At a recent government-led anti-corruption workshop, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) advocated for unified anti-corruption legislation to streamline enforcement processes. PSC Economics and Finance Committee Chair Ramesh Dookhoo emphasized that the current multi-agency approach complicates prosecuting corruption, suggesting that “massive collaboration” is currently required to bring offenders to justice. Citing the UK’s comprehensive anti-corruption laws as a model, Dookhoo also urged for stricter enforcement of the Companies Act and increased use of external auditors among businesses.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, responded that Guyana lacks the necessary capacity for a single anti-corruption agency. She argued that such an approach requires a “big bureaucracy” and significant resources to handle Guyana’s complex international reporting obligations. Teixeira acknowledged that while enforcement challenges remain, Guyana has “a good [framework] on corruption” through mechanisms like MESISIC and domestic anti-money laundering laws. Addressing delays in the judicial process for corruption cases, she emphasized, “If we don’t have that continuum between investigation and the court, then…cases may never get there.”
Teixeira further noted that although enforcement “weaknesses” persist, enhanced data collection through improved internet connectivity could bolster anti-corruption efforts. In response to these limitations, Dookhoo announced that the PSC would be revising its Code of Conduct for member organizations. A number of corruption allegations have been leveled against current government officials that have never been investigated.
