The other day a friend rang me seeking to engage my thoughts on certain issues concerning Montserrat. Whilst the conversation did interrupt me listening to my Jam Band music, it left me considering a few poignant things that my friend mentioned. He was of the particular assertion that the practice of democracy is not just a process in and of itself, but it also is a way of life; a lifestyle if you may. I must say that I agreed with my friend as I do think that there is viability to his views. Over the past few weeks we have all heard the rumblings about the criticism being directed at some individuals who seek to avail themselves for political office in the 2009 elections. I do believe that criticising just for the sake of doing so, or to encourage the demise or public humiliation of a person is morally objectionable.
However, harping back to what my friend mentioned about democracy being also a lifestyle; I mentioned I agree with him, as I do think that the process & practice of democracy affords for active debate & discussion in the political arena on such important matters as electing individuals that will be charged with our nation’s affairs. It is the right and privilege of the media & the citizens of a functioning democracy to ask tough questions, seek clarification, demand higher standards and accountability and weed out the persons that they feel are not fit to hold the prestige and responsibility of elected office.
Political spin doctors and press manipulators may choose to be economical with the truth and give the impression that their candidate or party is fully suited to solve all of our problems. Caution needs to be exercised with this notion. My contention is that the re-development for Montserrat will not be completed in the lifespan of any single elected government. The process of democracy in our island must ensure that haste is not the order of the day for any elected party or person to get things done, so that they can use it for political mileage.
I hold firm to my earlier statements in previous articles of the need for action. However, this action has to be well planned, decisive and constructive for the long term gain of all Montserratians and our friends.
On the subject of action, I think it is time for a pro-active Big Think. When I say Big Think, I am making reference to the fact that we, as a collective people, who claim to love our island and wish to see it grow and prosper once again, should all seek to find ways to pool resources and see in what ways we can make a viable contribution to the redevelopment efforts back home.
I am a subscriber to the view that government alone cannot fix all our problems. The cycle of dependency on government is one that we should aim to look outward from. We are currently faced with challenges in Montserrat that are common place to us all. Going forward, we as Montserratians at home and abroad should seek to find even more ways where we can work together to produce tangible results that will be a source of inspiration & benefit to us all. That means that NGO’s, the private sector, the diaspora & community organisations, we have all got to knock brains together within our own quarters & see how we can get this ship moving off dry dock.
It is retrogressive to our progress when individuals who live in Montserrat view some nationals who live abroad with a degree of misplaced patriotism with names such as foreigners & deserters being thrown around. We are all Montserratians and we should quell this divisive ethos & work together, finding ways of promoting a united front, a one Montserrat policy. We are in the bastions of creating what I often refer to as a virtual community/nation because I am real enough to know that we will not all go back home but we can all work together to make Montserrat viable once again.
Calypsonian Hustler once sang of solidarity. I agree with him. Montserrat needs collective action, not just from Government, but from the people whom she has borne and who love her. Development is not within fixed realms, ultimately development is about the people and improving conditions and standards; it is constantly emerging and the modus operandi too constantly changes.
For us Montserratians at home and globally, the attitude or way forward is not just to concede our fate in the hands of local government or the British government and cast blame to either. It is now that we should chart a new course for progress as history will judge our demise or reconstruction as a country of merit if we do not take a pro-active stance. Yes, there will be hurdles along the way but if we can put malaise & self interest aside we can surely make some sacrifices and move towards complementing and supporting each other to ensure our island gets back on its feet. For too long now we have been denied.
Jeevan I'd like to take up 2 things you wrote about.
ReplyDelete1 Questioning leaders character and fitness for office
I agree we should ask the tough questions about our potential leaders. These people aren't only there for their technical skills but also for their inspirational ability. What they inspire us to be and do is just as important as what they can do technically. I further argue they will make decision based on the way they think and live their lives, hence the reason why we must look at thier lives when choosing them. This done in the US of A as Cupid sang "the home of democracy".
2 Solidarity of Montserratians
Montserrat and its culture, hopes and peoples dreams can only survive if all of us (home and abroad) band together. The Montserrat that is emerging now is going to be very Guyanese and Santo. These groups of people who have come have brought their own culture and they are spreading it, (nothing wrong with that). If we want our essence to be part of the new Montserrat we will need all hearts and hands on board.
We cannot leave Montserrat to them politicians alone and the growing or the British.
I really hate it when Montserratians abroad are spoken of as if they are some how less patriotic than those who live on the island. This could not be further from the truth. We are all Montserratians equally, so long as we share that love and willingness to help our beautiful Emerald Isle. The whole "we over here" and "you all over there" mentality has got to go!
ReplyDeleteCH is on point when pointing out that this "new" Montserrat will reflect the cultures of Guyanese etc. This adds even more substance to my point that in order for Montserrat to be preserved, Montserratians need to return home. Jeevan, I do understand that not everyone will. But I think the new government, which ever party it is, should put things in place in order to encourage Montserratians abroad to come home. I am sure this is already being done at some levels, but it needs to be taken up a notch.
Believe it or not, many of us overseas want to return home! Montserrat needs Montserratians! We are who make Montserrat what it is! Our contribution shouldn't be just be from afar, but from within Montserrat! I just pray the new leaders seek out even more ways to encourage people to come back home.
I believe that most of our problems stem from apathy. Last week, I asked 10 Montserratians what they thought about the upcoming elections. Five of the 10 said they "think England should just take over.". Three said, "I'm not going to vote because I don't like any of the candidates." Two said, "The candidates are ALL crooks." What is wrong with this picture?
ReplyDeletePeople who don't vote shouldn't have any right to complain. I heard no constructive suggestions or no indication that any of the 10 had given much thought to the importance of this election.
Does anyone have suggestions about engaging the people in the process?
Regarding Montserratians abroad, I do believe that there is discrimination towards any person not considered a "real" Montserratian. This includes Guyanese, ex-pats, etc. Scary, isn't it?
For years I have been hearing about the importance of Montserratians abroad making a contribution and it has not materialised in any meaningful way because they are looking to those at home to tell them what to do. Jeevan et al it is time to get past the rhetoric and don't look for assistance from those at home. Work out something out there and don't ask for permission, just come and make us like it.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any idea at what rate the FCO and DFID employees and consultants in Montserrat are buying up houses and property. Do you notice which nationality controls the Supermarket business. While we sit here worrying about a few Guyanes and Jamaican hard working people there will soon be none of Montserrat left for you own or control.
There is no point in staying out there and waiting for those here to make things perfect for you to return. Jeevan; find Laser's song and listen to the line about getting your ass on a plane and come back home. Montserrat needs you. Did you apply for the Director of Communications job? why couldn't you be down here working on the communications strategy for Radio Montserrat and the GIU to get the diaspora involved. Nah you to busy building up somebody else country and making money. And yes I meant to put you on the spot, no apologies for that.
One of the reasons why I started this blog was to encourage a lively flow of discussion and debate, hence me writing articles such as I have been doing, to provoke thought and also to be put on the spot! (smile)
ReplyDeleteYou spoke of rhetoric. Firstly I think in any environment where you seek to change, you first need to engage in discussion and debate for ideas to flow. The discussion only becomes meaningless if those ideas are left to waste and not acted upon. I do not think that all Montserratians abroad who are looking to return are seeking permission or such as you stated. I for for one am not. As you can see, my recent posting spoke of the need to look beyond government to solve our current problems.
For the past few weeks, I have been discussing with other individuals who also share similar sentiments on the future of Montserrat, ideas not just be a talking shop but an active vehicle for impacting change and a resurgence of nationalism as to the plight our island faces. There are plans that are currently being ironed out & by way of this web site you will hear of these things.
Indeed, I am fully aware of the FCO & DFID individuals’ acquisition of property at home. I am fully aware of the massive influx of non nationals gaining even more and more influence in the affairs of our island. This is something that I have spoken on for years via such forums as Live from London & the Montserrat Reporter. So much so, that certain channels indicated to me that I am being anti-foreigner. I will never be anti-foreigner, I recognise the nature of the beast and our Caricom brothers and sisters are always welcomed to our shores. But as I have said Montserrat's situation is unique and needs to be put in context or else we would be overrun.
I cannot speak for anyone else but myself. However, what I will say is that I am not waiting for things to be perfect to return home. I recognise wholeheartedly that Montserrat needs hands on deck to help with her rebirth. Mind you, all of us who left will not return. All of us who left do not need to be there on the ground to make a contribution to Montserrat's re-development. Creative mediums such as these and others can make an impact also. Do you not think so?
You speak of packing bags and coming home. Do you not feel that some conditions on the ground in Montserrat are not conducive to having us return en masse? Look at customs & duty charges, look at the basic cost of living, look at the lack of recreational facilities, look at the cost of flying to & from Montserrat, look at mindset of people in Montserrat calling their own brothers & sisters ‘foreigners’ when all they seek is to better themselves abroad. It is not all roses & lilies to just say pack up & come back home for some.
I contend that conditions on the ground yes do need to change in some quarters; some basic things need to be relaxed/promoted to encourage that flow of our people back home. That is why I say we need leaders with vision, guile and a willingness to listen and make tough decisions that are forward looking and not just for short term gain.
Finally, the job you mentioned. I toyed with the idea of applying for it and do have ideas indeed on a communications/marketing strategy for Montserrat. But from what I understand the last Montserratian who offered his services was met with immense negativity. But perhaps there is more to this story which you can enlighten us all about.
We all need to examine what can be changed on the ground at home, a study needs to be conducted as to how many in the diaspora actually want to come back home and what is dampening their efforts to do. Time for the Big Think.
I await your response.
I'm really gald someon brought up the business of UK civil servants buying property here. This is of great concern and reminds one of Arrows song "hold on to your property and will it for your children". We are in danger of undoing the legacy of William Bramble and RW Griffith in becoming a land less people again. Prof Sir Howard Fergus last year seeing the danger warned us Montserrations that we should by land for our children. Let us take warning home and abroad!
ReplyDeleteIf home is where you want to be I say don't let this business of conditions be a deterrent. The risk is that you will become like those who left in the 50s so engrained in the new home that we would be just a memory after a while. You won't ever be comfortable enough to come home because if that hapopens you will be too comfortable/well off to come home. The journey starts in the mind.
Jeevan I am disappointed that you listened only to the story of the last Montserration to have 'offered' his services. It is true that there is more to the story. You are far more in touch with Montserrat than he was is the first observation. The gentleman in question possibly because of the political nature of his appointment felt that he could frighten people in to doing things by saying he was going to tell the Chief Minister when people did not drop what they were doing to assist him. So you might well imagine if someone has ill concieved ideas then they could recieve resistance from others. Additionally, that same gentleman was making proposalas to bill government for services which could have been percieved as conficting in interest.
Jevan Said: "...Do you not feel that some conditions on the ground in Montserrat are not conducive to having us return en masse? Look at customs & duty charges, look at the basic cost of living, look at the lack of recreational facilities, look at the cost of flying to & from Montserrat,..."
ReplyDeleteWait! People live here you know Jeevan. And we manage to survive somehow with all those factual negatives you mention. Are you living in Heaven? Are there no problems where you live?
I listen to your excuses and I shake my head as I realise, 'another one bite the dust'; I will no longer look for you to come home sir, and I wish you well in adding to the intellectual capital of a country other than your own. Here what, just please bank some of your money here so we could get it to borrow.
BTW Don't compare yourself to that other bloke unless u have developed a similarly overblown sense of self importance. You have to take your time and understand any society that you move into and you cannot be an arrogant blowhard. Let your work and talent speak for you and u will gain nuff respect in a hurry. The bottom line is that he was not up to the task and whinged and moaned about everything till he just packed up and left. and not a moment too soon.
But now I know that you think Montserrat is not good enough for you at this point why am I bothering to advise you?
"A generation lost.. a generation lost...." I would be bawling long tears right now if it wasn't for the fact that I know one of my CARICOM bretheren will occupy the spaces that our own refuse to fill. So you guys stay away and lament cost of living etc. We would love it if you came, but life will go on regardless; so don't blame us if one time when you come home for holidays you don't feel so at home anymore.
I am appalled at the most recent entry. As was impressed upon us at St. Augustine School, "He who does not progress, retrogresses".
ReplyDeleteWhat is so wrong if Mr. Robinson points out somethings that can be improved upon? Year after year, should we be the same way, or should we seek to be a better place for everyone involved--whether born and bred Montserratians, or those who are Montserratians by choice?
I can tell, that Jeevan loves Montserrat very much and one day will return. What we need to see is that Montserrat needs Montserratians! What is so wrong, if we improve on somethings as a means of encouraging people to return home???
The sooner we get this "we Montserratians" and "you Montserratians over there" out the door, the sooner we can get Montserrat to a better place.
True lovers of Montserrat want to see the island move forward. I tip my hats to you Jeevan. Keep reppin for Strat!!!
I have read the last 'anonymous' entry with a sense of bemusement as to what was said. Whilst all respectful opinions are welcomed in this forum, I am left to ponder if it is so difficult to understand the central themes of my arguments?
ReplyDeleteI see you highlighted a few key questions I asked in my earlier response but what is glaring is the omission of an answer to those questions from you. Of course there are problems in every country. I am a student of global affairs and this is non too clearer to me, the problems faceed developing as well as developed countries. However, I am sure you will see merit in my humble position that the basis and focus of development is to improve, on a continual basis, the conditions of a country's people. Yes or no?
Montserrat is my focus and whether or not members of the diaspora come back home, the island has fundamnetal problems that need to be addressed. Do not be short sighted and assume that the concern for the re-development of Montserrat is only for those abroad who wish to return, but rather it is being debated and pushed for the benefit of ALL Montserrtians.
Regarding the job issue, I simply asked you in my earlier posting to present clarification on the impressions that I have had regarding the last individual who was working in that communications job. The individual informed me of certain struggles that he faced, now you have come and given another side to the matter. Wonderful! Balance is the essence of reasoning. I will however not cast judgement on either side of the story, that is not the purpose of our discussion. I only sought clarification.
What I will say though is that I remain a humble individual only seeking to raise the bar of discussion on the issues that are affecting my homeland. As to whether I plan to return home or not, only I will know that so for for you to matter of factly write off my return suggest that you have already made up my mind for me.
Finally, I see you have questioned my patriotism to Montserrat. I will not even attempt to defend or explain my patriotism to my island because within myself that is an unshakable foundation and I do not see the need to dignify that personal dig with paragraphs to the contrary.
Do understand that I do not presume to have the answers, hence why I seek to encourage discussion, debate & suggestions. We all seek my friend, to improve the condition of our country. Perhaps if we move away from a stance of 'things are how they so leave them be' to a more 'things need to improve so lets get about the task' then Montserrat will only rise and will be place of increased comfort & benefit to us all.
I do hope you are sharing with your friends this blog, so that we can have even more contributors to the discussion.
The blueprint that guides the islands future is the sustainable development plan. It is important that the Diaspora be on board when this document is being planned. Generally all budgets are based on the activities of this blue print and the external funders hand out our budget accordinly. That is why at times the political directorate can not pass their policies, strictly because they them selves have not been sold on the idea of the SDP and in most cases they go against it.
ReplyDeleteMore communication and proper "buy in " is necessary.
There needs to be a consensus as to what document will be the blue print. This constant shifting and shaking is really what is causeing all the dilema
who is gonna stand up 4 mrat ifwe young generation dnt do it,we can't turn our bak on her,she's cum a long way thru alot of natural disasters and she's still standing.so who are these strangers tryin 2 tell us about her and her culture.she will always andn 4eva b ours.its time da the proper government wake/stand up for all montserratians home and abroad to keep montserrat for montserratians
ReplyDeleteIt seems that because montserrat is the only British Overseas Territory not to issue visas to certain forigners that they think they have rights....especially when most come to m/rat just to get the british status then run to england and then want to point fingers at montserrations that have a right to go there and live there in the first place.Wake up cause you(forigners) are dreaming if you think that we will sit back and let you "take over" the island!!!!!Keep on dreaming...it WON'T be happening!!!
ReplyDelete