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Our leaders should seriously consider re-configuring a State Planning Dept.

Aug 28, 2014 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
The writing is on the wall that Guyanese will be going to the polls soon for General Elections. Therefore the time is appropriate for political leaders and the people of Guyana to begin to conceptualize, design and shape the kind of Guyana they would like to live in. However, there is need for an objective reflection on our strengths and our weaknesses. What worked and what did not work so well?
One of the areas to be examined is policy development and implementation; and the relevance of our approaches in the local, regional and global context.
Guyana has an excellent opportunity to rebound and indeed become the Singapore of South America. Nevertheless, we need solid institutions that would provide a high level of leadership for policy and programme development, and implementation.
I would therefore suggest that our political leaders give serious consideration to re-configuring a State Planning Department. Perhaps it could be called the State and Developmental Planning Department/Unit. This unit would provide the kind of expert/specialist-type approach to the development of policies and programmes within the wider vision for Guyana. The focus would therefore be on revitalizing the country locally, and positioning it regionally and globally.
Secondly, I would like to suggest that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security be re-named, the Ministry of Social Development or the Ministry of Social Development, Human Services and Social Security. Social development is an area that has been lacking in terms of good leadership, proper planning, structure and the creation of opportunities for growth in Guyana. This will allow for support to civil society organizations, the establishment of an institutional arrangement with the scope to provide greater support to villages and communities and to ensure the sustainability of behaviours, human interaction, norms, values and principles which are vital for holding the fabric of the Guyanese society together.
This Ministry will also work very closely with the Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sport, Local Government and Regional Development, and Education.
As Guyana transitions to the next stage of its development, an institutionalized focus on social development in the form of a Ministry can greatly facilitate progress toward an inclusive society, where individuals treat each other more fairly, whether in the family, workplace, or in public office. It could also enhance social cohesion by providing support; and to some extent leadership for the creation of peaceful and safe environments within villages and communities, groups and organizations, as well as to provide support to other governmental and non-governmental institutions.
Generally, this will assist in improving the well-being of Guyanese to realize their full potential. An important point to note is that the success of the Guyanese society is linked to the well-being of each and every citizen.
Audreyanna Thomas

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