IF THERE IS ONE UNCERTAINTY which hangs over Barbados, it is that relating to the fragile economy.
The people want assurances that there is hope, that their love for their island-nation will not turn to total despair, and that they can have faith in their leaders at all levels.
This is why the public must not be left in the dark as Government, the private sector and the labour movement all work individually or collectively to find solutions to the problems bedevilling the country.
Too often a number of grand pronouncements are made by our ministers of Government about what seem to be front-burner issues, only for them to then virtual disappear off the radar. This is neither good management nor inspiring leadership.
Weeks after the full Social Partnership met and indicated two working groups would have been established to tackle critical problems, the public remains in the dark as to what is happening. This approach simply continues to be the hallmark of the Government, which has been exceedingly poor in effectively communicating its plans to the people.
Our elected politicians have been placed in a position of authority, and need to do what is right and good for the country; offering inspiring leadership. This means they must communicate, connect and inspire the public. What we have been getting too often is simply the transmission of information, especially from Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.
He, and indeed all his ministers, must understand the anxiety amongst supporters and detractors, given the persistent downgrades, the struggle to maintain an adequate amount of foreign currency, the tardiness in decision-making, as well as the hold-up of major job-creating and potential foreign exchange-earning projects. We all want the best for Barbados, since for the majority there is no other place to go.
The Prime Minister must recognise the need to have effective communication, and that it cannot be a one-way street. The information must flow freely, especially in these difficult times, and not begin on the eve of a general election.
This is why we agree wholeheartedly with former Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Dr Patrick Honohan, who madethe important point last week that politicians need to properly communicate their plan of action to citizens.
It is about time Mr Stuart delivers that message, clearly outlining his Government’s vision and plan to extricate the country from its precarious economic position. What he says and how he says it will be important.
He would have quietly listened to and observed his audience for many years and by now should have known them, whether by their spoken or written reactions or by their gestures and mood.
It is about time Mr Stuart reveals more, not of himself, but of the rescue plan. The message is overdue and the public is looking for guidance and assurance.
