SQUARE PEGS IN ROUND HOLES
During the past six months, the Granger/Nagamootoo government has embarked on a two-pronged policy/strategy to govern the country for the next five years.
The first stems from the kind of society that will evolve through change by developing a new paradigm that seeks to influence the psyche of the people, particularly the youths, to effect fundamental and meaningful transformation in culture, work habits and behaviour.
The goal is to establish a society that is free, initiative-driven and economically and socially stable, uncorrupt, unified and based on the values of self-reliance, responsibility, respect, discipline, equity and righteousness.
The second is to promote a new consciousness among the people; firstly, in the way they view and think of themselves, and the socio-economic reality which confronts them. Secondly, in stimulating their will to change their environment; and thirdly, developing the economy and providing a better life for all.
The purpose is to foster new arrangements in every sector of the polity, economy and administration. There can be no positive and enduring change in the country, system of governance or in the prospects for developing the economy or in the provision of adequate and efficient physical and social infrastructure, without a change in individual and social consciousness.
No administration, however well-intentioned, can by itself create a society of the type envisaged above, unless there is a collaborative effort of all the people, especially the youths, who are enthused to function in all sectors of society. Needless to say, the evolution of such a society is a long-term undertaking; not an overnight fix due to misconceived ideas of development, misdirected policies and deleterious political priorities.
As the new executive is in the process of finalizing appointments to the State Boards and bureaus which they deem necessary to conduct the affairs of the State, they must, as a matter of policy, and duty, appoint youths to give them the opportunity to work alongside experienced public officials to foster their development and prepare them for future leadership roles.
Guyana will not move forward without the contribution of youths. If this government, which has appointed pensioners who have long passed their productive years to most of the senior positions, does not utilize the intellect and skills of the youths and afford them the opportunity to participate in the development of the country, they will be lured to North America and other CARICOM states. The treatment meted out to youths by the new government is not only disappointing; it has astonished traditional and modern-day philosophers.
Putting square pegs in round holes will not improve the country’s status in the international community. The government must seek input from the youths and qualified personnel in the Diaspora to help it develop. Awarding the farcical title of ministerial adviser to members of the APNU/AFC in the Diaspora who do not possess the dexterity and artistry of such roles will not improve the country’s image or change its status.
Reflecting on the vindictive and corrupt rule of the PPP, this government still has not learned what not to do. Since 1964, the PNC has governed the country for 28 years and the PPP for 23 years. During this period, the population, straddling all ethnicities and classes, has suffered immensely from their atrocious acts and both parties must accept responsibility for inducing such afflictions on the people.
Both the PPP and PNC squandered the opportunity to bring about positive and enduring change to the nation. Instead, they chose to pander to their supporters; thus institutionalizing race-bait politics in every election cycle since independence. Today, there is urgent need for profound changes in the new government’s attitude towards the youths and its unwillingness to seek the knowledge and skills of those locally and in the Diaspora to ensure a safe, prosperous, respectful society, free of racial tension.
