The worst of times

We are without doubt in the Worst of Times. I am referring to the period of uncertainty that best describes the Silly Season that comes with the approach of general elections. We are actually in a stalemate as the country waits on the symbolic ringing of the bill. There is currently a lot of activity as the ruling regime hurriedly tries to put in place things which should have been done over the past twenty five years. The general elections essentially should be about a government explaining and defending its record, and the opposition party or parties attempting to show that their policies are best for what are changing and new times, and critiquing the policies of the standing party in power. The emphasis over the years has been on establishing structures, the bigger their size the better it appears to them, for people were bound to be attracted by their magnificence. In all of this the fact that development is about people is lost. Let us look at the soon to be completed port. The working environment hopefully, would be better for the persons working there and for the public it is meant to serve. But the crucial test lies in whether it facilitates growing productivity so that we have more exports and less imports, particularly since a lot of what we import especially in agriculture and agricultural products could be produced here. This is a long standing- problem facing us and other Caribbean countries. Our import bills are astronomical and, especially in our case, our exports are dwindling or certainly paling in comparison. In the seventies and eighties this was a major point of conversation. The challenge was to see a greater integration between agricultural production and agriculture’s service to the tourism industry. One of the issues was that the hotels were owned by foreign entrepreneurs who gained more by buying their produce from Miami and other areas. In any event one hears very little today about that conversation although we complain about our large import bills.

How will the functioning of the Port fit into this. But behind it all is the matter of productivity and our marketing. How are we dealing with this? Hopefully, this will be high on the agenda of any new government.

While most of the country waits, politicians have been busy, campaigning in an effort to convince voters that they have a plan and personnel to deal with multiple problems the country is facing. Politicians in government have been trying to fulfil promises they might have made. These they remember when they once more begin visiting areas they had previously neglected, or have been reminded by opposing politicians and critical voices on social media. Very soon Arnos Vale will be filled with trucks, buses and carts transporting lumber, galvanise et al; some going to homes that don’t need, and so convert them into cash through organised deals. This is an abomination which we have probably grown to accept. Next will be the foreign artistes. Then we will know that things are really on. Does the entry of foreign artistes bring votes, or does it only help to firm up the base?

But when will the bell be rung? The Prime Minister will have to advise the Governor General to dissolve parliament and give the date of the elections and all that goes with it. Only he can break the state of uncertainty. It probably doesn’t matter now because the time to do so is limited. The present House of Assembly shall constitutionally last five years from the date of the first sitting of parliament following the 2020 general elections. I believe that would have been December 1, 2025. This means elections will have to be held by this time. Elections are to be held within 90 days after the dissolution of Parliament, that means before March 1, 2026. In the case of elections held because of a vote of no confidence in the government, elections will be held within 30 days after dissolution. This of course does not apply to our situation today.

Who is entitled to vote? Naturally, citizens of SVG who have attained the age of 18 years. This privilege is also given to Commonwealth citizens who had been residing in the country for not less than 12 months immediately preceding the qualifying date and have been residing in a particular constituency not less than 3 months before the qualifying date. Once registered as a voter the individual shall remain registered unless his/her name was deleted from the Register because of death; absence from the country for a period not exceeding 5 years unless on approved period of study.

There needs to be more education on the nature of a democracy and the individual’s ability to participate in the process and his/her understanding of the process. There are a number of matters that have to be put in place to safeguard integrity and fair play. I was amused when at a meeting of the Opposition with the Supervisor of Elections, a number of issues were raised. Some of them she had to depend on the Attorney General for answers, but then the AG is a candidate.

How hilarious!

Election observers over the years have raised the issue of the 15 day registration period and have asked for its removal. With registration a continuing process why is there need for that special registration period? There have also been calls for the cleansing of the voters list. One group even stated that without that we might have a situation where more persons are entitled to vote than is the population of our country.

At the moment the campaign is on, even though not fully so. It is the silly period, and more silliness will be said and done. Hopefully, our population is more alert today and will see through much of this. But one is never sure. How many are willing to continue to sell their votes? Only time will tell!

• Dr Adrian Fraser is a social commentator and historian