this system simplifies the process and lowers corruption risks.
However, the Minister acknowledged the challenge of corruption in public contracts, which can compromise the quality of infrastructure development. “Every corrupt act in contracts siphons off money that should be used for quality buildings and roads, leading to poorer outcomes in infrastructure,” she said.
The Anti-Corruption Roundtable, themed “Partnering to Build Resilient Public and Private Institutions in Guyana’s Fight Against Corruption,” aimed to review progress on recommendations from the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption (IACAC) and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Discussions at the roundtable focused on important areas such as auditing ethics in private enterprises, promoting integrity standards, and utilizing Artificial Intelligence to combat corruption effectively in both sectors.
Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr., President of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), emphasized that combating corruption enhances business competitiveness. “If we can establish Guyana as a secure environment for international investments, it not only benefits businesses but also promotes a safer working atmosphere for everyone,” he noted.
The roundtable event aims to further the government’s collaboration with the private sector to strengthen integrity systems, building resilient institutions in the ongoing fight against corruption.
Ministry of Local Government Launches “Cleaner Market” Initiative at Stabroek Market
