Letters & Opinion

The Election Bell Is About To Be Rung!

“My life will not be defined by a single political campaign. Those will come and go. But what has driven me to run for elected office in the past still drives me today: the knowledge that heroes do walk among us with tremendous strength and power.” Darryl Glenn

Image of Edward Harris
Harris at Large by Edward Harris

The question to every voter is: ARE YOU READY? The call for general elections in Saint Lucia is getting louder, Some say May, Some say June, Some say August, Some say October. What do you say? It is not necessary to be right about when, as it is a well established fact that our Governments have always called elections within the lifetime of the Parliament. We boast about our adherence to democratic parliamentary principles; as a result, we can be assured that elections will be called in due course in keeping with the Constitution of Saint Lucia.

Let some serious political conversations begin so that the electorate will know who they are voting for and why? Many people claim that they are voting for individuals and not party. However, that argument differs from reality. Most voters are aligned to a political PARTY. If the argument of voting for individuals and not party was valid, many persons would have entered the political arena as Independents, and win.

This is the time for voters to assess the representation afforded them by their Parliamentary Representatives over the past five years, and in some cases, many more years as some politicians have served several terms. This is a time for reckoning. This should also be a time for celebration of a term well served, and for rewarding those who have delivered on their promises. Here again, even a few who have not lived up to the voters’ expectations can still win their seats, because of the party. It is as simple as that.

What are some of the things we should be looking for in a Government and by extension, the Politicians we elect to office? The   list hereunder is by no means exhaustive:

1. Good Governance.

2. Respect for the Constitution and the upholding of Democracy.

3. Representation with Empathy.

4. Integrity and Honesty in executing the people’s business.

5. Be a voice for the under privileged, denouncing all forms of discrimination and violence, and take action to reduce their occurrences.

6. Seek out every opportunity that will benefit the nation, socially, economically and culturally.

7. Become a genuine facilitator to local and foreign business persons.

8. Be ahead of the curve by encouraging Innovation, and Research & Development.

9. Seek out opportunities to bring persons together for the greater good of society, regardless of their political persuasion.

10. To do all things necessary to uplift the citizens and make Saint Lucia an outstanding nation where the peoples of the world will support our efforts, and want to become citizens of our beloved country.

The foregoing should set minimum parameters for political leadership in our country today. The progress that we make over the next five years will depend upon the decisions we make in selecting the next Government. Going forward, there are several challenges that will take massive intervention with a total RESET in the way we did things in the past.

The COVID 19 pandemic has dictated the need for grand new approaches to stimulate the energies that will be necessary to provide the momentum to move our country forward. How far are we willing to go with the implementation of radical changes at all levels of society? While a few of our local Entrepreneurs are showing willingness to get ready for post COVID 19, by implementing plans and kicking off construction projects, there are many persons who are knocking at the door, wanting to enter into business. These individuals must be encouraged to move forward through Government Facilitation.

The urgency to provide jobs must take on a broader involvement by the Government. This process can commence by introducing Business Councils with Government support throughout the nation, creating a free flow of ideas that can generate viable businesses.

Very soon, we will be entering into election mode and everyone should be encouraged to participate fully so that in the end, the decision on the party forming the next Government will be well founded.

Stay safe. Remember Always, Yahweh is in charge; dream big and expect daily Miracles!

Edward Harris

Freelance Journalist/Realtor/Business Consultant

Email: [email protected]

Websites: www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com

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