Time to Clear the Air

Once more, dark clouds are gathering over the heads of the present Administration. The public is crying out, in increasing numbers, for some sort of sign from its members of Cabinet, that they have the resolve to settle down and perform in some kind of tangible fashion that will demonstrate that they have the capability to govern the country.
Instead, we are assailed, on almost a daily basis, with speculation, accusation and allegation (depending on the political fabric of the bearer) of improprieties being committed by a number of these “honourable” members.
Whereas there may be reasons or circumstances that justify the occurrences being discussed and bandied about by the electorate (ranging from traffic offences that never found their way to the courts, to cases of alleged Customs infractions, to rumours of improper demands being made on prospective foreign investors to this country, to accommodation being made and influence used to benefit selected persons, etc.), the government is failing – and that may be its greatest error – to clear up the gossip and speculation that is beginning to run rife throughout the length and breadth of the island.
Where is its Public Relations machinery?

The people of a country do not elect its members of Government in the expectation that, were matters to seem to be taking an unfavourable turn, these members would proceed to operate as though they were accountable to no one … and not put their constituents’ fears to rest concerning whatever bad news is being circulated.
Unfortunately, the one man whose responsibility it most is to ensure that the confidence of the people is sustained, seems to have decided to go (almost) into semi-reclusion.
It is an indisputable fact that, in these Caribbean islands, the leader of Government sets the tone for whatever image his Administration projects and it is clear that the time has arrived when someone must come to the fore and dispel the several rumours that are circulating none of which are showing the government in a good light.
It is hardly the place of each individual minister to come out and explain/clarify the negative speculation that surrounds his particular performance – there are too many going around.
If this Cabinet still wishes to retain the appearance of a team, then it is time the team-leader takes the bit between his teeth and clears the air on behalf of the collective.
Otherwise, he should let someone else handle the job.