We slipping deeper in the muck

Medical challenges which go with the ageing process have necessitated a couple of my regular columns being absent and it may well be the case for another week or so. My apologies to those readers who look forward to my humble contributions and, given the opportunity, I will try to fill the void today.{{more}}

At least, I am still fortunate to have life, unlike the late Elwardo Lynch, who made the most of his many talents in the fields of the media and political activism. My condolences go out to his family. I had become acquainted with him many moons ago, getting to know him better during the time that he was paying a price for a transgression. Ironically, some of those who are now praising the late “soldier” to the highest were among those who would have nothing to do with him then.

This brings me to an issue currently much in vogue, that of the handling of so-called ‘white-collar crimes’ in this country, and many other parts of the Caribbean as well. Of all the many transgressions, only a few persons have paid the full price for them via the legal route. In our context, there have been persons who have otherwise contributed to the development of the society who have been punished whilst outright rogues, with connections, either personal or political have been able to abscond.

I have never been able to understand the difference between a young man for instance, caught with a stolen item, arrested, tried and found guilty, and the item returned to the owner under the law, and the case of a public servant for example, found guilty of “misappropriation” or some similar term, being only either transferred or dismissed and someone allowed to pay back the missing sum. Are we not all equal before the law? The ordinary folk will say, “all teef is teef”.

Where we get into deeper trouble is our own double standards. We are loud in condemnation of our neighbour’s son or daughter, but if is one of our own, we argue that “dey coulda gih him a break”. Don’t even mention the political dimension. If a government, of whatever complexion, allows the full force of the law to take effect against an offender from a supportive family, the P.M., whoever he is, is deemed “ungrateful”, “we campaign fo’ him and look how he treat Sonny”.

This is deeply rooted in our political culture and practice and contributes to the same concerns we profess to have about corruption.

Governments seem afraid or at least reluctant to come down hard on offenders, and the biggest ones always seem to be those closest to the party, the ones in position to dish out the largesse but who keep much of it for themselves. It is an issue which came up time and again during our constitutional discussions but the narrow partisan interests ruled the day. Every Opposition since the birth of the Labour Party to oppose Joshua have had corruption charges as one of the gangplanks of its campaign, only to suffer the same accusations once in power. We have even spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in fruitless Commisssions of Enquiry, perhaps omissions of inquiry would be more appropriate.

The Government of the day has attempted to answer its critics in this regard, laying out its case in legal and factual terms. But the lingering doubts remain and even on its side, class and political affiliations will try to override justice if the centre is not strong enough. What is good for the goose must be good for the gander and it does not matter if those who cry “foul” are themselves dishonest and only waiting for their opportunity, we must strive to do the right and let justice prevail.

To Elwardo Lynch’s credit, he challenged, posed questions and demanded answers, unafraid to make assertions, though when legally not upheld, he paid the price. But this same outspokenness and courage to a large extent helped to revive the NDP when it was in its weakest state and the party owes him a lot for it. Unfortunately, the irreverence which sometimes went with it was taken literally by too many of his party’s supporters. They could not understand his partisan hostility but yet never a personal vindictiveness. He has had things to say, good and bad, about many persons, myself included, but not once did it descend into personal vindictiveness. The pity is that his party leadership was unable to do the same.

That would account for the gross disrespect demonstrated at Lynch’s funeral, under the guise of booing the Prime Minister. There is a time and place for everything, reverence included. Those who seek to lead our nation have grave responsibilities, the tail must not wag the dog. Heaven help us otherwise!

renwickrose0@gmail.com

Renwick Rose is a community activist and social commentator.