National decision making is an interesting and complicated exercise but there are some principles that guide national decisions that should be observed to ensure that there is both transparency and accountability and that the nation is assured that best practices are in place. Regardless of party or leader, there are principles that guide decision making that are standard, clear and obvious. Every week, we are faced with decisions that impact our future either positively or negatively and sometimes the decisions are complicated and clouded because of the issue of clarity and transparency. What do I mean?
In examining the latest issue of national concern related to oil drilling, to date, I have not seen a document that lays out in plain view what the potential benefits are compared to the risks of exploring for oil. The issues have been bantered about by many from different sides of the issue, but I believe what is critical in governance in a democracy is laying out a case for all to see, that either explains decisions or seeks input on decisions. This process should follow a standard procedure that crosses party lines and administrations and should include the following:
• What is the issue at hand? (To ensure that there is no confusion and everyone understands what is being proposed or what is at stake.)
• What are the pros and why the given administration favors one decision or another?
• What are the projected numbers if it involves finances? For example, if we are comparing benefits to risks of oil, what is the projected financial impact on our economy, and does that potential impact outweigh the risks involved. People need to know in order to accurately decide their opinion on the issue.
• What are the environmental components and how have similar situations been handled in other jurisdictions? For example, it has been said that the Deepwater Horizon was an exploratory well. If this is the case, what is the difference between the well being proposed and the Deepwater Horizon? Do we face the same risks in this instance that impacted the Gulf [of Mexico] during that drilling exercise?
What are the real quantifiable risks to our tourism industry and do the benefits outweigh the risks? There should be clear data that shows what the risks are and what the potential benefit is in order for the public to contribute to the discourse. At times, we hear words like it will have a positive impact on our GDP (gross domestic product), but not in quantifiable terms for us to accurately determine what that positive impact means. If the potential benefit is $100 million or $100 billion and over, what time period and how will it impact jobs and standard of living for Bahamians? We need clear objective facts.
• What are the details of any agreements made and why were they agreed to? If there is a royalty rate that was agreed to be paid, why was that royalty rate agreed to and was it the best that we could negotiate? If not, what do we plan to do about it, and is it possible to revise an agreement that was negotiated before the drilling commenced?
This type of information should be published and broadcast in a way where it is obvious to all rather than information being released on a piecemeal basis based upon public pressure. It is better, as the Bible states, “To write the vision down and make it plain, that he may run who reads it”. Wherever we are going, it should be made clear, so that the nation can see where we are headed, and people can either agree or disagree.
With oil drilling in the absence of the required data and projections, it would seem that the risks far outweigh the benefits. If this picture is to change, then information needs to be provided that changes the picture. Where are the environmental impact studies that indicate that drilling is compatible with the environment the drilling is being done in? If we receive assurances without corresponding data, this is not really assurance. It is asking for agreement without corroborating evidence.
I do not know if it exists, but to date, I have not seen clear, empirical data that confirms the decision either way. I have heard general information, general references and vague pronouncements, but the detail required to form an educated opinion is still lacking. Why not spell it out in plain terms and publish the information for all people to see in order for them to contribute to the process of making a decision? This is just one issue, but I feel the same needs to be standard for all national issues.
National decision making requires information, projections, benefits and risks – and this should be a standard practice in every instance. Too much information is missing or not published in a manner of comparative analysis that provides the nation with the tools needed to generate a clear view upon which decisions can be made. Hopefully, as we move forward, there will be a paradigm shift in the way we handle national issues that is transparent and allows for the public to see that there is accountability.
• Pastor Dave Burrows is senior pastor at Bahamas Faith Ministries International. Feel free to email comments, whether you agree or disagree, to pastordaveburrows@hotmail.com. I appreciate your input and dialogue. We become better when we discuss, examine and exchange.
The post National decision making appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/national-decision-making/
No comments:
Post a Comment