ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

Feb 20, 2017 Editorial

Like most Guyanese, those in authority have an enduring passion for gossiping and for discussing problems with a focus on apportioning blame or being in denial. However, when it comes to taking action to solve the myriad of problems facing the country, such as crime, joblessness, the economy and corruption, among others, there seems to be reluctance on the part of the government.
The government is known for talking but with no follow-up action. At times, it tends to go around in circles or avoid the issues, which means that only a few problems are solved with determination and resolve. Rather than focus on the negative which is the natural human tendency, it is always best to seek out the positive which exists in every crisis.
Since taking office almost two years ago, the government has not come up with any effective policies or lasting solutions to some of the nation’s problems such as crime. However, most of the problems confronting the country today are not new. Many have either been left-over from the last administration or have been swept under the carpet in some instances.
With the passage of time some have been made worse, which the government has inherited.
However, occasional flare-ups such as the controversial parking meters project serve as a reminder that there are problems that needed to be solved before they get worse. It seems that those in authority are afraid to face up to the problems and take the necessary remedial action to solve them. The government is yet to take the bull by the horns on major issues.
It could be seen as a deep-seated fear of failure, lack of will or a lack of confidence in their own abilities. For example, crime is rampant throughout the country and there seems to be no solutions in sight. City Hall is in turmoil over the controversial parking meter project, yet the government has not acted. The apparent failure to reduce crime, especially murders and armed robberies and solve the dilemma at City Hall could hamper the development of the country. And the sooner it does, the better it will be for all. It is wishful to think that a fairy godmother or father will appear from out of nowhere, wave a magic wand and shout “Abracadabra!” and the criminals will suddenly disappear into thin air.
Despite the exposure to external influences which has impacted the way of life for most, the citizens are ultimately are the masters of their destiny based the responses they adapt to these situations. Being an underdeveloped country does not mean that the people are inherently helpless or doomed to fail. Indeed, being underdeveloped has many advantages which, in some cases, are not available to the larger, more prosperous and developed countries.
The first critical step towards solving crime or any other problem, whether big or small, always involves acknowledging that the problem does exist and that it poses a real or potential threat to the people and the country as a whole.
Recognition of the existence of the problem would pave the way for an examination of options which are available and the eventual selection of the one considered most effective in terms of solving the problem. However, transformative and visionary leadership is key to solving problems such as crime and save Guyana.
Such leadership can bring out the best in people to cooperate with the police. It can mobilize them around a common purpose and convincingly point out a way when there seems to be none.
More than ever, leaders from across the political divide must rise to the occasion, and come up with a national crime fighting strategy to rid society of this scourge. In the final analysis, whether the nation wins or loses the battle against crime will be determined by the mindset adopted by the people. However, drawing on the ancient wisdom that the assurance that all things are possible if only we believe should eventually save Guyana.