Parliament must take lead

THE EDITOR: Let’s gift ourselves the resolve to make Trinidad and Tobago a better place in 2018!

Many citizens today question whether their parliament is synonymous with democracy. They denounce the scant information and influence on its work; lament that representatives neither adequately account nor respond to their interests; and are frustrated with the services and delivery provided in their name.

Democracy’s universal appeal lies in the confidence that the “will of the people should be the basis of the authority of government.” However, many complain that political party representation – central to the establishment of Parliament and Government – is weak, poorly rooted and largely discredited. Happily, an enlightened activist civil society and individuals resolutely champion the cause of participatory governance, exploring other avenues to representation and redress. Parliament, once the only established way to articulate public concern, now competes with a variety of alternatives.

Yet Parliament remains vital. Rapid growth of government demands robust oversight. Parliament alone is legally empowered to call Government to account; collate and articulate the interests of the nation as a whole; and make and repeal laws. It is imperative then, that Parliament evolves to strategically and effectively respond to changing public needs. Government’s role is to guarantee security and survival of the State and strengthen national political and economic independence. Additionally, it must stimulate modernisation through economic and social development by applying science, technology and innovation; promoting the arts and culture; enhancing socio-economic relationships and increasing people participation: with impartiality, good governance and the guarantee of individual and collective rights. It must also establish an effective, efficient public sector.

Undeniable shortcomings in our public administration provoke understandable outrage. Some aspects function well, others sorely need improvement, and yet others are missing. Nevertheless, the public sector is pivotal to national development. Intelligent responses to its identified flaws must trigger purposeful, coherent strategies and actions to enhance performance by improving effectiveness and efficiency. This concerns Government, Opposition and the people. History teaches that circumventing the Public Service is counterproductive and replete with costly failures.

The prevailing concepts and practices of our public administration are principally rooted in the State and public sector being at the hub of national development. Public service reform must, therefore, start with reform of government itself. We need to critically consider whether the current public sector model is fit for purpose for a modern society; feasible systems for working across ministerial/departmental boundaries to address today’s big challenges which do not neatly fit into the current silos; methods to promote innovation and reduce aversion to risk in circumstances demanding creative solutions; responsible ways of balancing focus on outcomes/results vs process; transparent arrangements to clarify/minimise the blurred distinction between political and administrative roles, especially at senior levels; practical measures to reduce centralisation, hierarchy and status in the public system.

These are but some of the issues needing urgent intervention for transforming the country. It is a national undertaking that should build on work already initiated, and be overseen by Parliament.

The time is right for bold steps in new directions!

WINSTON R RUDDER, Petit Valley