If persons do not understand the smallness of Guyana’s politics, they would think that there was no law, order or anything good done by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government. Every day there is some allegation about corruption committed by the former government.
On a given day, the story could be the previous administration bankrupted the country and left the Treasury empty. The next day, the Department of Citizenship under the former minister stands accused of something nefarious for allegedly having had birth certificate forms printed in Florida USA. Another story tells a tale that the former minister of public security unilaterally granted gun licenses and bypassed the regulatory process.
The Guyana Water Incorporation’s (GWI) performance under the former managing director was an abysmal failure according to the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water. This is the same GWI, under the same former managing director, Guyanese saw expansion of its services and the optimising of delivery in places where water is now accessible, 24-hours instead of the previous 12, and in one’s home not only their yard.
The new Minister of Foreign Affairs professed knowledge that Guyana’s international image has been damaged under the Coalition the last two years. Some may be inclined to retort that Guyana’s image under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government was damaged with trafficking in person, extra-judicial killings, and corruption, to name some.
These aforesaid represent a mere sampling of the daily political diet Guyanese must contend with. It is difficult to build One People, One Nation, One Destiny when political engagement is riddled with less than stellar and professional behaviour. It seems easier to tear each other down than build each other up, to point fingers than to do introspection, to thrive on wickedness than strive for goodness. Society could benefit better from the truth even if unpleasant. It does no good to society when citizens continue to hear accusations flying left, right and center minus the fullness of the issues.
The former president, ministers of government and others who worked with the Coalition and are no longer in their positions cannot afford to ignore. Guyanese would appreciate hearing from those accused. It is not good enough to dismiss the daily allegations as the usual politics, the PPP/C’s modus operandi or thinking they are not deserving to be dignified with a response.
Based on information people will form an assessment of the accused character. Staying silent in our divided society is unhelpful. Admittedly in every government they are officials who commit acts of impropriety. This would be separate and distinct from government having to function in a caretaker status, be it resulting from a no-confidence vote, prorogation of the parliament, or before a next government is sworn in.
Government does not stop. Decisions had to be made relative to the day-to-day functioning of the business of the state. Government is unlike a building where the lights could be turned off and the doors closed. It is nauseating to read allegations, day in and day out. The Coalition must be more robust defending its record. They cannot expect others to defend it for them. Offhand, some of the allegations citizens know are untrue, but for those who do not know, they should be told the stories from the horse’s mouth.
The Village Voice desires better politics and is not alone in this desire. If both the Government and Opposition cannot elevate the political standard at least one must strive to. It is time for change.
