Dear Editor,
On the afternoon of Saturday 22 December, 2018, I saw a 25 minutes and 51 seconds video with the Hon. Simona Broomes, Junior Minister of Natural Resources, clad in a blue and white striped jersey and a Christmas decoration on her head, on her Facebook page. In the video the Minister was responding to, and attempting to encourage ‘her’ supporters, as a result of the No-Confidence Motion that was passed successfully against the Government on Friday evening.
As a senior communications professional, I am ‘taking over’ the Government’s and Opposition’s communications at this point in the name of citizenship; not the politics and campaigning aspects but governance.
Apart from the Minister’s attire being inappropriate, I found it unbelievable, what the Minister was doing and saying, a few hours after the Government of which she is a part, fell. As someone who has studied and practised the science and art of communications, I must note that what the Minister was doing, is one of the reasons for the results in Parliament on the 21st December, 2018; the lack of meticulous strategizing and the Government has to take stock -review and revise its behaviour, engagements and operations, etc.
The Minister took to her Facebook page to express her emotions. This act and kind of behaviour from Government Ministers, is at a very emotional level and could impact negatively on the following: the Government’s ability to manage the current ‘crisis’ and impending change process; the Government’s ability to control the messages sent to its various audiences – both internal and external (supporters, investors, business community, other Governments, Opposition, etc.) which is important to its leadership; the Government’s ability to mobilize the much needed support at this time (for the parties in Government, as well as for the stability of the country).
The Minister also, was involved in some name-calling; by calling Mr. Charrandas Persaud, who is the Government’s Member of Parliament who voted ‘yes’ to the No- Confidence Motion in favour of the Opposition, a Judas. This is totally unacceptable from any Member of Government and it is also not strategic. Government must not descend into name calling in public, particularly as it relates to this matter. The Government has to show more emotional sustainability; they are the Government, leading a people through a period of massive uncertainties at this point and we need to see leadership at its best and highest.
Therefore, President Granger and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo; here is how we will do communications from here, at least for the next month.
The Government and Opposition must immediately, separately, and if possible, collectively on some aspects; meet with its Ministers or key representatives and advisors as well as appropriate individuals and develop a comprehensive strategy on the way forward; a communications and crisis management strategy must also be a main component. The communications and crisis management strategy should include: Building greater internal cohesion within the government, developing core messages (what are the next steps according to the Constitution, Laws of Guyana, policies of parties in Government, policies of the PPP/C), etc.; deciding on who speaks for the Government and Opposition at this point; and since I will not take any chances, clear decisions and agreement should be on what is communicated and how these messages will be sent out, etc.
A mobilization strategy must also be developed – which should include: How the Government and Opposition intend to mobilize various stakeholders – internal and external. The Opposition also needs to develop and communicate its reform plan and leadership team.
A detailed minute–by-minute implementation plan: which should clearly lay out the process, timelines, goals and projected achievements, etc.
Minister Broomes’ action does not show emotional sustainability. You do not and I repeat, you do not take to any public space, the day after your Government has fallen and express your emotions as a responsible and mature Minister of Government and professional; sorry, it is absolutely not acceptable. This is a Government! The success of the No Confidence Motion has serious implications at multiple levels – the general stability of the country, the business sector, investments; security; international relations; among others. The Government/leadership cannot communicate with its followership at the same emotional level at this time, in private perhaps.
This is no joke, this is serious business. The Minister in the video, seems to think that the Government can go on the campaign trail tomorrow, hence the Minister was already in campaign mode; without even analyzing what had happened, the serious implications and before her Government could have properly developed a sound strategy with which to lead the nation through this ‘crisis’. While I understand the politics, the time will come to campaign and when that time comes, the messages must be clear, hence the need for strategy; now is time to show strong governance. Ministers have to communicate the Government’s position on this matter, at this time, and less of their personal opinions.
We expect the highest levels of responsibility from each and every member of the Government and the Opposition at this time.
The country is at a very vulnerable position at this point. With the increasing intensity of the threats from Venezuela, there is need to build greater internal resilience and mobilize the various stakeholders around ‘Country’. I would even suggest that if the threats intensify further; the Elections could be postponed beyond the three months and both Government and Opposition should hammer out an agreement to govern the country while we channel our energies and resources into protecting our borders; sovereignty should be more important than power.
Yours faithfully,
Audreyanna Thomas
