Hope for 2003
published: Friday | January 31, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
The armistice that we have been experiencing recently, through the instrumentality of the Minister of Security and the Security Forces (even if temporary) gave me optimism for the year 2003.
I felt that once there is tranquility, then our beautiful island would be transformed once again, to an atmosphere of hope, confidence and trust. Alas, we are now faced with the constant cry of an economic crisis. I am distressed because of the myth from some of our intellectuals that there is no alternative to the economic model being pursued by our Minister of Finance. I think this is the reasoning of bankrupt minds.
I do not think for one moment that there is no alternative, we need to veer, wheel and come again; what we are faced with is a lack of vision by some of our present leaders and the inability to manage our affairs. "A Manager" and not "The Manager" is leading us. "The Manager" is versed in all areas of his/her business; is capable of implementing creative ideas and follow through with a hands-on approach and is able to foresee a problem before it gets out of hand. That person is on top of things and is in charge at all times, while "A Manager" in most cases could be described as a warden who guards, protects; instructs and ensures that the staff under his/her supervision is kept busy at all times (even if it's just make belief) and at the end of the day the work is being done without any recognised results.
I will close by saying that the late Michael Manley would have been one of our greatest leaders if some of his ideas were properly implemented. Our leaders need vision because where there is no vision the people perish.
