RECENT news that the state was able to record increased tax revenues, growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the passage of the State Asset Recovery Bill (SARB) could be considered positive indicators of governance. Revenue increase could be an indicator that the collection system has improved and/or the expansion of the tax base has begun to register.

As a trade unionist, I am ever mindful of national growth that does not result in direct growth to citizens/workers. I am most comfortable with national growth being measured not by the GDP, but by the Human Development Index (HDI), which tallies the well-being of each demographic and makes for better indicator of real growth. The Green Economy measures growth using the HDI and should Government use this tool, it will present credible assessment of the impact of its policies and programmes on the individual/worker’s development.  Where poverty and other deprivations exist, GDP growth is meaningless to the affected, and serves as reminder of their exclusion and marginalisation.

The passage of the SARB is important in eliminating corruption which is a prerequisite in the quest for good governance.  Corruption is a human rights violation and its elimination must be pursued relentlessly, across the board, and within the ambit of the law. While some view the SARB as a controversial piece of legislation, when put to the test it must not only be for those of the past administration, but also for those presently in the seat. All must be held accountable and as a people we must see to it.

Government by the people must be translated to governance for the people. When we cast our ballots, having exercised the responsibility to determine who manages our affairs, they become our representatives. Having signed up for the job and being paid by us to do the job, it matters not whether our representatives are in the Executive or Legislative branches, or their placement on the regional and local government councils. As citizens we must expect and demand good governance, since such practice is hinged to our day-to-day well-being.

This society continues to face the situation where elected officials are more interested in using the people’s power for their personal benefit, rather than improving the people’s lot. Let me make it very clear, the power leaders exercise is vested in them by the people. Proper use of this power will see treatment of the people with respect and dignity. The reference to the least among us in this context speaks to individuals and groups, irrespective of social or economic standing, whose well-being is determined for them by a few in the corridors of power.  These few are making decisions  without the people’s inputs and expect conformity from the people.

Efforts to strip persons of their dignity and respect, inclusive of their role in society, must not be countenanced by any one of us. The departure from the political leadership by Carol Joseph, a person with whom there was public disagreement on an issue, exemplifies a concern of treating a vulnerable demographic. From all observations, her political colleagues were aware of the violation of the law in pursuit of acquiring prescription medications for personal consumption. It would help to recognize that the act indicates a problem exists that should be addressed.

Substance dependency can lead to abuse, which becomes symptomatic of a problem, if not treated, can escalate and result in further damage to self and others. This undoubtedly hardworking political comrade needs the support of the party leadership, government, and society in arresting and treating her situation. Here is where resources, through institutions and laws, ought to be provided by government to ensure persons live normal lives.

Watching this administration’s interaction with members of the international community regarding the management of our oil and gas resources, and their several decisions released to the public about the distribution of wealth from these resources, putting it mildly, is being contemptuous of the people. That the masses are not in the corridors of power does not mean the administration should forget whose power they are using. The handling of this situation is tantamount to the children of Guyana standing on the outside, looking through a barbed-wire fence,  as leaders make decisions with foreign nationals that would immeasurably impact their lives, without first having any meaningful engagement with them.

Let me draw context to this disdain by making comparison to similar event of equal national proportion. In the 1970s when Guyana was proceeding with nationalisation, which meant major economic impact on the society, the Forbes Burnham government engaged in widespread consultation and decision-making.  A national negotiating team, comprising of stakeholders and technicians, was established. There were committees in various communities to advise this team and there were consultations with various stakeholders, including the political opposition, trade unions, and others. Similar treatment is not happening with oil and gas, though precedence exists.

This administration wax about inclusionary democracy, which is required by the Guyana Constitution (Article 13), but no illusion is harboured there will be parliamentary inclusion in determining what will and ought to be done with the new sector. The culture of parliamentary majority will conveniently hold sway. The trade union, whose involvement in national decision-making is prescribed as a fundamental right (Article 149C), continues to be denied its role in influencing decisions for our constituents, i.e. past, present and potential workers. Letters to President David Granger seeking engagement with his administration, as per constitutional duty, is yet to bear fruit.

At the start of Labour Week, I say without contradiction that  the workers/people’s power is being abused, and this is because leaders continue to think ‘to hell with masses,’ having achieved the vote on Election Day. In principle, there is support for any public agitation by groups or individuals to bring attention to matters of concern to them, where elected officials continue to act as masters of the people and not their representatives.