In the midst of the current challenges in the management of the economy, the Government has been doing its best to bring the ordinary citizen into the web of information about what is happening in the economy.
Our current circumstances demand that every person of full age and responsibility should consider it an obligation to pull with the authorities to ensure that we maintain the value of our dollar. In spite of the ratings by international agencies we must keep our pride intact and aim to produce for the national good with our collective industry.
The Government for its part must speak to the nation continually, not only by words but by deeds, since inefficiencies at the national level will not set the best example for the personal efforts required of each of us.
We, therefore, draw to attention two matters which have recently occurred which may have the effect of throwing a damper on calls for improved efficiency. Â
The confusion which initially surrounded the introduction of the municipal solid waste tax does not leave the best taste, so to speak, in one’s mouth.
Appeals to the citizenry to pay a new tax are better if they are not shrouded in the inefficiency which attended the imposition of this tax.
If there is a national need, then we expect our leaders to be aware of the parameters of that need. We also expect them to be able to indicate the approximate rate of the tax; always allowing for a reasonable margin of error.
But it is unlikely to build confidence if the original rate is replaced by a new rate which is 50 per cent of the rate originally mooted. And if concessions are eventually granted to deserving interest groups after the early declarations of policy ruled out any such concessions, then even the most docile citizen is bound to ask uncomfortable questions. We expect our leaders to know what the crisis needs in order to restore equilibrium.
In much the same vein, the policy on tertiary level tuition fees has been subject to adjustments which do not appear to be receiving the most efficient handling. Less than a month before the start of the new semester, it appears that some 3 000 bursaries are to be offered to deserving students.
This is good news. What is not good news is that the system appears riddled with what seems to be unclear information and some students have already been expressing frustration not with the idea of the bursary, but with getting adequate answers to problems which have arisen as they try to complete the relevant application forms.
Most, if not all, Barbadians will accept that the Government is facing fiscal problems. Things are tight and money is in short supply.
Yet, if we are asked to shoulder the burden equally with the State, the least we can expect is that clear, easily understood communications will spell out the problem and will tell us what is required of us as citizens.
It is not too much to ask that relief measures put in place to assist vulnerable among us are equally clear so that further stress is not added to the lives of those most deeply affected by the stringency of our situation.
Clear communication will rebuild confidence, but even the best laid plans can be rendered ineffective by miscommunication and inefficient organisation.
