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Jun 26, 2015 Editorial, Features / Columnists
A good name or a good reputation is the most precious asset an individual or organization can own in a lifetime. It was so in ancient times, is no different today, and shall be as long as human civilization continues to exist.
In many ways, a good name or reputation is like having exceedingly good health, but most people take it for granted when everything is going well for them. A good reputation is an intangible quality which most people do not appreciate. It has to be jealously guarded and skillfully managed in the same way as a tangible asset. For some, a good name or reputation is more desirable than being wealthy.
It is mostly in times of crisis when a good reputation comes under serious threat, as a result of scandal, corruption, controversy or some other unfavourable development that triggers a loss of confidence and mistrust of those around you, or the people, as is the case of the former PPP administration. It also causes a strain on important relationships, political, social or otherwise. It so happens that a good reputation often takes years to build, but it can be easily destroyed in the twinkling of an eye. Such is its fragile nature.
The former administration is currently grappling with serious reputational issues, particularly due to poor governance, as well as the secret and illegal use and transfer of the state’s financial resources, which is being unearthed on a daily basis by the new government.
There was the common belief that the main interest of the PPP’s leaders was to enrich themselves, friends and relatives at the expense of the taxpayers. The facts are slowly beginning to be brought to light in some cases. The country is bracing for many more shocking revelations. These developments along with a stubborn refusal to accept the results of the elections as pronounced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the continual boycott of Parliament, have further tarnished the reputation of the PPP. Such actions also unfortunately serve to create a deep mistrust of the democratic process by its supporters.
Strong sentiments were powerfully captured in a recent statement by a former PPP Member of Parliament, who opined that if the party really wants to leave a favourable legacy and have a good reputation, it should get to Parliament where it can either object to or, where consequential in national terms, support the government. The leaders of the PPP should understand that their actions could cause some of their supporters to have a change of heart.
It is unfortunate that the PPP has taken such a negative stance not to represent the interests of tens of thousands who voted for it in the just concluded election. Based on available evidence, it seems to be a small minority of senior party members, who are making such unprogressive decisions.
Furthermore, it is ironic that a Party which is known for robustly defending the rights of the poor and the working class has not done the same in defence of its reputation, through more proactive actions. By boycotting Parliament and not representing its supporters, the leaders of the PPP have allowed what initially was not a substantive issue – that could have been nipped in the bud – to sully its image.
The PPP needs to recognize that by not accepting the fact that it has been defeated at the polls could lead to a major political crisis from a public relations perspective. An appropriate response would be to place greater emphasis on resolutely representing its constituents and improving communication through an extensive outreach campaign aimed at rebuilding its fractured status.
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