ON THURSDAY, 25th February, Jamaica held its General Elections. Contrary to prediction — including that of two University of the West Indies (UWI) research teams — that the People’s National Party (PNP), led by former Prime Minister Mrs. Portia Simpson-Miller, would have been returned to office, the electorate gave that mandate to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).In 2011, the PNP won the seat of government by 42 seats compared to the JLP’s 21. This was reversed on Thursday, with the JLP, under prime minister-elect Mr. Andrew Michael Holness, winning 33 seats, compared to the PNP’s 30. The Jamaica Observer newspaper (26th February) credited the JLP’s improved showing “in part, by the work, appeal and determination of a bunch of new candidates plus the contribution of party stalwarts.”

It should be said that growth and development are continuous processes, which require admittance and willingness to engage in introspection, critique of self, and acceptance of such from others; along with being prepared to make the needed change to realise positive outcomes. Having said this, there are some lessons Guyana can take away from the elections experiences of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, both of which were held in the last 12 months.

Notably, in both instances, results were declared within 24 hours of elections being held. In Guyana, our declaration of results takes days. This observation should not be seen as a condemnation of GECOM, which is doing yeoman service. However, taken in the right vein of constructive critique, Guyana admittedly has ways to go before we can get to this level. This may require institutional strengthening, such as logistical and technical improvement, which is hinged on policy direction, legal autonomy, and resources.

Guyanese are smart people who continue to distinguish themselves both on the domestic and international fronts, and there is nothing that cannot be achieved by us when our minds are invested.

Another positive feature of the elections by our CARICOM counterparts is the pace at which newly-elected governments move to establish the Cabinet, appoint ministers, and open the Parliament. Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, when his party, the People’s National Movement (PNM), had won the general elections in September 2015, had a Cabinet up and ready in less than five days.

While it is not known whether Dr. Rowley has set a new record in the Region, what it highlights, even to the casual observer, is that of a state of preparedness. This approach has transmitted a message that the PNM was not only expecting to win, but in the event that the party had won, it was ready to hit the ground running from day one.

In our editorial, “Staffing the Foreign Service” (26th February), it was made known the importance of any new government being given the free rein to set its policies and agenda, having campaigned on a promise and programme of which the citizens expect execution. This is not unique to Guyana, but is a practice that is respected and accepted in Western societies.

The situation in Guyana — where a new administration which has been in office for nine months is still not being given the free rein to charter its foreign policy and agenda, given that political appointees from the previous government are still installed — is something that won’t happen elsewhere. In this instance, it matters not whom the citizens have granted the privilege to serve. What matters is doing the right thing consistent with international custom and practice, which this State newspaper sees as important to Guyana’s image and reputation, at home and abroad.

Public service is a privilege, and where those who serve the public are expected to be honoured and humbled by the experience, something is amiss in Guyana, where it is being seen and wanted to be foisted on the nation that public service is an entitlement and inheritance not to cede.

Guyana is among the Most Developed Countries in CARICOM. This is a status that carries great responsibility, which includes setting standards for others to follow, and one which the country must bear with pride. In this it means that, where admittedly politics by its nature is competitive, Guyanese must not be among those competing for the race to the bottom. There are aspects of our politics and management of the State that require further growth and development if the nation is to move forward and take its place among progressive societies.

Towards this end, best practices of other countries can be examined and adopted. By this it does not mean discarding our unique identity as Guyanese, or subjecting ourselves to cultural imperialism. It means that the Government, which includes the Opposition, is willing, able and committed to embracing and executing practices that would improve efficiency and effectiveness at home; make it possible for Guyana to secure a competitive edge in the world’s economy; and hold its own on ethics on the world stage.