One of the greatest failings of human beings is our apparent reluctance to engage in meaningful communication. Rather than making stakeholders aware of information that they should – in the ordinary scheme of things – be privy to, we often label inconsequential matters as confidential or private. This results in conjecture and misconception surrounding many issues that if explained may normally go unquestioned.
While there may generally be no obligation on the part of private citizens to communicate effectively, so as to correct any conjecture or misconceptions in their private lives or businesses the same cannot be said of public entities. The Government of Anguilla, the Anguilla Public Service and Government Agencies are entities which can claim all residents, visitors, and business entities as their stakeholders. There is much that goes on in these entities which cannot properly be described as private and confidential, but yet is not shared with stakeholders.
The sharing of information may lead to a greater understanding of the rationale for actions being taken – or for apparent inaction. Alternatively, the sharing of information might allow for the suggestion of solutions that were not immediately apparent to decision makers. I will reference a few matters below which have been, at some point, the subject of public comment without any apparent effort on the part of relevant authorities to explain themselves.
1. The ongoing poor service by some Government Departments has been talked about for years. Lines are long, service is extremely slow and officers keep irregular hours without first alerting the public. The public wonders why this long recognised situation remains unaddressed. Is there an explanation? Is it one that can be shared with the public? The public would welcome an explanation.
2. Ministers of Government and the Parliamentary Secretary have been seen for some time now driving rental vehicles. While the poor condition of the government fleet has been previously referenced, the continuous use of rental vehicles by these elected officials – the cost implications, and any value for money evaluation undertaken, should be explained to the populace.
3. Customs duties are a significant source of revenue for Anguilla. For years we have heard talk of introducing value-added tax (VAT) or a goods & services tax (GST). What steps are being taken to realise these initiatives? What is the timeline for implementation? What are the implications for citizens, residents, visitors and businesses? Will customs duties continue to exist? Answers to these questions are vital to allow stakeholders to effectively plan their personal and business arrangements.
4. Using the public purse, the Government grants scholarships and sometimes retains retirees beyond their normal retirement age. Is there an established process for determining who should be granted a scholarship or whether a person should be retained beyond his or her retirement age? If there is, what are these processes? Rather than leaving it to speculation, which often results in persons referring to favouritism and nepotism, it might prove helpful to simply educate stakeholders as to the decision-making process in relation to these issues.
Some government related entities are responding positively to their stakeholders’ desire for information. In this respect the Inland Revenue Department, the Central Electoral Office, the Ministry and Department of Education, and the schools under their remit, must be commended for their recent efforts to apprise their stakeholders of their activities.
Hopefully others will follow suit.
Effective communication requires time and effort and proper planning. In the long run, however, the time and effort spent should serve to alleviate unnecessary time spent in responding to speculation, rumours and fear-mongering. It also serves to cultivate a sense of a genuine desire to be responsive to the interests and concerns of stakeholders.
Effective communication is clearly key, and is therefore worth the investment of time and energy.
