MOST Guyanese want the government to succeed, as long as they believe that they are working in the best interest of all Guyanese in a fair and transparent manner. But it is certainly important that they know and see who has responsibility for what, and can be reasonably held accountable for any failures that may occur. Unfortunately, too many think that no one except the “government” seems to be responsible for anything, at any time.
The real truth is that the public service, businesses, opposition parties, local government officials and many individual citizens contribute significantly to our problems. Recently, a principal complained on a school opening day about the school’s condition. In response, Minister Whittaker, a former principal, pointed out that when he was a principal he reported problems at the end of the school year and checked on the school’s condition a few weeks before the new school year opened.

It is this simple comment from Mr. Whittaker  that speaks to the problems with so many individual ministers, officials and others often failing to act responsibly,  proactively and timely in discharging their responsibilities.
Why talk about reactive solutions to problems after the fact, and not ask if anything could have been done before? How effectively are all projects being monitored, or the Auditor General or other concerns addressed? Are the Police Commissioner or other central or local officials actively monitored?, What about people’s failure to pay taxes, or for utilities, disposal of garbage, clogged drainage etc? Is this all government’s fault or yours too? Just asking.