– Lack of information sharing with previous government
Former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, highlighted the fact that when the APNU+AFC government came into power in 2015, they were briefed by US agents on the rampant gold smuggling that had taken place under the previous PPP/C administration. This lack of transparency and sharing of crucial information between the two administrations was disturbing and hindered efforts to address the issue effectively.
– Trust issues with the previous administration
Trotman emphasized that upon assuming office in May 2015, it was evident that Washington did not have faith in the officials of the preceding administration. The extent of gold smuggling that had been allowed to fester under the PPP/C government was a cause for concern, and the lack of trust from the US government only exacerbated the challenges faced by the new APNU+AFC government in tackling the problem.
Trotman’s acknowledgment of the trust issues between the US and the previous government sheds light on the complexity of international relations and the impact it can have on addressing illegal activities such as gold smuggling. This lack of trust not only hinders communication and cooperation but also impedes the implementation of effective measures to combat such criminal activities.
– Criticism of the APNU+AFC administration
While Trotman has acknowledged the challenges inherited by the APNU+AFC government in relation to gold smuggling, critics have pointed out that the subsequent administration also struggled to effectively address the issue. Despite efforts to curb smuggling activities, the 2015 to 2020 APNU+AFC administration faced criticism for not being able to eradicate the problem completely.
It is crucial to evaluate the actions taken by administrations in addressing issues like gold smuggling and to learn from past shortcomings to strengthen future efforts in combating illegal activities. The criticism faced by the APNU+AFC government serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and proactive measures in tackling such complex challenges.