Who to blame in ‘10% cut’ game?

Letters, Normal
Source:

The National – Tuesday, December 14, 2010

I HAVE been following the reports on 10% commission by officers at Finance Department.
So what is new?
Everyone knows that someone is getting a 10% cut or what some call “motivation money”.
It is not happening just at the Finance Department but every government departments and agencies.
You just cannot get anything done for free nowadays at any government office.
It is also common knowledge and you can hear such gossips at the buai stalls or at Colts ground any Friday afternoon, if they are not talking about sports.
It is common to hear about government officials and members of parliament pushing for contracts or fast track agreements for the very same reason – a 10% commission, gratuity money or thank you money.
It is even said that to fast track certain projects, those involved go overseas and conduct their deals in some five-star hotels.
So who are we to blame when common public servants demand for a 10% cut?
If you cannot beat the system, then you are forced to join it.
And this is what is happening.
Ordinary people on the streets know what is happening but they cannot do anything about it.
Public servants know what is happening but are not taking any action.
All are afraid of speaking out because of various reasons.
You do not have to be a rocket scientist to know what is really going on.
The rich are getting richer at the expense of the people of Papua New Guinea and the poor are getting poorer, while the middle people are stuck in the middle and what do they do?
They get their 10% commission and shut up.
So who are we to blame?
Everybody wants to get a cut.

 

Barry
Via email