CALLING FOR A NATIONAL ADDRESS

Dec 23, 2015 Editorial

The APNU+AFC coalition came into Government with the promise of good governance and a better life for all, against the background of exposure of successive PPP governments’ corrupt practices, mismanagement of the economy and poor governance.
Being in office for only eight months, the people have seen some positive changes, but they have not seen any plans by the government to develop the economy, create employment or reduce crime.
And despite the completion of several audits on NICIL and other agencies, the people are yet to see any charges filed against those who are alleged to have been involved in corrupt practices.
Based on the audit reports, there is enough evidence to charge a number of high ranking officials, but it appears that either the government is afraid to charge anyone or it is tone deaf and does not listen to the sentiments of the people. This is a dangerous path for a new administration.
The PPP administration was secretive, corrupt and arrogant while in power. The current government, when in opposition promised it would be transparent, accountable and communicative. However, it has not made any informed statements or implemented any strategies that would have reinforced its credibility and confidence in its ability to deliver on its promises.
In this regard, many are aiming at the top to lay blame. They believe that the President is not assertive and his leadership style remains questionable. Assertive leaders tend to communicate more with the people and not just meet a few of them at the Square of the Revolution only once since elected.
They would also instruct their ministers to communicate with the people in a thoughtful, disciplined and professional manner about the delivery of service to the nation, as against the lack of service that exists now.
With numerous disturbing and contradictory statements coming from several senior government officials, the citizens are uncertain about the future of the state of the economy. In addition, the government has not dealt with issues affecting youths.
What the people are seeing is the arrogance being displayed by some Ministers who are struggling to cope with the demands of the job, due either to their inability to make proper decisions or gross incompetence. This could be viewed as a reflection of poor governance and the lack of transparency and accountability.
The time has come for the government to address the nation on the state of the country, especially on the state of GuySuCo. While the decision by both the government and the opposition to provide huge subsidies to GuySuCo indefinitely is to gain votes, the raw truth is that GuySuCo will not be profitable in the foreseeable future. Commonsense must be applied, and hopefully good judgment will prevail.
The fact that imports continue to exceed exports by a wide margin, coupled with the huge cost to service the national debt and a decline in GDP, suggests that Guyana could be heading into a recession.
The challenges facing the country are bigger than the government, party and politics. They are real and serious, and cannot be corrected unless the government fulfills its promises to create jobs, reduce crime, develop the economy, and last but certainly not least, prosecute those who most people believe have stolen from the state.
It must also restore the government structures that were decimated and became corrupt by the previous administration, which not only made very poor decisions, but also used the tax payers’ money to enrich themselves, relatives and friends.
There is not much tolerance for the current inaction. The country has endured decades of mismanagement and selfishness at the highest levels.
The people are frustrated and their patience is growing very thin at the slothfulness of the present government. It is now incumbent upon the President to deliver an address which provides clarity on the state of the nation.

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