Despite basking in the glory of their first anniversary on May 24, 2011, as a coalition government-an event marked by an orgy of sanctimonious self-congratulations-the People's Partnership Government continues to encounter serious emerging obstacles in its path to deliver to the public. They have been encountering serious obstacles in delivering the much heralded tenets of excellent governance in public affairs, accompanied by the offsprings of transparency and accountability.
In the aftermath of that well-publicised and televised celebration, comes the disconcerting global, regional and national news that FIFA vice president and the high profiled, indomitable, popular and effervescent incumbent Minister of Works and Transport Jack Warner has been suspended temporarily after allegations involving bribery. Now, these issues do raise questions of a varied nature. Would there be political fallout? Will the People's Partnership collapse?
Would the public's confidence be further eroded? Will there be resignations? Is there a vacuum of moral and spiritual values and principles spreading like an infectious disease within the People's Partnership? As this column contemplated the adverse and unintended consequences, the international and regional implications and the effect on the national political landscape, some of the questions asked by the international singer and actress, Diana Ross in her hit song from the movie, Mahogany, may well be relevant to the PP Government.
These relevant questions (this column changed the words around) directed to both readers and the Government are as follows: Does the PP have a clear, cohesive and purposive direction as to where they are going to take this nation? Do they like the things that life in public affairs is showing them? Where are they going to, do they really know? If ever there was a time for serious and critical internal examination, it may be now.
From the still unresolved, and undisclosed facts surrounding the rapid elevation of Reshmi Ramnarine as head of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), allegedly with manufactured qualifications, the sending of Lynne Anne Williams on leave as executive director of Impacs (Caricom's regional security co-ordination agency), allegations of appointments to positions without qualifications on state boards, contracts given to relatives and friends, political contributors, at times hinging on supposedly political influence.
Inability to bring closure to the Caribbean Airlines board despite recommendations from Ministers Warner and Dookeran, brings to the fore issues of relationships, governance, who gets what, and the most powerful people controlling the leadership of this country. The allegations of impropriety in public office in numerous discriminatory ways, complemented by the use of media language skills to perhaps befuddle the population.
Let it be implicitly mentioned that the PP's covert language with respect to Reshmi Ramnarine that "it was a mistake," and "let's move on," may just be the appropriate surgical procedures utilised in the removal of a cancerous tumor. That was not an apparent mistake, but perhaps a calculated deception that backfired when the media brought it to the attention of the nation. However, given all the glaring facts presented in the media, combined with a rather weak defence, its position under any serious cross-examination could not have been sustained and may have indicted the entire Government.
As a matter of fact, the Government apparently weakened its lofty ideals on transparency and accountability in this matter and has since been on a downward spiral. However, the PP has the potential and some time to reverse its political stature. If there continues to be forthcoming crises, then the moral authority to govern the public's interest may very well come into question, no matter how popular or well-liked this Government appears. Popularity does not necessarily equate to transparency and accountability in public affairs.
The public's divided approach
Could nationals have quietly acquiesced, surrendered their power of reason and conscience in all of these allegations? However, it is worth remembering that they must not be seduced and mesmerised by any measure or degree of external charm, obfuscating language and media manipulation, as truth has a way of finally coming to the fore. As it is becoming quite evident in the language of politics, on numerous occasions, statements are made in highly emotive language, which may suggest a reluctance to enter into careful investigations of political reality.
At the end of the day, political decision making should be entrusted exclusively to those who have the best interests of the individuals and nation as a whole, not just a select few. This ought to be the government of the people, for the people and by the people, not a government of the few, by the few and for the few. While no government is perfect, the PP Government certainly appears to be creating self-inflicted wounds that are apparently becoming irreparable.
Given the overwhelming mandate, vast reservoir of public confidence and trust reposed in this coalition government on May 24, 2010, increasing public anxieties, questions and concerns must be expected as to whether or not the People's Partnership's prior electoral stance on excellent governance, transparency and accountability is on the wane. The new era of caring suggested should begin with this examination and Diana Ross's question: "Do you know where you're going to?" Next week: What is the PP's policy on transnational organised crime?