Dear Editor,
It is instructive that at this juncture the local private sector as a whole, conflicted as it is about what its respective relationships should be with its clients, civil society and particularly the young generations of our citizenry, does not espouse the same urgent sense of corporate social responsibility as publicly and consistently articulated by, for example, the Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
In its quarterly Contact Magazine (Vol. 12 No. 1 2012) the President, Andrew Sabga, had this to say in his editorial: “Even as we embrace a new approach to doing business, there is a need for transformation of the labour market to meet the needs of a newer, more nimble economy. Labour needs to become more productive. This would mean giving citizens the tools they need to identify and take advantage of opportunities. Such opportunities could come in the form of entrepreneurial activity or as workers contributing to new ideas in an established business. Education is essential to this, along with a willingness to give workers space to contribute in a different way.”
The foregoing quote was but a small part of a more expansive text titled: ‘Tackling Transformation.’ What emerges from the whole submission is the refreshing spirit of independence that appears to be so representative of the private sector of our Caricom neighbour.
In contrast one searches in vain to detect in the local business environment the willingness, indeed perhaps the capacity, to pronounce in the manner Mr Sabga did, when he wrote further: “True transformation must also be driven by a change in governance by both the public and private sectors. At one level, this means adherence to the laws of Trinidad & Tobago. At another level, it is about holding ourselves to account as individuals and as organisations. Good governance goes beyond ‘doing what is right’. Governance ensures long term survival and success by demanding that we follow rules and regulations and being accountable for our actions.”
What continues to be an interesting comparison between our two states is an emphasis expressed as follows: “In terms of Government, transparency and good governance mean adherence to laws and practices, especially in areas such as procurement. They ensure equal access by all citizens and protection of resources over the long-term.”
The editorial boldly asserts responsibility for the private sector’s active commitment to accountability and good governance which is seen as necessary for “long-term survival.”
One is forced to ponder whether Guyana’s private sector shares such a philosophy of commitment; and to invite a comparable articulation.
Meanwhile this remarkably insightful commentary tolls a bell with this literally familiar sound: “…T&T cannot truly transform unless we find solutions to the crime problem whether it is white collar or blue collar crime. Crime affects us at all levels, from the loss of life to added cost of business to a poor reputation on a global scale. Transformation can also help the crime problem by creating new opportunities. However, there is a need for transformation in policing.”
The above brief captures remarkable similarities of issues to be confronted in these two jurisdictions. The major contrast, however, is the perceptible inertness of our private sector to stand up and be counted in a manner comparable to its neighbouring counterpart.
The question must be whether our private sector truly believes that it has the obligation towards, and accepts responsibility for, contributing to the transformational process so urgently needed.
Yours faithfully,
E B John
