IT WOULD be remiss of this newspaper to ignore rumblings in the society about the management of the state by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government. Without getting into known public details of recent controversies surrounding the bond issue with Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton and other matters, this paper cannot ignore expressions of discontent and concern from the public in these situations.

President David Granger at a workshop in April, organised by the Guyana Press Association in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), charged the media to uphold its role in society, do so with professionalism, and work for the “public good.” When as Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in his address delivered on (26th August) he charged his party’s membership that the government, of which the PNCR is the major partner, “must lead by example,” it is seen as a resetting of the relationship between the Government and people of Guyana.

In that the President’s statement comes amidst condemnations not only from the political opposition but also from supporters and well-wishers, it is believed that such rumblings have not escaped his attention, and his charge to the membership is tantamount to saying better must be done. It is not an untrue statement that most of the controversies emanating from the Government at the political level have seen accusations being made against ministers who are members of the PNCR.

A political party’s philosophy and values will influence the conduct of its membership, the shaping of policies and programmes at the level of government. It follows that officials of the PNCR are expected to be so guided. Consequently, the party leader’s pronouncement has indicated to the public what the party stands for, what should be expected of it, and it ought not to be taken lightly.

Such acknowledgment also draws attention to the fact that leadership by example requires of elected officials conforming to the execution of actions consistent with commitments given, established laws, rules and internationally acceptable practices. Now that the congress has concluded therefore, it is reasonable to expect this statement, espoused by the party’s leader, will form the party’s programme of action in influencing conduct and behaviour within the government. It cannot be lost sight of that Mr Granger is Head of Government and State, charged with executive responsibility for the day-to-day functioning of the government, and overall responsibility for every minister. As the USA President Harry Truman was wont to say, “The buck stops here.”

The complaints of dis-satisfaction regarding ministers relating to the public, management of the state’s resources by ministers, their lack of respect for laws and so forth can be addressed in the context of leading by example. Where these have been of concern to the people they cannot be ignored. It is believed that every minister would admit that were the shoe on the other foot he or she would like to be treated with courtesy and expect improved quality of governance. Going forward therefore, it is hoped that officials are mindful of the truism to ‘Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you,’ and the state’s resources belong to the people and should be treated as such.

The Code of Conduct which Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has promised would be incorporated into the Integrity Act that will also be strengthened, is much looked forward to. A strengthened Act will signal to the society that the administration is serious about leading by example and committed to being held to account. The APNU+AFC coalition won the confidence of the majority of the electorate on commitment to deviate from condemned practices of their predecessors and promise of a “Good Life”. At the same time, outside of being mindful of the growing perception that the government is becoming their predecessors, the growth and development of the society and its people require certain standards of behaviour. And while the government may not have signed a written document with the people, promises made during a campaign that secure a position in office, are and should be construed as such — a contract with the people.

Thus, the recognition and admission that the government “must lead by example” in delivering the “Good Life” for all, will see expectations by citizens that this philosophy would be transposed into the Executive as a matter of action, post haste. Where this does not, given the level of growing activism, the government should not expect that citizens will countenance excuses or accept that ‘it is our time’ to replicate what was condemned.