Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
May 03, 2015 Editorial
Guyana does not have a distinguished record of accountability, transparency and good governance under the current administration. The reason is a deliberate attempt to dictate to the people and not to answer to them.
As a society, too many of the citizens have tended to focus on intent rather than outcome as the primary factor in assessing the actions of the government and what impacts society the most. At the same time, many in society work themselves up into a rage about particular malfeasances by public officials but often only for the length of time, mostly for a week or two that the issue remains in the headlines.
In Guyana, Ministers of the government and some key public officials who are assigned to manage some very expensive developmental projects such as the ICT Cable and the just completed Hope Canal projects have never paid much of a price for sub-standard performance, because, by and large, they have the support and protection of the government which viewed their ascent to power as far more important than good performance. Mediocrity is chaotic for any society and Guyana is no exception to such chaos.
In my view, sub-standard performance which in essence is mediocrity has been a significant contributor to Guyana’s anemic economic performance, high unemployment, high crime rate and massive corruption over the course of the life of this administration which came to power 23 years ago with the promise to improve the economy and the living conditions of the masses.
It is worth noting that while this administration boasts of its many achievements, many have concluded that the accomplishments which the government claims have dramatically transformed the economic landscape of Guyana, have resulted from autocratic rule characterized by an absence of accountability, good governance, political freedom, constraints on civic society and the press, morality, integrity and other restrictions.
People would find it plausible for Guyanese to want their children and grandchildren to grow up peacefully and respectfully in the land of their birth. They also find it very difficult to contemplate these children growing to achieve their potential in a country that is devoid of the basic values of society and with a government that is corrupt, immoral and lacks integrity.
Accountability, transparency and good governance are critical to public trust and confidence. However, this PPP administration which has a very high tolerance regarding shoddy performance, corruption, crime, vulgarity and race-based politics is less interested in such ethical values. Its leaders have not set out to build a meritocracy where every citizen could rise if he or she has the ability. Instead, the determining factor is political patronage.
However, it should be acknowledged that no society was ever likely to be corruption-free, but if sanctions and or discipline are dispensed with such severity and without favour against corrupt officials, then Guyana could become one of the least corrupt countries worldwide.
In previous elections the leaders of the PPP had promised a lot but delivered very little on their promises. Today, we have the same message from them of more promises of a better tomorrow for all.
Some people feel that come May 11 they could see a break in the cycle of corruption, crime, and underperformance. Many of the objective indicators suggest that change is on its way.There is the belief that the new government will be better and different. But the people should always be vigilant to make sure that a new administration does not repeat the mistakes of the past.They must insist on accountability, transparency and good governance and an end to corruption and crime. This will gain the trust and confidence of the public and give credibility to the new administration.
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
Apr 24, 2024
Round 2 GFF Women’s League Division One Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Police Force FC on Saturday last demolished Pakuri Jaguars FC with a 17 – 0 goal blitz at the Guyana Football...Kaieteur News – Just recently, the PPC determined that it does not have the authority to vitiate a contract which was... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]