Dear Editor,
Commonsensically we as citizens must accept the reality of the latest debacle in our public management system – the almost inevitable result of a fractured political psyche. As it turns out, instead of winner taking all, we are all losers.
Frightening are the immediate pronouncements of what (at his insistence is a lapsed governance structure), but still behaves contradictorily as ‘Opposition’ leader.
A review of his publicised engagements with the press (this past year revealed only a commitment not only to oppose, albeit with some justification) but indeed to subvert – an objective that clearly has been successful.
In the process, however it was difficult not to remark how singularly articulated was the position of the PPP. The viewer had to search hard to detect any other voice, view or interpretation emanating from any other member of the so-called leadership of the PPP – as if perhaps themselves were in silent ‘opposition’ to a self-elected arbiter.
It was difficult not to observe the implication in an organisational structure, supposedly formal, that the rest of potential leaders were so consistently bypassed as voiceless and almost invisible.
The portrayal was that of a prospective leader who would be managed by the power who anointed him.
Much more profoundly, however, were the portentous signals of commitment to division, supplemented by a determination to ‘coalesce’ on ‘opposition’ terms only.
Meanwhile, however, there are heartening public expressions on the logic of lessons emerging from the recent political downgrade; and that is particularly at this most very critical juncture in the life of the millennial generation, that the fading and faded adults owe them a future that is assured of hope, of an understanding, and of the reality that we are ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE DESTINY; that they can look forward to a higher standard of education, a better quality of life, access to, and fulfilment, of their respective dreams in a safer and more secure environment.
It is time when we all pundits must combine in contributing to an intellectual and spiritual environment in which both new and re-energised players can collaborate towards leaving a legacy of which they, and more importantly, their children can be proud.
In the meantime all must understand the economic and technological changes to which this country would be subject, bringing with it new groups, and styles of management thinking and behaviours; so that the traditional attitudes of our rustic players would have to substantively adjust accordingly to the values brought by various newcomers, including our own diasporeans.
They simply will not allow themselves to be treated as other than equals. Moreso, they will hardly be impressed by any splintered governance structure.
Productive business is about partnership.
Yours faithfully,
E.B. John
