New, creative approaches needed in a new dispensation
THE IMPLEMENTATION of the Westminster system inherited from our former colonial masters has very often left us hamstrung.
The manner in which one political party loses an election and is made to demit office immediately can hardly be described as ideal.
Our population too, having come out of an often bruising and contentious electoral campaign, has difficulties returning to the levels of civility required for harmonious functioning post the polling.
It has been therefore most welcoming to note that, although many supporters of the victorious New Democratic Party (NDP) have been calling for heads to roll, that party, now with the reins of government, has so far not adopted that sweeping attitude. Instead the approach by the Dr. Godwin Friday- led administration can best be described as cautious and sensible. Notably, the approach taken with the outgoing Heads of Diplomatic Missions must be applauded. As is expected in a country which does not have career diplomatics, as administrations change, it is expected that those in diplomatic postings will step aside, and may be called to on-going representation at the behest of the new administration.We understand that the incoming diplomats have been engaged in transition discussions with the incumbents.
A responsible new administration will of necessity take time to carefully assess what is before it, especially after 24 years on the Opposition benches. It is one thing to criticize while in opposition, but another to govern when the economic realities and financial limitations face you.
On Thursday, January 28, the House of Assembly met to debate the Estimates of Expenditure for the 2026 Financial year.
Notably Prime Minister Friday told the Parliament that Estimates represented “a continuation of the previous government because government is continuous…”.
He therefore alerted the House that “the policies and objectives of the new government will not take one day to be implemented”.
As is customary there would be much debate as the new Opposition challenges any new initiatives they may consider which do not pass muster. It all allows for debate which, as customary, would provide much entertainment but hopefully, more education to the populace looking for solutions to the issues we all face.
It may be early to see results but the governing New Democratic Party would boast that they have been already delivering on elections promises. These notably are on the promise to institute a Vat Free day which was generally welcomed by the populace, and the promised bonus to members of the Public Service and pensioners being paid today, January 30.
One would hope for robust but not disrespectful debate from a lopsided Parliament where the governing side has fourteen members plus four nominated senators, while Opposition Leader Dr. Gonsalves, in an unfamiliar role back in opposition after 24 years, can only rely on his two senators.
But he advised during the sitting that “despite the dissonances of competitive politics, we need to work together.” That would be ideal and we all look forward to the actual debate of the Budget to come at a date which is still to be announced by the new administration. Our Parliament is still in its honeymoon period, but there is much to be done and the challenges will be real.
These challenges would require much creativity, and new approaches because we all recognize that this is a new day. The people voted overwhelmingly for change and the new government knows that it cannot afford to disappoint. But no one party or group of persons will have all the answers to nimbly confront the regional and international challenges that confront us. Therefore, the resources of Vincentians- expertise and otherwise- at home and in the diaspora should be be harnessed to help us move forward.
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