PROTOCOL in government is defined as “The official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions.” A country’s protocol defines it in the image of self and others. Whereas some countries place a high premium on adherence, others treat protocol with varying degrees of apathy. Independent Guyana emerged from a tradition of British customs and practices which have held significant sway in shaping our protocol that has incorporated an admixture of indigenous flair. Such approach is not uncommon to countries around the world that have had British influences. Taking note of evolving trends in Guyana, it is not untrue to say that for some time now the premium placed on protocol has been relaxed. During previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administrations, the argument used to justify deviation was one of partisan politics, with apparently little or no regard for the consequences such posed to Guyana’s image, local and external, and the erosion of acceptable standards.
Unfortunately, this relaxing led to the falling of standards by public officials and in the public sphere, including Guyana’s interaction with foreign dignitaries that presented embarrassing situations to those who know otherwise. It was not unusual to find a protocol official standing flummoxed or with resigned countenance when faux pas occurred.
Another feature is that with the miniaturising of importance came the miniaturising of knowledge, in written form, as to what protocol constitutes, more so a local blueprint. In this Information Age when other nations have taken to the Internet and electronic communication to ensure citizens and other interests are aware of its protocol on various aspects of state, Guyana stands out as not exploiting these media. Few are aware of Guyana’s protocol system and where it can be accessed. This is something the Department of Public Information may find worthy of attention.
Within this year issues surrounding occasions such as the flag-raising ceremony and State Dinner for the 50th Anniversary, and dress codes in government offices have attracted spirited debates. These two issues have bearing on protocol. In common, they revealed the level of knowledge pertaining to handling the issues, their relevance to state and nationhood, and ensuring the maintenance of a particular image.
In the former it has to do with the Government executing State events consistent with established procedures and rules, though how many are aware of these left very little doubt. In the latter, while there is need to revisit the dress codes members of the public are asked to conform to when doing business at offices, such should not come at the expense of ensuring held propriety and decorum of our culture, which in the first instance have informed the rules. Similarly, established dress codes should apply to public officials in the workplace and when attending official events.
The image of Guyana by Guyanese and foreigners is usually formed foremost by our visionary sense. And where this sense plays an important role in laying first impression in shaping perception of a people, their environment, the manner in which they conduct business, and how they should be treated, the importance of protocol cannot be ignored or downplayed.
Further, there is a difference between the protocol of popular culture vis-a-vis the protocol of formal culture. The two ought not to be conflated for they serve different purposes and have their time and place. While the protocol of popular culture tends to be more casual and even resistant to formal etiquette, formal culture does not have that latitude and such ought not to be imposed on it. Formal culture comes with established rules of etiquette for state/officialdom.
For instance, in the popular culture, revellers’ treatment of a country’s flag do not necessarily abide by formal requirements. And whereas this can be excused given the nature of the event, in a formal setting similar treatment reflects contempt for the symbol of sovereignty, nationhood, and those who have struggled to make it possible. It helps the society to be discerning. Where Guyana has deviated Government may find it timely and appropriate to seek to return the country to its rightful place among nations that treat and regard protocol with deserving respect, aware of its implications. While the past cannot be undone the past can serve as lessons of what not to continue.