Civil society must be more proactive in securing governance systems

Dear Editor,

It has become a matter of course that individuals’ professionalism and integrity hit low notes in the political arena.

This has been demonstrated in other countries and Guyana is no exception. In this context, I wish to touch on the state of governance in Guyana and need for wider society to become more involved in the operation of government.

This has become necessary because we have had a political history that has flirted with socialism and government along the socialist model, and it is important that we do not return to such ideas. Socialism has demonstrated that it is inherently weak as a resource allocator both in the political and productive spheres. Politically, it fosters cronyism and corruption, and a stagnant ruling class which becomes a law unto itself, while the masses are destined to remain so, having no power to remove the ruling class. Fortunately, we have shifted to a democratic model which is based on competition, the rule of law and free speech. Free speech and the rule of law are essential elements of a democratic system since these allow for discourse on matters in law and the adoption of appropriate models and systems to protect society and strengthen the operation of government.

The three essential elements to securing effective government are clearly articulated transparency, accountability and governance systems. Guyana has suffered tremendously over the last generation because of the lack of these aspects in the management of our government affairs. We have yet to draft guidelines on transparency, accountability and governance systems which define and underpin government operations and protect our society from similar abuses of the past.

In the absence of these guidelines, and until such time that they have been crafted and integrated in routine government operations, the professionals in our society across the various spheres, from politics and law in particular, through the other disciplines of the health and social sciences, need to act as the substitute mechanism. These professionals need to act individually and through their professional organisations to hold government responsible and accountable to society.

A number of individuals have assumed the task and they are to be commended. However, the wider society needs to recognise the stakes involved in having a government devoid of accountability and become more proactive and involved both in keeping government in check, and pushing for the guidelines on transparency, accountability and governance to be drafted and integrated into our government systems.

Guyanese as yet need to recognise that power resides in every man, woman and child in society, not government itself. Government is appointed by its society not as slave masters, but as public servants, to serve the will of the people.

Regards,

Craig Sylvester