Montserrat Elections 2009: Leadership, Suitability & Accountability: by Jeevan Robinson

I am sitting here about to write my new blog entry and I am muddled with thoughts as to where to begin as I am thinking to myself that it is vital that this piece brings forth the ideas that are floating around in my mind pertaining to the upcoming elections in Montserrat.

Right! I have two questions. What qualifies an individual to be a leader of men, much less of a country? Secondly, what are the attributes a person should possess to be considered for elected office?

I have been acutely in tune to the multitude of developments & announcements from both independent as well as party affiliated candidates for the elections in September. I have a view that these upcoming elections can be said to be ill timed and does not serve the best interest of the country taking into account the circumstances that led us here in the first place. It should be a consideration possibly that when the dust settles, an enquiry be held to ascertain the facts from all sides of the playing field. We have heard claims and counter claims but somewhere in the midst of all the noise, there must be the truth.

Since the onset of the volcanic crisis we will have had at least four changes of government, with the same characters once again coming to the fore. Realistically, if we put their records up to scrutiny can we say that they will pass the test of accountability and achievement with high marks?

My concern is that if begs belief that our politicians seem not to be tuning in to the fact that it is not and cannot be any longer politics as usual. Montserrat needs leadership and sound vision. We need a government of accountability to run the affairs of Montserrat. Too often in the past we have been deluded by individuals who promise much on the political platform but deliver little. If it is going to be more of the division & fighting, attempts at character assassination, trying to score personal points and all that folly, then surely the election process and system of governance that we have in place should be subject to review and overhaul.

Many parties and independent candidates are coming forward to be ‘saviours’ of our island. I say that with much scepticism as it is all well and commendable to have these plans to take the country forward but a key part of leadership is that politicians must be able to cross over party lines and work together for the benefit of the country. Effective governance is about the proper implementation of the governing party’s policies that will assist in improving the lives of the general population.

It borders on reckless that we have a country of less than 5000 people that is minute, even by Caribbean standards, yet still we cannot find the cohesion and collective unity to work together to bring about positive change for Montserrat? Something surely is wrong.

Let me speak here of the issue of change. Yes, I can be counted as one who believes that we need change in our politics and more so in the calibre of our politicians. We need new ideas, new faces yes, new vibrancy and a new style of leadership. Change is good in most instances but to contextualise the change we need, I would say that change without substance, vision and an action plan for execution of that vision is pointless.

What I find disingenuous and even scandalous is the obvious ploy by some political parties to involve individuals of questionable competence, character and commitment in the political process to simply acquire a certain segment of the vote. I have no problems with political strategy, it is the hallmark of running an effective campaign. However, if individuals are being presented to the electorate we need to know more from them, hear them speak more, hear them answer questions from the electorate. These elections are not a joke. The future of Montserrat is not some sort of sordid experiment in political tactics. That is treasonable.

From all parties and persons coming forward, we need to know point by point what their plans are. How do they intend to bring about and affect change in government policy? How do they intend to provide jobs? These are the issues we wish to hear about.

Someone please tell me why should the electorate turn on ZJB radio and listen to jingles that are all about self promotion and no substance? This is madness. If political parties & independent candidates can’t make decisions now in the campaigning stage that show good judgement then what good will they be in charge of our affairs? Am I being a cynic here, or is there some rational to my argument?

My views go beyond emotion. Our people are suffering. That does not mean that they are living in abject poverty but can it be right and fair that an airfare to Antigua for a 15 minute journey is so expensive? Who is responsible for that? Can someone in all fair conscience excuse customs charges that are raising the cost of goods and services, stifling our people’s progress & disposable income? Can someone kindly explain why our tourism product is not being given ample push abroad so that we can take full advantage of having an active volcano on our doorsteps?

We need to foster an economic climate to promote growth. Everyone needs to come to the party and play their role. We have a unique and unprecedented opportunity to make Montserrat not just a good island to live but a great one! It will take sacrifice and unselfishness but politicians must accept that here and now we need to foster a new economy with sound ideas, a healthy and vibrant workforce, and efficient structures to attract and retain investment to the island.

A forum of honesty must be one of the key tenets of this election. Particularly we need the media outlets to play their roles and not be in coercion in duping the public. Tough questions, uncomfortable questions need to be asked. A party’s manifesto must stand up to scrutiny and if any party or person has feelings of disquiet about defending their manifesto then it is clear that they do not have the best interest on Montserrat and its people at heart and are not fit to be considered for elected office.

Montserrat does not belong to a selected few. It belongs to us the people. The power to decide Montserrat’s fate lies with us the people. More than ever before in our history we need to exercise that power to maximum effect and bring those that are vying to lead our country to account.

The Importance Of Education For The Long Term: by Jeevan Robinson

Normally on a Sunday morning, I peruse various news publications. I have just been reading the Montserrat Reporter and was very warmed by the number of headlines about education on the island that were being featured.

It is then that I started to think back on Montserrat’s long standing tradition of excellence in education. Our educational system and the results from such have always been in the top quartile of performance in the Eastern Caribbean. Apart from the academic achievement of the island’s youths, there were also high achievers in sports and a host of other extra-curricular activities.

I recall too that discipline was of paramount importance and the best example of behavioural attitudes was expected from all students. Of course, I am not saying that the system was perfect but that system has borne individuals of great acclaim throughout various sectors of our society and also on the international stage. I am sure that many of us were proud to wear our various school uniforms.

As we take a look now at the current stalemate in which we find ourselves as a country, the education and socialising of our young people is still of significance today as it was in previous years. I am not saying that our educational system is now mediocre by any means. But I do not think that I need to highlight in this article some of the reported instances of indiscipline and bad behaviour that we have heard reports coming forward on.

The long term success of Montserrat as a viable country requires educational development and planning to reflect the changes in the structure of our society. Without a doubt such forward thinking is critical and should be viewed as a vital footstool for progress.

I am drawn to sight the example of a country far removed from ours, but still I think there are starking similarities. Japan, after the devastation endured during the last world war sought to guarantee the long term sustainability of their island state and proceeded to invest heavily into the educational development of its people. The benefits were not immediate as that country was in the throws of redevelopment and rebuilding infrastructure that was destroyed due to bombings.

However, what fascinates me about Japan’s example is that it is clear that the politicians who were governing that country at that point in time were visionaries. Additionally, I would dare to say that they were not defeatist in any measure to assume complacency and an attitude of economic dependency on the West. The educational and social investment in Japan’s youth & people was executed so proficiently that Japan emerged to be one of the world’s strongest economies lasting way into the early stages of the 21st century.

I say into the early stages of the 21st century as I think it is important that I mention here that Japan’s economy has nose-dived over the past 8 years or so. Analysis has shown that that dip is due more to fiscal irresponsibility, changes in attitude of its current workforce and inept political leadership.

The model Japan has shown is that if your people are one of your prime resources then it is vital that proper planning and investment be dedicated towards getting the educational system competitive in order to prepare the youths for the challenges of the future. So too we must seek to prepare the youths of Montserrat for the responsibilities of our future and theirs. Of course, we may not become another Japan, but they showed the power of what educating your people can do.

A People Centred Approach For Montserrat's Redevelopment: by Jeevan Robinson

I have been thinking profusely about the position of Montserratians who moved abroad due to the volcanic circumstances that prevailed at home. Particularly, my thought was more focussed on whether there will ever be a return to Montserrat, en masse, of all those that left at the height of the volcanic crisis.

I took the liberty to go so far as to conduct a mini survey. The question that I simply posed was; do you see yourself returning to live in Montserrat? Even though minimal, the responses that I got varied from an absolute yes to a total rejection of the thought of ever going back to live in Montserrat. The yes responses, as always, will be very encouraging. However, it is the No responses and the reasons and conditions attached that most caught my attention and led me to mull over a few thoughts.

For an extended period I have been concerned that Montserratians abroad, specifically those who moved due to the volcano, will in time become what I choose to call "the forgotten generation." I will risk the swords of those who may think that this statement is sensational, and I am sure it will raise the adrenalin in some, but it is a issue that in my opinion cannot entirely be dismissed.

Hearing the concerns of many Montserratians, there is an overbearing feeling of disenchantment with the facts on the ground back in Montserrat and also a deep longing to return home that is embedded deep within many.

Fourteen years on though, the topic of discussion is still very much about the redevelopment of Montserrat. However, now more than ever I feel it is time for us to reclaim our country.

What do I mean? Well, it is my belief that at this juncture, we cannot allow issues concerning our redevelopment and the well being of our people to balloon indefinitely out of our sphere of influence. What I often wonder is, if the island is being redeveloped with the thought of attracting Montserratians back home in large numbers, or is it being redeveloped with the mindset that those who have gone are away for good?

The redevelopment of Montserrat should fundamentally be about and concerned with our people. The people of Montserrat are the greatest asset that the island now has at its disposal. This is an opportune moment for us to diversify our economy and set a trend for economic development & self sustenance that is people-centred; an overall empowering of Montserratians to take the helm of our island's redevelopment.

A vast number of Montserratians currently on foreign shores have considerably invested in their personal development and have either attained some form of tertiary education, learned a profession through apprenticeship, or have developed a very keen entrepreneurial spirit. These are individuals who, if the right incentives are provided to return home, can contribute significantly to the economic resurgence of Montserrat.

Looking to the future, investing in people I think will be key to take our island back to prosperity. Think of it. The island is prime for development and investment and we need the political, economic and social paradigms to be put in place that will encourage and be the catalyst for growth.

After 14 years of economic dependency, we are being relatively controlled by outside powers. Can we get Montserrat to a standard that will be competitive once again? I believe we can, but our people need to be the ones driving this redevelopment. We need to hatch a plan for the long term, look proactively at the sectors, the industries that are showing growth currently, and seek to identify new industries that can further drive and sustain growth.

Montserrat can be great again and I think it is time we all put hearts and minds together to instigate our renewal.