Gov’t, private sector strengthen collaboration on anti-corruption

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on Tuesday opened its Anti-Corruption Roundtable; a one-day engagement that brings together government officials and senior representatives from more than 30 private-sector bodies as part of ongoing efforts to advance integrity systems and strengthen resilience within both sectors. Key areas highlighted during the roundtable include auditing ethics in private enterprises, promoting integrity standards, building institutional capacity to prevent and combat corruption, and exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence as a transformative tool for transparency in both the public and private sectors.

The discussions also focused on progress made in implementing recommendations arising from the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption (IACAC) and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) periodic reviews.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, underscored the significant progress Guyana has made in building administrative and legal infrastructure to support transparency and accountability.

“When we look at where we have come from and where we are now, we have made enormous strides as a country,” Teixeira said.

She also highlighted that Guyana’s increased revenue from oil, gas, and carbon credits brings greater responsibility to ensure strong, accountable public institutions.

“Strengthening public institutions is an ongoing effort,” Teixeira said.

Teixeira further acknowledged that some government innovations aimed at improving accountability face resistance but stressed that these reforms ultimately reduce opportunities for corruption.

She explained that corruption, particularly in areas such as contracting, can lead to substandard public infrastructure.

“Oversight is critical. For every corrupt act, such as in contracts, money that should have gone to quality buildings, roads, and schools is siphoned off. We have come a long way, but there is still much more to be done,” Minister Teixeira stated.

She also urged private-sector companies to develop their own anti-corruption policies and procedures, highlighting the importance of equipping especially small and medium-sized enterprises with the tools to implement ethical business practices.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Jerry Gouveia Jr., during brief remarks praised the initiative.

“Initiatives like this demonstrate how, when the government and private sector align, we can move the country forward.

“This anti-corruption framework is not just a feel-good topic – it strengthens our business competitiveness regionally and internationally,” the PSC Chairman said.