Good Governance is not possible unless the Government carries out its work honestly and sincerely in the best interests of its citizens who elected them in good faith to do so. To restore and keep the public's confidence in the integrity of any government, those in Power and their officials must be absolutely open, transparent, responsible and accountable but above all honest. At the same time, it must fulfill promises it makes often as pre-election sweeteners instead of knowingly and habitually breaking the commitments made while shattering the hopes and lives of many. Integrity is about keeping a promise even after circumstances have changed.
Lawmakers must not be law breakers, nor be tainted by the stain of corruption and the sin of criminal activity and never be above the law. They must act as role models for people to be upright citizens. A Government that is open and honest will always be able to withstand the light of day and the darkness of the night. The track record of our Government shows that the time when they will be able to tell the difference between day and night, let alone withstand either is a very long way off. How some of them sleep at night is another matter! Albert Einstein, the Nobel prize winning physicist rightly observed ‘Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted in important affairs’ Is it any wonder that trust in government continues to erode faster now than at any time, especially when it comes to vanity projects and other major actions like the current pandemic raging out of control? A Government with integrity has nothing to fear as they have nothing to hide. That is why it is important that the law and the path to justice is accessible for everyone through important institutions like the Lokayukta and not be considered a stumbling block, so that the wrongdoer be it a Minister or official can be taken to task. People hope and expect in a democracy and in the best interests of good Governance, that an elected Government and officials, will at all times make Integrity a way of life, where their beliefs and intentions are aligned with their words and actions. Let’s pray that we see that happy day sooner rather than later! Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com
