The critical need for convincing messages

Mar 31, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

It is true that Guyanese at home and abroad have a passion for discussing the problems facing the country, but when it comes to finding solutions to them, they seldom act. Some tend to go around in circles, others are just incapable of coming up with effective solutions. Unfortunately, the government has been notoriously slow to act, and with the passage of time, some of those problems have been exacerbated. Occasional flare-ups do serve as reminders that they are still there, simply lurking in the background.
It seems that the authorities are afraid to face the challenges and take the required steps to create stability. Case in point: the foreign currency crisis. Who knows when, where and how that will end?
There is a deep-seated fear of failure, lack of confidence, and absence of political will at the key decision-making level. The administration needs to come to grips with these realities, because its apparent inability to face up to major problems and find solutions for them is hindering progress.
The country is haemorrhaging, which means that the government can no longer continue to bury its head in the sand and wishfully hope that the innumerable issues will suddenly vanish into thin air. There is no fairy Godmother or Godfather; miracles of that kind occur only in fairy tales, not in the real world.
Being in office for almost two years has been more than enough time to have crafted solutions to some of the existing setbacks. The time for merely casting blame on the last administration for the woes of the country is over. This government, ultimately, is the master of its own destiny, through the policies it implements and adopts, in solving some of the pressing concerns.
There are options available. The first critical step towards solving any problem is to always acknowledge that it exists and that it poses a real or potential threat to the interests that are needed to be protected. This will pave the way to choose the most effective options available in terms of a lasting solution. The second, and perhaps the most important point, is for partisan politics to be cast aside and for the brightest minds to be hired for the fight.
We will continue to emphasise that visionary and transformative leadership is needed. Such guidance will unite and mobilize the people around a common purpose and convincingly point a way out when there seems to be none. It can bring out the best in people in difficult times. Visionary and transformative leadership is capable of achieving what the great Winston Churchill did as the Prime Minister of Britain during the gloomy days of World War II.
The current leadership in Guyana needs to rise to the occasion and craft a national strategy for meaningful and sustainable development. The citizenry must be convinced to join in the process of advancing the country, not only in terms of the economy but also holistically. Everyone has a role to play, but our leaders must lead, or else we will be doomed as a nation.
There continues to be a lot of pessimism about the country’s direction. This is especially evident among youths, and it borders, in some instances, on a sense of despair and helplessness. A positive outlook is not being provided. There is no uplifting or convincing message. There is a dire need for convincing messages. Some will say the positive messages and successes are not being clearly and efficiently disseminated to the people. Whatever the case, there is no time left for the chosen messengers to fumble.
Whether we succeed or not will be determined by the mindset that is created. It is said that all things are possible. Can our current leaders convince us in that regard?

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