Bribery and corruption lead to a society where economic and political decisions become twisted. A corrupt society is an unequal and unfair society. These were the words coming from Shell Oil in 2002.
International lending agencies therefore make much higher demands on these types of countries.
Is our society corrupt? The resources of our country that are our natural endowments should resound to the benefit of all.
This should particularly be so in the context of every citizen having equal opportunities and access to the social, infrastructural and economic benefits of these resources.
If we are and continue along this road of corruption, the downgrade by the Moody's report may only be one of many to come.
If our perceived global, social and economic status declines, we are in line to join some or our regional partners who have been forced by international lending agencies to put on the "Golden Straightjacket" that Friedman described.
The Golden Straightjacket for Friedman, this means the decentralising of government, the privatising of industry and the elimination of tariffs and other obstacles to foreign investment.
Two things tend to happen: your economy grows and your politics shrinks.
According to one author, once your country puts on the Golden Straightjacket, its political choices get reduced to Pepsi or Coke.
We must therefore hold our government accountable and ensure that those who hold public office adhere to the prescribed and expected standards of morality.
Our quality of life and those of our generations to come depend on the decisions we allow to go forward as citizens of our beloved country.
Competence must be mandatory for holders of public office. Corruption must be dealt with swiftly and discouraged.
Appropriate checks and balances with proper monitoring are also key requirements if we are to progress out of a high perception of corruption.
Ronald Huggins
St Joseph