Dear Editor,
Good governance comes in various hues. It is practiced not only at the central but also at the local government level. A free and watchful press is a good barometer to measure the extent of good governance in a given country. And letters to editors of mainstream media as well as those posted on social media are an important source of information since they tend to reflect more than one viewpoint on a single matter of topical interest. A single issue raised by way of a letter in the print or social media post can gain traction and play a role in galvanizing public opinion into action. However, not all issues raised will contribute to the consolidation and growth of social cohesion in society. Recently, an exchange of letters about a masjid at Meten-Meer-Zorg on the west coast of Demerara being used as a vaccination center as opposed to a mandir or church was drawn to the public’s attention. What is important here is the need in these perilous times to have a robust and successful vaccination programme. Meten-Meer-Zorg is within the Tuchen/ Uitvlugt NDC, one of the two largest NDC’s in Region Three. In the circumstances, it is a fairly good choice given the density of population, and its depth with Meten-Meer-Zorg West and the Prem Nagar housing areas. At the same time, the significance of the matter as a result of the exchange of views should not be over-estimated or under-estimated. People read and talk about these matters. There is a general expectation on the part of the concerned populace that the scales are evenly balanced at all times in the interest of good governance and the maintenance of focus on national goals.
Sincerely,
Clement J. Rohee
