A RIGHT ABOUT TURN

Jan 09, 2017 Editorial

It stands to reason that the hallmark of good governance is to be transparent, accountable and to keep the people informed about its policies and the activities of the state, large or small. The public is entitled to full disclosure and transparency on national issues, except matters of national security. In other words, the government’s business is the people’s business. The APNU+AFC manifesto, listed good governance, honesty and integrity as the three pillars by which they would govern the country if elected.
The leaders also acknowledged that some of the most worrying problems facing the country were crime, corruption, poor health care, an outdated education system and an archaic judiciary, among others and promised to fix them. They told the nation that they would reduce crime and end the corrupt practices of the last administration. Based on this undertaking, the people have elected the APNU+AFC government with the promise that it would be accountable, transparent, effective, efficient and responsive to their needs and abide by the rule of law.
However, recent actions by some members of the cabinet have shown that the government has strayed from most of its promises. Many are being manipulated by special interests, nepotism and cronyism and they no longer hold true to their promise of accountability and transparency and providing a better life for all. The government has not provided any explanation to the people on the controversial trip to China.
No one has been disciplined for the drug bond scandal or for the deaths of the two brothers, Antonio and Joshua George at the government drop-in center on Hadfield Street Lodge.
The government has embarrassed itself with the appointment of an ambassador who was convicted of fraud by the US Securities and Exchange Commission but did not reveal his conviction prior to the appointment. Being honest should have been standard practice for ambassadors who are the highest ranking diplomats to represent their countries. It appears that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not do a thorough background check on the ambassador. His resume should have raised a red flag. It listed that he had worked for more than twenty-eight companies and seven universities in 22 years.
In spite of this, the government has remained silent on these issues, but the people are not fools. In fact, the withholding of information from them has triggered mistrust and a loss of confidence. The best way to put these issues to rest is not to be silent, but for the government to be transparent and truthful to the people so that they know what is going on and can make sensible decisions. The government has a duty to inform the public, and it is for everyone to hold it accountable.
However, many are fed-up with the failed promises and the lack of accountability and transparency by the government. They are crying out for real and honest leadership and good governance which have been promised by the APNU+AFC when in opposition. At the core of real leadership and good governance are fundamental values and principles that govern how those with power relate to and treat those who they governed. Now in power, the government has made a 360 degree turn-around by abandoning the principles of good governance and ignoring the needs of the people.
Good governance is not a slogan. Citizens should not be left to wonder or be in suspense over the states of affairs of the country. They have a legitimate right to know and it is the duty of those in authority to inform them. Guyanese in the Diaspora also have a right to know, because they have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in charities and remittances to help their families and keep the country afloat. Instead of the change promised by the government, the people got exchange in return. It took 23 years for the PPP to self-destruct, but only 18 months for this government to do the same.

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