Dear Editor,
The residents of some Amerindian communities in Region 2 are crying out for just and competent leadership.
For the past 23 years our communities waited. Many of those who opposed the former administration may have been the victims of power-drunk leaders who made no bones about going after the weak and the voiceless; some were suppressed, oppressed and discriminated against. But we were hopeful. Finally it came. The change we all looked forward to is here. We all welcome the change, Editor, but this change must be reflected from our small villages, up.
In our hinterland villages, our towns, everywhere, there must no longer be tolerance for corruption. There must no longer be tolerance for incompetent leaders, there must no longer be tolerance for dictatorship in our communities. Yes, there are little dictators, untouchables if you like, even in our little communities in the hinterland of this country. They have to be exposed, and they will be exposed!
Let us sound a warning to them, too ‒ those who will become leaders of our communities at the upcoming Toshao and Councillor elections during this month. Let them understand that it would not be business as usual. No elected leader or leaders should be afraid to lead so long as they work in the best interest of their communities.
However, at the same time, no one should ever think of holding a leadership position for the express purpose of seeking personal gain. He/she will be detected early and the chips will fall where they may.
Of course persons must be held accountable now. President David A Granger himself said it: “business will not be as usual.” And these words must reverberate throughout the entire country for residents not to allow business to perpetuate as usual.
Many have been experiencing what every villager is calling a “one man show”, where all the major decisions were being made by the head of the village. Now it must not happen. Let the residents of the community be consulted through CGMs and let them understand their responsibility. We must allow them to speak. Their voices must be heard because there will be times when tough decisions will have to be made, made by the casting of ballots, perhaps, for or against. This is a community thing, Editor, and we all have to bear the responsibility of deciding on the major issues, one way or the other. No, it is not a one man show. Consult us, don’t insult us!
Yes, Editor, it is time for our hinterland villagers to seek change for the better, not for the worse. Let us elect those who are competent, those who have the interest of their communities at heart, and those who are trustworthy. It is time to launch activities that will make our villages attractive, places where tourists may want to come. There may be times during the year when we can attract visitors to engage in sport fishing. Do we have a lake nearby? Do we have canoes in which to paddle them around, safely? And so on.
Let us put our country first, let us put our communities first and yes, let us seek growth and development for all, not for a few, but for all. The challenge is ours, let us accept it. The change is here. Let us embrace it.
Yours faithfully,
Joseph Atkinson
