Before I invoke the early warnings of former Member of Parliament, UG lecturer and knowledgeable commentator Sherwood Lowe, I offer anecdotal observations relevant – even if indirectly – to this lead topic.
In the evening of my public service days (around 2007-2014) I was (attached to the then Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Gail Teixeira had been competent, administratively professional and innovative then (especially in sustaining and widening the Republic’s anniversary Mashramani components); but I actually “experienced” Mr Xavier and Dr Anthony first hand.
Now, every year the Central Mashramani/Republic anniversary planning committee seemed duty-bound to respect the Region’s “independence” and status and would leave the planning and hosting of certain events to them.
Alas, every year those regions would depend heavily on the Culture Ministry to execute even very simple tasks. Like where to locate a stage, acquire a generator, guarantee visitors’ accommodation or meals. Even after CARIFESTA 10 here (2008) the Regions did not seem to benefit from all the expertise and personnel made available for them to acquire and sustain the abilities to plan and host certain large events. To a significant degree, that situation still holds true. Which should tell us all something (unfortunate.) What?
That our community administrators – village and district “governments”, village/NDC(?) leaders and staffs were not sufficiently nurtured or financed to run their affairs efficiently. That lack of competence was not always of their own doing. From Burnham right through to Ramotar, Central Government and ruling party leaders – despite rhetoric to the contrary – preferred the authority and resources to intervene and interfere through effective, self-defeating remote control. Good old “politics” prevailed.
So up to the present 2017 time, inspite of Desmond Hoyte’s well intentioned Regional Ten and now supportive legislation, effective local/community government throughout Guyana is deficient and most challenging. The March 2016 Local Government Elections, so welcome after some two-plus decades, could not be any magic wand to create the personnel and competencies needed to administer the communities within the ten Regions. (Incidentally, do we dare “laugh” at the rural and hinterland unfortunates when we witness the goings-on at Georgetown’s urban City Hall?)
Preparedness, ineptitude, politics, corruption
Sherwood Lowe, just before the March 2016 Local polls, had cautioned about expecting too much from those community leaders first about to be elected. Most from the old mould were party faithfuls and the few younger aspirants had no local governance training of any relevant substance. We are seeing the consequences today.
Besides the (not-so-) blind adherence to the party line, local regional officials are handicapped by the lack of training and exposure with respect to – for example – local government by-laws and regulations, infrastructural requirements, solid-waste management, project planning and, of course, accountancy and financial management.
Thus, weekly, across the regional local government spectrum we hear of gross financial mis-management, contract manipulation, ignoring tendering procedures and outright corrupt practices tantamount to fraud. PPP holdovers or not, what is urgently needed is sustained monitoring and oversight by the Ministry of Communities and consistent training of local managers and their communities by such agencies as the Attorney-General and Auditor General offices, the Ministries of Infrastructure, Health and Education and the Central Tender Board and Procurement Commission, among others. It is heartening to hear all this is to be actively pursued now.
Local government? Local Elections? Democratic necessities! But on the ground? Easier said than done!
Independent editorial management? Huh?
Nearly one month ago, a usually analytical well written Stabroek editorial raised the issue of whether “independent editorial management” would have accommodated a certain caption and slanted content to be published as it was in the state-friendly newspaper. Well that was bound to capture my full attention.
Because I’ve been fascinated to witness how the “mainstream” anti-President Trump media in the US, have been openly relentless in undermining and discrediting all his initiatives – from the campaign to the first month of his presidency, even to his future agenda. Hardly any editorial subtlety as print and electronic media made their objectives obvious – however professionally the analyses, commentaries and news are packaged and presented.
When I acted as Chief Information Officer for the governments of Burnham and Hoyte-then with the advent of the Jagans and the Jagdeos, “independent editorial management” was always an endangered commodity, practice and principle. Sure the post-1985 Stabroek News was deemed “independent.” But so today is the Guyana Times!
Of course there is no space herein to expound on the “independence” or objective, impartial professionalism of even a “free” press. Suffice for me to share my own view for now: Frankly Speaking, even the much-vaunted BBC will not broadcast certain events or biases which other media in Britain would. The BBC is bound by the rules and principles and philosophy of its principal authority.
Newspapers are influenced by their boards, owners and publishers’ founding objectives and mission; by commercial and yes, political leanings and even control. So despite letters and analyses by all sides, editors know and respect what the publishers stand for. And by the way, a biased, partisan editorial view can (still) be very “professional…”
Judging art, talent…
What does that piece of art tell, suggest to you? Why do you so love that song? How do you assess the production and style of that instrumentalist or arranger? What personal emotions, responses are evoked?
After last Friday’s comments on types of calypsos and the demands of judging songs and music, I offer these brief sentences on the difficulties of “judging” art and cultural presentations.
Of course criteria are fashioned for judges of song, music, drama, costume. But is one really better than another? Why? Who says so? The criteria or your own response? Or both?
I advise judges to congratulate all participants or entrants. Draw the “mediocres” aside and advise and encourage them to continue. Tell audiences it is not about the night’s favourites. Explain what competition aims to do really. And organisers should arrange more consolation prizes of some worth.
Last Friday there was the usual disappointment among some calypso “losers”; on Sunday evening I saw passionate female steel band players weep long after not “winning”. Discuss…
Ponder please…
Recall that I A.A. Fenty would always enquire as to the status of the court case (2012) involving alleged multiple rape by a so-called “Muslim scholar”, Ali?
How do the PPP fellows find time to write and send letters every day!? No day jobs?
2b) Name 15 APNU+AFC high government officials whose children attend private schools.
The new Chinese Ambassador to Georgetown sounds American-trained.
“We want Suriname shrimps!” the Berbice protesters shouted. I was becoming outraged when I remember that we really do import numerous foods. (Can fish and shrimp not swim over to Guyana?)
Coming soon: “Homosexuality, gays, lesbians – and our grand-parents”.
How was the Float and Costume Parade yesterday? Did you have to park?
’Til; next week!
(allanafenty@yahoo.com)
