THE very fact that President David Granger has entertained the idea, followed by discussions, about the handling of national events given the faux pas during the jubilee celebration is an encouraging sign. It says too that the government has either recognised the areas that could have been handled differently and/or is responding to constructive criticisms by the public on the various aspects of the activities. When events are held by the government or State, these are considered representation of the State, people and their leadership. The manner in which such representation is done will reflect on how others see us and treat with us, both on the domestic and international fronts. It is hoped that the idea of treating this aspect of governance with professionalism will germinate to action in some form and the not-so-pleasant experiences during the jubilee will not re-occur.
A government governs best when it is responsive to the people’s concerns, needs and aspirations. It does not at times necessitate events pertaining to government and its image being affected in order to take action, but action can also be represented in every-day activities that impact the people’s welfare.
There are some obvious matters engaging public conversations that are begging for action, inclusive of explanation. Where the people are removed from public officials, elected and appointed, the media play the facilitating role in communicating the views of both sides. This function of the media is vital to democracy. Within recent times , various media outlets have been carrying news and opinions of issues the public consider important to them and which they seek action on. Offhand, the issue of the forensic audits and concerns by the people as to whether any action will be taken on them, be they judicial or organizational, are on the daily radar. There are questions as to when action will be taken and if yes, when, and if not, why not. While persons may have varying views on the audits, their purpose, and who should be held accountable, there is a singular view, across the political divide, that where corruption has been detected persons be held accountable. Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo has reiterated this position recently.
Another area is that of The Local Government authorities which need technical and institutional support, evident from the avoidable conflicts emerging once too often. Likewise, the districts that have received tied votes, consensual resolutions should be arrived at, which would enable the local government authorities to function and the communities move ahead with their developmental plans. In the industrial environment, the trade unions have been expressing their views on matters they consider important to them and deserving of government’s attention and intervention. The private sector and other sections of civil society too are making public, matters they desire inputs into or feedback from government, pertaining to the economy and other spheres of development.
All Guyanese, even the pessimists in our midst, want a government that works for them and can succeed. When this happens, it creates opportunities and avenues for citizens to go about living life by unleashing their potentials and meaningfully participating in development, unencumbered by underserving and unnecessary distractions or concerns.
The Opposition too has a role to play in the nation’s development and must take it with deserving seriousness. Given its constitutional office and electoral mandate, it is time it gets about proposing constructive ideas and working these ideas, through the different tiers and branches of government. Development, national unity, inclusionary democracy and social cohesion must be made real. The average man and woman knows this, desires it and will work with any group who can help them to realise it. Recent elections and changing demographics are showing the held belief that elections can be won solely on ethnic arithmetic no longer viable.
Ideas, performance and track record are playing a role in determining the type of government the people want and the treatment they expect from their leaders. In the meantime, the General and Regional Elections are over and aren’t constitutionally due until 2020. And while the Opposition, like any Opposition, has a desire to get back into government, there is a time and place for everything. The time is now to get down to action, pay heed to the people, partner with the government where and when necessary, and deliver on the people’s behalf.
Having learnt that President Granger has taken a step to ensure clear-headedness in the handling of national events going forward, such approach would augur well if it frames similar action on all matters of governance. The leadership and rank-and-file, government and non-government, are encouraged to follow suit. Ours is a nation to build and building requires action.