Dear Editor,
How is the new government doing? How is it really doing in some sensitive areas? What follows is an outsider’s perspective on the state of a government some four months along. The first focus is on the positives.
The burning talk around town centres around change: change in personnel; change of standards; change in ways. The administration is listening, but it is very methodical in its approach; it is methodical to the point of near extreme meticulousness. In some ways, its actions are like that of an aircraft carrier: ponderous, but gathering a full head of steam. It sends some running for cover; it makes the formerly rambunctious maintain a healthy, safe distance. The seas may be heavy, but change is in the works. It is a good start. This brings to firing and hiring.
I look around and find no principled disagreement with the sacking of any of the high-profile, high fliers now commiserating on their demise. The pace needs to quicken. Some are ripe for the plucking. They may not have been wholly incorruptible, but were/are irrefutably incompetent. The latter alone is enough to show them the door. But, as stated before, this government is a model of studied restraint. Another plus is awarded.
Next, social cohesion is on the front burner and bubbling. I submit that if this nation does not embark seriously on this, then it has nothing, and this nation will continue to be about nothing substantive. And no amount of oil, mineral wealth, good intentions, and economic progress (if any) will matter in the long run. The nation will continue to haemorrhage within through migration, malaise, and malice. It might get somewhere, but ultimately end up nowhere, unless all shoulders share the weight of participation and contribution to a different mentality. The government is given credit for envisioning and wanting to go someplace; and for tabling the issue in the first place.
In the leadership arena, I declare myself intrigued and comfortable. The caution is not to get too comfortable. Aloofness (reserve) is preferred to rowdiness (brawling). I detect principle and honour, too; both have been in short supply for the longest while. More is expected.
Now it is time for a thought on code of conduct development. It looks good on paper. Performance is better. The concern is that this country has been wrapped repeatedly in plenty paper before. The proof lies in implementation and steadfast adherence.
These are some of the things I consider as positives. Now here are some things that require improvement.
The budget had some job creation potential embedded; that amount of spending in several areas is sure to generate some jobs. The job creation engine, however, must fire ‒ and quickly ‒ on more pistons. I know tax reform is a work-in-progress, but the entire investment apparatus, regime, and climate must be revised to welcome the willing and their wallets. But, please, let there be no more giveaway fiascos like the Berbice Bridge.
Another place for improvement is in hiring. The learned Attorney General (Registrar appointments) needs to appreciate that the technological and mental sharpness of today demand answers, reach into the unknown (and suspicious), and reveal the unacceptable. I think Basil butchered this one; he allowed himself to be stumped. Or was it caught? He ought to know that the ʼ60s and ʼ70s are over a half century ago, and the hazy standards of those times are now considered mediaeval. Worse yet, it behooves him not to extract a page from the volumes crafted by predecessors. Transparent is transparent.
Last, oversight and review boards are largely disappointing. Most times, I find little to agree on with the PPP, but, yes, too many hacks (and others) in for free and easy money. The only allegiances some of these folks have are for themselves and cash. Nothing else matters. I see these boards, with few exceptions, as more of the old, the tired, the self-serving, and the underperforming. Mark my words. This is it for now; some encouraging, some bringing a frown, with a lot of harder work still ahead.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
