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.
sounds like you should put yourself forward my friend
ReplyDeleteI think you are spot on here Jeevan.
ReplyDeleteWe have a real crisis of confidence in the moral integrity of those who are puttin themselves forward here. Some may have obvious leadership ability, political acumen, intelligence and education but the trust factor, the role model factor simply lacking. Others sometimes you think they love people and country but they are simply irrational or lacking in backbone.
The time has come or is coming when we must change the cast. Sadly, their are barriers good civil servants can't offer themselves without the fear of great loss (a very complicated problem) and those overseas can't simply just show up to contest (nor am I saying it should be that easy). We need a Montserrat solution to this problem otherwise we will continue to be trapped in a never ending cycle.
Jeevan, reading your entry has given me goosebumps. I cannot begin to express to you how everything that you have said is so on point. I think that many people do not realize the seriousness of this situation, and how this election may either make or break Montserrat. The thought of it breaking my dear, sweet, Emerald Isles brings tears to my ears.
ReplyDeleteMontserrat has been through so much already! With the volcanic crisis, there isn't much we can do, as nature must take it's course. But fellow Montserratian, we have a say in this.
I agree with you on the vision bit. The Bible does say that with out vision the people will perish. Fact! We need individuals who are God fearing. The history of Montserrat has prided itself on people who fear God, or have we lost that? If we have, we are in more trouble than I thought. We need individuals with good, UNQUESTIONABLE character! Why would a man who has no respect for his wife, be honest and upfront and put our interest before his? What would stop womanizers and individuals with shady records from putting their interest before the interest of Montserrat and Montserratians?
I heard the most stupid comment made on Facebook, that Montserratians shouldn't vote and we should wait for Britain to step in. Was the person who made that comment crazy? Who will have better interest for us as a people, ourselves, or the British government? Our forefathers died so that we can exercise the right to vote. Come on people of Montserrat.
Many Montserratians want to return, but when you have custom clearance prices being so high, why should we? Why should we put up with the snobbiness of Custom Officers, who themselves work underhand and yet try to oppress the people? Why are prices in Montserrat so RIDICULOUSLY high, again? Please explain to me, how this would encourage any sane person abroad to return to Montserrat. Believe it or not, Montserrat needs its people. We can be a handful at times, but to think of it, we as Montserratians are what make Montserrat what it is.
I call upon qualified people to PLEASE step forward. Whether you are in Montserrat, or outside of Montserrat. Please don't allow individuals with no experience, education, good morality or good intentions to kill what is left of our beautiful Emerald City.
There is truly no place like Montserrat. Still nice, still PARADISE.
I think if we honestly look at the track records of some of those who are putting themselves forward, we would realise that there are some qualified members out there.
ReplyDeleteIf we look at the foundation for progress established by the Movement for Change and Prosperity since joining with Dr Lewis last year, then we would realise there is hope.
A low-interest rate mortgage for civil servants to own a piece of the rock, advancing projects that seemingly appeared stalled, among several other projects that were on stream - provides the evidence for me to say that MCAP is the team for the season.
We can't be overly cynical about our governance. Let us rally behind a team that can take us forward - after all, it is our future that is at stake and there must be someone steering the rudder or we will be constantly drifting in a sea of uncertainty.
Well said Jeevan. I think that Montserrat needs a new breed of politicians to drive any notion of development and good governance forward. One of our female calypsonians once sang a song titled, 'change the board'. I think the time has long gone and the need for change now is more importance than it has ever been. David Rudder once said that in papyshow land, everyone is a papyshow. However, I think that there is no place, especially in these times, for the kind of papyshow politics that the existing parties are practicing. We must do something to invigorate trust and bring back that good reputation that Montserrat had a long time ago. People like us need now to step up to the task and do whatever we can to influence the outcome of this most important election. Please Montserratians, do whatever you can to save our island. The hands of selfishness and greed are recklessly destroying our beloved island.
ReplyDeleteI have one potential candidate who can run for the 2009 elections and make a huge difference: Daniel 'Danny' Joseph. He has a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science and Mathematics and an accompanying Masters Degree. He may not be in the limelight, but from personal knowledge, I am confident he is quite versed in world affairs, current affairs and there is essentially no topic he is not capable of speaking on. And more importantly, what he doesn't know, he can easily research and present a viable argument on it.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, he keeps a low profile, he is someone who is young, but he has ideas for the development of a struggling country and is willing to take the necessary chances for the advancement of his country. His sense of value and morality surpass that of any candidate contesting the election right now. I think he is someone worth considering.
Jeevan you seem to be very critical about the current crop of polititians. As you know its easier to criticise than make any recommendations.
ReplyDeleteYou are fully aware that Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory. It means that there are limits to what our politicians can and cannot do. You could say the same for all professions that new talent is essential. However the issues are far deeper than what you have eluded to.
Montserrat is reliant on the British government for everything. Our politicians have to be careful as to how the resources are allocated and how they prioritise. Remember the Montserrat government does not have a lot of funds to their disposal. You may not be aware but like some charities in the UK the Montserrat government has to bid for funds too and often not successful. It of course means that some of the plans they may have in place would not be brought into fruitian.
It annoys me that you havent come up with any ideas as to the way forward besides change those already in government. Yes I agree its always wise to get new talent and fresh ideas but also they would have the same hurdles to contend with just like the current.
It comes down to us here in the UK and those abroad to market Montserrat properly and perhaps look to private investment companies to support our tourism.
Yes I do know Danny. he is from my side of the island, or once was I should say! Great guy! Smart guy! People such as him yes are worthy to come forward.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your annoyance with my article, it is great that we can stir such passions as that is what we need to get an active debate going. I respect and appreciate your views totally.
I would say though that the position of the article was to examine the ideals for leadership and governance that are required from those that are putting themselves forward for election, hence the title so given to this piece. It was not one to expound on development ideas and so forth and by way of rhetoric I think it is clear that my ideology lies contrary to current practices. But ideas in a direct sense as you wished to see will be perhaps be for another article.
Ofcourse, I am fully aware of the financial position of Montserrat and our overt reliance on British tax payers money. You made some very good points but I woud like to ask you though if you do not feel that one of reasons for the difficulties we have had with getting funding from the British (besides those you highlighted) could not possibly be attributed also to the lack of trust and other such issues that the British have had with the same crop of individuals who have been running our affairs? Kindly, I would like to hear your views on this.
My humble belief is that a new breed of individuals at the helm can maybe help ease the paths of accessibility and the seeming atmosphere of angst between some elected individuals and the British. I do believe that it is worth giving a new breed of persons a chance to see if they can yield better results than those that have been tried and tested.
I am sure many will agree that politics as usual cannot work.
Great discussion though, lets keep it going.
I would love to hear more from Daniel Joseph. I have not heard about him before, but I do think he should step from behind of the scenes, and contribute his intelligence, experience and ideas. Perhaps, he should submit an article on this blog. My understanding is that this blog is open to Montserratians home and abroad. Would definitely love to hear from Mr. Joseph.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy that the issue of trust has been brought to light. The way I see it, is that if I were a nation supporting a tiny island with only 5,000 people during a recession, I would not be invested enough to be handing out money as if it grows on trees. If on the other hand, leaders of that country were to come forward to me and show me a plan of how Montserrat can be profitable, perhaps I would be more inclined to give them the adequate resources that they need to bring these plans into fruition, especially if these individuals are COMPETENT, and CREDIBLE.
I think why the British government may be holding back is because we do not have a plan for Montserrat. What is the plan for Montserrat? Are we just satisfied with 5,000 individuals living there, and every Christmas, the ones from overseas come home to celebrate festival?
I think we as Montserratians need to start thinking of ways to make Montserrat profitable and marketable. How can we grow? What would make Montserrat more attractive? What would Montserrat be known for and known as in the years to come? These are questions that we as Montserratians need to answer and ASAP.
I think one of our first investments should be in the area of entertainment. We need a way to keep indviduals there entertained while at the same time generating some money. Right now the main means of entertainment seems to be clubbing. What about those individuals who are not into clubbing? Perhaps a bowling alley would be helpful, as individuals of all ages would find this as a means of entertainment. It would create jobs and have a flow of income.
I know this might seem minute compared to the issues we are facing, but lots of the complaints that I receive from Montserratians home is that they are bored and there's nothing to do. Imagine what those who are overseas are thinking. It's either we are going to rebuild Montserrat or we are not. I think that in the process of rebuilding, we should think of ideas and ways to keep the people entertained, and simultaneously create jobs and have a flow or revenue through out the island. The bowling alley is just one example. I'm sure there are many other ways.
Just my thought.
Thank you so much for the blog and the comments. Your comments are right on target and I congratulate you.
ReplyDeleteI would like to comment on the political parties and make a few suggestions. First, no one seems to know what these parties stand for. What are their platforms? Without this information, how can voters hold office holders accountable? How can they even know who to support or what policies the candidates will support?
Let's get this in writing, educate the voters and require candidates to discuss their party platforms.
Secondly, we need to know, from each candidate, their willingness to support ethics legislation. This is vital. Too many good people are afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation. They won't run for office, many refuse to vote. This needs to stop.
Third. Encourage people to vote and convince them that their votes are the only thing that can change the culture of corruption and self-serving greed that permeates Montserrat politics. We can and must start holding people accountable. If we don't speak up they can't hear us.
There are great ideas here on the table.I suggest that we put together some form of action plan after putting all the heads together and agree on what we as a people can do to move forward.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question Jeevan regardless of who is in government the British government would not see Montserrat differently. That is because there is a dependancy relationship.
ReplyDeleteAs long as Montserrat is a dependent territory the British governement can set the conditions of any discussion. Therefore the point is we have to look beyond the simplistic view that new government may draw better relations with the British governement. As I said I'm all for new ideas, fresh talent but thats the minimum requirement. Its time to think bigger than that.
I mentioned investment in tourism from private companies. Why not promote one day trips back and forth from Antigua? These are the ideas we should be offering as a pose to critise those who've put themselves forward.
Day trips were very successful when we had the ferry. Today,we have Winair. The cost of a round trip ticket is $486 EC - plus departure tax, checking in 2 hrs early on each side, customs in Antigua and Montserrat. If there were some way to expidite this process it would really help. Special fares for day-trips, special flights 2-3 days a week, waiver of departure tax, 30 minute check-in, etc. Our new charter airline will help. Maybe they can develop a day-trip program.
ReplyDeleteOther ideas - medical tourism. Clinics that provide plastic surgery or other specialized medical and dental care. Complete with providing a villa, tours, nursing care, transportation to and from the airport, etc.
Golf!!!!!
Marina for yachts AND immigration officials who are courteous and efficient. Each year many yachts leave in disgust because of the rude treatment they receive when they arrive and attempt to come to shore. One yacht leaving is too many. Some type of park-like setting for people arriving on private boats. Now, we don't even have a bench for people to sit on. I've seen elderly people forced to stand on the hot pier for up to two hours waiting for an official to show up. What a way to welcome people.
I'm anxious to hear other ideas.
I think that there should be some one coming out to check on some people in middle management because they in their position to long and they running the service like it's their home. what is happening you find they would send out a member of staff on a particular course and about two weeks after you hear there is a promotion and only that person sent on the course is qualified for the position.
ReplyDeleteThere should be something in place to move around all middle management... you think that bad? No wonder why staff usualy resighn from their job.. and who face the expence of training, Hay! hay! the department.