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Matching words with action

Mar 16, 2016 Editorial

On the attainment of Guyana’s political independence on May 26, 1966, there was loud political rhetoric about the need to remove the shackles of colonialism and dependency, and of the people becoming self-reliant. The Union Jack was lowered and the Golden Arrowhead was raised with much pomp, ceremony and sartorial splendour.
It was 50 years ago when the then Prime Minister profoundly beckoned the nation about becoming self-sufficient, productive, disciplined and tolerant. Independence was boastfully promoted by the government of the day as the strategic lever for developing positive attitudes, brain power and natural resources, and to promote economic social and progress.
Independence was however shackled by persistent poverty and by the persistence of plantation-type habits that have resulted in social inequalities. As Guyana prepares to celebrate its 50th independence anniversary, it has the constitutional and political duty to take proper care of the citizens, especially the most vulnerable. With income from falling sugar, rice and gold prices, an almost non-existent bauxite industry and a large spread of underdeveloped land, successive governments for selfish political reasons have not tapped on the people with skills and talent, or the mental capital of the population, to drive social and economic development.
Mental capital is, for example, about attitudes, efficiency, a pioneering spirit, social cohesion, racial harmony, public integrity and the people’s trust in government. Even if more money is pumped into the economy, social and economic development will not be effectively achieved and sustained without these vital conditions which are inspired by morale-boosting, political management, leadership, good governance, social justice and less vindictive politics.
The country has been inherently plagued by cronyism, nepotism, arrogance and disrespect for the people. The argument by some in the government that raising the Ministers’ salaries by 50 percent means that there may be less temptation for corruption than if their salaries were not increased is bizarre. The 50 percent hike was not only irrational, it unwittingly helps to legitimize political corruption, which in the end would stymie development and make people less productive.
So it is not just a matter of the government using money to make the country independent, but the attitudes and manners of the people and their spirit of enterprise, risk, innovation and institutional efficiencies that will do so in sustainable ways. However, the government has to define what is meant by independence. It must communicate clearly the role of the people in making Guyana a truly independent nation.
In part, it should be about celebrating the 50th independence anniversary, but with limits to the extent of self-responsibility. Is Britain still responsible for the country’s clogged waterways, its pot-holed roads, unruly street-vending, sluggish economy, high crime rate, massive poverty, poor health and education systems, its archaic justice system and the worst Prison riots in the Caribbean that left 17 dead?
For the last fifteen years, the largest chunk of the budget went to education, health, national security, agriculture and infrastructure with questionable results.
After 50 years of independence, the country is still without adequate potable water, uninterrupted or even reliable power supply, suitable health care, satisfactory education, and less waiting time for government services, among others, not to mention increasing poverty.
In addition, there have been gross inefficiencies, expansive corruption, political interference and excessive cronyism by successive governments. With a struggling and high unemployment rate, a shabby health education system, and disappointment of the government by some, it will take commonsense and good, old-fashioned and visionary leadership to address the plethora of woes and do what is best for the nation. That means spending less than half of the $300 million budgeted for the upcoming celebrations.
It is time to stop wasting money on frivolity. It is time to deliver on all the impressive sounding promises. It is time to match words with action.

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