Filling the gaps in national development

Dear Editor,
There are several videos showing the good work that the Ministers are doing within the communities through community discussions. In some cases, there is a predetermined idea of which improvements are needed, and in others, it is an interaction that seeks input from the community prior to formulating a solution.
Both approaches can be helpful, but a hybrid approach is usually best, as planning should be a continual process.
The Government, through its planning teams in the various ministries, should use an annual process that ensures an opportunity for local communities to provide input on their needs and priorities via the local Government structure. This should then roll up into the annual long-term planning process, with confirmation sought within the communities before finalisation.
This approach allows political manifestos to become living documents that can adjust for major changes in the critical needs of our citizens.
The process of cascading the overarching priorities of the nation will also ensure that local priorities are aligned with national priorities while ensuring that national priorities do not neglect any important aspects of development that can negatively affect the general population.
Prior research on the preferred approach to problem resolution should be conducted and presented to the communities for final agreement and acceptance. This ensures that the community’s support for the solution being provided for their needs is embraced and fully supported, helping to prevent the future destruction of these improvements.
These are some of the fundamental best practices for developing and implementing key strategic initiatives at the local, regional, and national levels. CRG recommends that the current administration pursue such a structured approach to the country’s development, thus ensuring no community is left behind and their most important needs are met in a timely and effective manner.

Best regards,
Jamil Changlee