GUYANESE are known to be an opinionated people. It is difficult to find any without a point of view to any given topical issue:domestic or foreign. Some publicly expressed their views, while others do so in the confine of their homes or in the confidence of trusted loved ones.
As mainstream media allow the public’s expression of their views via talk shows, call-in programmes, letter to the editors, newspapers’ blogs, opinion columns, etc. Guyanese are utilising the opportunities to be heard and have input in matters of import to them. Where social media in its liberating and uninhibited format facilitates similar expressions, this forum too impact recipients, near and far.

It is hoped that as Guyanese continue utilising their freedom in this regard, the issues they speak passionately to are not only capturing the attention of their peers but also the various leadership in the society. Those paying attention, more particularly government, at every tier and branch, including the opposition, would note that expressions are growing in intensity on matters considered important by the people.

If per chance it may have escaped attention of the influential, the last two General and Regional Elections saw the populace, resident and diaspora, converting their social pages to campaign sites for the candidate(s) or party(ies) of choice. The new form of activism is signally a shift by the masses from dis-interest or apathy to interest in politics and things considered political. The vocal among us are not to be underestimated or taken for granted, given that their points-of-view, supported or not, undeniably carry an intensity and conviction akin to platform politics.

It is not unusual to find among this group, persons taking strong views against their elected officials on any given matter where it is felt such was handled badly, of poor taste or timing, or without due regard for the people. Whereas this may flummoxed government, party or individual aware of the person’s support, in the evolving landscape this should come as no surprise.

Having access to other societies, Guyanese are observing persons, though supporting a group, party or individual, being unafraid to publicly question or disagree with a particular point of view. And though this is not an unusual occurrence of human nature, in our society where such is seen as heresy, the recognition that it can indeed happen is liberating and empowering. Where such feelings encamp-once taken hold of-they cannot easily be undone.

Outside of the few known members of civil society who are unafraid to speak their minds, the international exposure being gained are adding fillip to the outspoken and the masses’ consciousness. Prudence requires acknowledgement of this reality. Additionally to this, at the grass roots level,the masses are cultivating a code of ethics, wherein, things they condemned in others they are less likely to support, even if coming from their camp, lest they be exposed and condemned by their peers.

This evolving trend points to three factors:-i) demanding accountability of leadership, ii) demanding accountability of one’s peers, and iii) delivering accountability of self. Were the leadership of society- political, civil and otherwise- to pay heed to this, time would be expended tounderstand this phenomenon and responding to it accordingly.

And this does not mean shutting expression down or ignoring it, given that smart management requires acknowledgment of changing trends, putting systems in place to be a partner, not suppressor of it. Invariably too, the pool of expression, taken in good vein, offers insight on and feedback of the masses’ view to given issues.

The people are a critical and important constituent in the nation’s welfare. To retain their respect and support require being discerning to their expressed views and where necessary, act accordingly. It should be said too that not everything an opponent, perceived or real, says is wrong, likewise not everything a supporter, perceived or real, says is right. Identifying this requires shrewd thinking, marshalling of the facts, understanding the issues, the stern belief in right and wrong, and the impact decision will have on the people. More importantly, the people must never ever feel they are not being listened to,and are being excluded from input in matters affecting their well-being.