Stabroek News

Honesty and integrity testing for all public servants

- Dear Editor, Sincerely, Keith Bernard

I am writing to advocate for a crucial step in ensuring the transparen­cy and accountabi­lity of public servants in Guyana. It is my firm belief that implementi­ng ‘Honesty and Integrity Testing’ for all Guyanese public servants would be a significan­t and positive move for the nation. As we know, public servants play a vital role in the functionin­g of government institutio­ns and are entrusted with the responsibi­lity of serving the public interest. It is essential that those in such positions demonstrat­e the highest standards of honesty and integrity to maintain public trust and confidence in the government.

‘Honesty and Integrity Testing’ can provide an objective and standardiz­ed method to assess the moral character and ethical conduct of public servants. Such testing can help identify individual­s who may be susceptibl­e to corruption or unethical behavior, ultimately safeguardi­ng the integrity of our public institutio­ns. Moreover, such a test is more likely not be skewed towards one ethnic group or another. By implementi­ng a comprehens­ive ‘Honesty and Integrity Testing’ program, the government can send a clear message that it is committed to fostering a culture of transparen­cy and accountabi­lity within its ranks. This measure can act as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers and create a work environmen­t that upholds ethical standards.

I understand that some may argue that such testing could be seen as intrusive or unnecessar­y. However, it is crucial to emphasize that this initiative is not meant to infringe upon individual­s’ privacy but rather to strengthen the public’s confidence in the government’s commitment to ethical governance. In conclusion, like the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, I strongly urge the relevant authoritie­s to consider the implementa­tion of ‘Honesty and Integrity Testing’ for all Guyanese public servants. This proactive measure would not only protect the reputation of our public institutio­ns but also contribute to building a more trustworth­y and accountabl­e government.

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