Guyana suffering a 'crisis of governance' says World Bank

Sunday, September 14, 2003

Washington, D.C.: A 74-page World Bank report has criticised the Guyana government for being "weak" and slammed the country's political system for its failure to facilitate growth or discourage crime, the Guyana Stabroek News has reported.

The paper quoted the Bank as saying the South American country suffers from "a crisis of governance" and said the government is seen as "weak" and unable to deal with embedded crime and corruption. 

"...Guyana is once more at a tipping point and could either become `a failed state' or begin anew, the long march to improved governance and economic recovery. Onus is now on both parties [the PPP/C and the PNC], but particularly the ruling party (PPP/C) with its majority electoral position, to show real commitment to political reform," the paper quoted the Bank's draft report as stating.

The World Bank says for Guyana to return to economic recovery, the country has to pursue policies of "social cohesiveness and political inclusiveness" and improve the investment climate.

"The crisis of governance is also evident in the continuing disagreement as to what political model (the winner takes all vs consensual paradigm) is most suitable for Guyana's demographic circumstances and historical experiences," the Bank reportedly states.

The report has been sent to the government for comment before it is finalized and the administration has apparently voiced "very serious" concerns over the finding, dubbing them "political," filled with allegations and complaints and lacking in "quantitative or qualitative" analysis. 

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