The Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church is urging the voting public to carefully scrutinise those candidates that present themselves for selection to run the country’s affairs in the upcoming elections and that they be selected based on credibility and merit.
In a statement yesterday, the Commission has observed that since December 21, 2018, Guyanese have “walked the gauntlet” and have come through a “labyrinth” of interpretations of and responses to the law and the constitution. It added that these safeguards of the nation have at times been stretched out of shape, and in some ways seem no longer recognisable. However, a day has now been fixed for the nation to speak with enough time to well prepare what to say.
Guyanese were reminded that the campaigning and the media platforms will host the messages of those candidates who wish to apply for the responsibility of managing the affairs of the nation, noting,
“They will present their CV, they will make a case for themselves [and] they will offer assurances.”
The Commission likened the selection process to that of an interview and emphasized that the people of the nation must give scrutiny and invite clarity and accountability. It advised that relevant questions be asked, such as: What is their track record? Where were they previously employed and why did they relinquish office?
According to the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church, these are the things that are usually looked into when considering someone for employment and, as in any job interview, the interviewer expects the interviewee to speak for themselves.
“One’s suitability for the post ought not to depend on the perceived faults and limitations of another applicant. If previous failings are to be addressed, they ought to be the ones for which the interviewee is responsible,” the Commission warned. It pointed out that there is a “powerful and profound” faith icon of freedom, new life and possibility in the words, “I have sinned”, “I have failed”, “I am sorry” and “I forgive” and expressed the hope that such words and expressions will surface in the selection process, along with sincere commitments such as “I know I have to do better, and will.”
The Commission noted that the people at various times in the past, have seen exhibited, a level of political “dysfunction” that has resulted in underperformance in the nation’s development and allowed a number of social problems such as mental health, domestic violence, racism, corruption, exploitation and suicide to fester. In addition, opportunities have been “repeatedly” missed with oil and gas on the list to provide the next disappointment.
“There is an air of despair and cynicism that things will never change. Many have left our shores and, tragically, our young people are among those who have lost hope. What would any applicant, worthy of employment, have to say about these findings?”
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church referred to a previous statement where an appeal was made to the candidates for leadership in pursuing “collaboration, reconciliation and trust,” and feels strongly that Guyana needs a process, emanating from the highest level of political leadership, to “heal the wounds, especially those each has inflicted on the other, and to move forward in unity for the sake of our great nation.”
