The political arena in SVG: The exclusive dilemma

Tue, Aug 24, 2010

EDITOR: Insidious, suspenseful, desolate and vituperative are ways in which I would describe the political environment in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and for that matter, the wider Caribbean. It is wistful to know that politicians have changed the true meaning of politics. I see politics as a practice of government and managing of public affairs.{{more}}

I believe in changing the status quo, especially when there is deliberate ambiguity. I would like to see advertisement through mass media: television, radio, the Internet and town hall meetings, rather than the conventional motorcade through towns and villages, which have, in the past, created problems.

Hitherto, there is a need for politicians to stop sharing money, food and building materials, and making empty promises close to general elections. Politicians and citizens alike have an obligation to stop bickering, blasting and bashing the other; rather they should deliberate the issues and challenges facing the nation. In this capacity, I would like to see top politicians debating the issues, before the nation: social, economic and cultural issues and how they would move forward.

Soon there will be general elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and I have advice for the two main political parties there; remember that I am a Vincentian first. In this sense, I hold no party affiliation.

To regain office, the New Democratic Party (NDP) must create a message to all citizens. I recommend that they support the existing government in their good works and constructively criticize the bad objectives of the Unity Labor Party (ULP). More so, there is the need to outline their plans, and it must be honest, for the forward movement of the nation.

Conversely, the ULP must continue to embark on the good things they are doing. In addition, they must listen to the opposing party and citizens alike and assess their wrong-doings and make changes where possible in an effort to promote bipartisanship. Similarly, they must explain their plans for the nation’s future and move forward.

We must change the way we practice politics. All we are doing is killing each other through many years of protecting our political affiliations. Instead we should be merging our effort and build our country. One minute of bickering is a lifetime short of progress.

It is alright to have party and political affiliations. In this sense, people have their own ideologies, opinions, suggestions, assumptions and favourites. While it is a fundamental right to do so, there is one word that makes the difference; ‘respect’ for each other.

For too long our citizens have been going to the polls and voting for promised favours, liked politicians and self interest. It is time people vote for policies: policies, which would positively impact the entire nation.

D. Markie Spring – Turks and Caicos Islands