IT IS not unreasonable to say the past unnecessary, divisive political actions have left Guyanese disillusioned and fed-up with Government in its institutions.People have grown tired of politicians trading words merely for the sake of grandstanding and upmanship, as they look for an opportunity to move in for the kill rather than offer solutions and lend support where necessary; saying one thing and doing another, or doing the cartwheel on issues when the political table has turned, without seeing the need to inform the public what has informed the change of heart.

Many knit their brows in wariness, but some, who cared not for the rule of law, the nation’s resources and respect for the rights of its citizens, have today become crusaders of these virtues.

Equally, it is so for those who once championed these virtues and are now unmindful of them, or view them as hindrance to doing or getting what they want.

Institutions of state, such as the police force — which the people once felt never served and protected them, but existed as enforcers for brutality, fear and division — when today you see an almost 360 degree turn, it is not unfair to wonder what has resulted in the changed behaviour. Though crime — blue and white collar — remains a concern and the masses are living in anxiety out of fear they may be next, the heightened efforts and focus at crime solving cannot be ignored because people have seen alleged perpetuators identified and being placed before the courts.

On the other hand, the call for an end to corruption and holding persons accountable, the perceived slothful pace in making this a reality is lending to the feeling of a government ‘going soft,’ not having the evidence, or are friends of the accused. And this perception is understandable, given what this nation has witnessed within recent years. And though previous governments have denied these claims, international reports such as Transparency International bear testimony to what the masses know.

Civility, a feature badly lacking in the public sphere, has also led the masses to believe that those who are serving them, elected or appointed, are behaving as those the masses are their servants and are to be treated with contempt.

Stories about persons being forewarned that if they visit such and such person or go to such and such office they should expect to be treated as trash, be insulted or made to give a bribe, are not uncommon.

Watching the nation’s resources being given away to, or divided up among, friends and families of the connected; political connection determining eligibility for employment/economic opportunities, as against qualifications/ competence; millions of taxpayers’ dollars being wasted in projects such as roads and schools that are overpriced and poorly constructed, have been features that proliferated the landscape.

Workers who, while required to do a fair day’s work are not being given a fair day’s pay, become frustrated that their rights are trampled upon at the workplace, and they find it hard to eke out a daily living, given the insurmountable bills they have to pay. In the face of this, those who enjoy the favours of the establishment, or are in the establishment, have moved from rags to riches overnight, openly flaunting and shamelessly justifying their ostentatious lifestyles.

Recounting these events sounds like a fairy-tale, yet this has been the life of the average citizen for too many years. It is a life from which citizens desire a clean break. And though it is understood that some situations will take time, given the need for careful planning and execution, it is not unfair for the masses to expect that where changes can be made without having to go through any long processes, they should be made immediately.

As a matter of immediacy, leaders in Government and Opposition can begin to respect the Laws of Guyana, treating citizens with deserving respect, activate ethics training in the public service, implement some of the numerous recommendations on police reform in areas such as respecting human rights and improving community/police relations, and let the days of nepotism remain in the past, to name a few things.

The people, regardless of political persuasion, will support any Government, or be compelled to see the wisdom of any Government or Government institution that treats them as human beings, operates in a judicious manner, and manages their resources to the benefit of all. Though at times persons may be prone to thinking and acting from baser instincts, residing in every one of us is the desire to see improvement in our lives and surroundings, and in the well-being of those around us. Guyanese want to breathe again, hope again, and would rather live here than elsewhere.