ACCORDING to the Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “a state of emergency” is a temporary system of rules to deal with an extremely dangerous or difficult situation. I believe that the politics in St. Lucia has reached a “state of emergency” status.
When I was fifteen or sixteen, I began to take a keen interest in the politics of Helen. Of course, most teenagers then, may not have shared the same proclivities as I did, because blushing from the stares of boys was one of the biggest trends of interest. But with me, I could catch those stares from the boys and still listen to a half speech from the mouths of the politicians simultaneously. My favorite politician was the Honorable George Odlum and at that time, I was fascinated with him. Not only was I intrigued by his political involvement, but I was captivated by his oratory skills and his deep intonation which complimented his gravitas. He believed in bridging the elitist and classist gaps, to enable island-wide access to scholarships based on academic merit and economic disadvantage. Then wrapped up in that same thought, I also wondered why he seemed to prefer those four-pocketed shirts in solid colours, yes, my nosy fashion curiosity was in full effect. I also heard many people express their admiration for Sir John Compton and for some reason I have the audible(? ) memory of how the old crop of politicians were often working for peanuts to appreciate real societal growth and flex their muscles of pride for the elevation and success of their country. Even when Kenny Anthony became Prime Minister, there was still that star-struck moment of admiration for him. Now I am sure that a political history student may set me straight and tell me differently if I said that I had never heard insults so vile and disrespectful back then. Fast forward to today in 2023, I have never seen, heard or felt the level of venom, hate, disgust, distrust, disrespect, and disdain that is presently being exhibited in today’s politics by this new crop of politicians. I suspect that our political predecessors are not particularly resting peacefully.
At times when our politicians’ words fly across the fighting ring, it is funny and entertaining, but it has definitely gotten to a point where taking on the profession of politics is strongly discouraged due to the déclassé political cesspool that is constantly on display for all citizens to see. Are we really serious about giving our children and the youth advice on their behaviours, on bullying, on effective communication, and on integrity? If we’re all being honest without prejudices, biases, and stupidities, we would all agree that we seem to have lost respect for one another, disregard for the law, zero table manners and a certain type of desensitive attitude towards crime, the elderly, and self-pride. When a people have lost these things, it is surely a state of emergency of lawlessness and shamelessness. I shudder at what the next ten years would look like if we don’t push the stop button on these egregious actions.
To put things into perspective, I feel compelled to warn you that I am not writing from a place of any political party affiliation because as far as I see it, all colours (parties) are guilty of creating this predicament that we find ourselves in. Members on both sides of the aisle act out and throw temper tantrums like two-year old toddlers. I always thought that it was only at the age of two a child would experience the terrible twos’, but I guess not. The name calling is unprecedented, and I find myself clutching my pearls in panic, given that the world has become one global stage, and that our dirty laundry is always on display for everyone to see, including potential investors, donors, and sustainable goal monitors.
Our politicians protect nothing, the need for confidentiality no longer exists, every criticism needs to be rebutted and refuted, everyone seems to have attention deficit disorder (ADD), and some seem to be bipolar. Most of all, egos are so fragile, that the look on the faces of a certain talk host was to die for when the opposition leader began to cry pitifully, literally. Our politics and politicians right now are all a total mess, and it looks like they are all creating a legacy of memes which would have to be used as political science thesis material.
What is the next course of action and redress you may ask? You’re very welcome, even though you didn’t actually ask. I’ve always believed that if one is going to speak on issues, suggestions of resolutions or answers, should tag right along. God forbid that any prudent politician, picks up the newspapers and found this article, it may just be the thing that saves his or her life. If one can be saved, then I would’ve planted a seed.
First and foremost, let us dispel and ignore advice coming from politicians who are clearly out of touch and can no longer give guidance of substance. I heard such a politician stating that the country did not need degrees, masters, and PhDs to operate and that these categories of citizens should go to work in the private sectors, academia, and the like. I couldn’t believe how irresponsible this senior citizen was, but then again, he has been true to his own peril so nothing else should be expected. We need an amalgamation of formally educated and street smart candidates to form a political presence with sustainable success. Afterall, I highly doubt that without her formal education, both book and worldly, Mia Mottley would never be able to address the United Nations with so much prowess and intellect. Equally, one can argue that our very own Rick Wayne does not have a master’s or PhD, but is well read, travelled and savvy enough to go tete a tete with the best of them even as an octogenarian, so there you have it. We need persons with a sense of patriotic sensitivity, know-how, integrity without starving bellies waiting with empty political plates, we need persons who are brave, intelligent, and steadfast in their values without flexing them in the face of monetary gain and opportunity. These are the people we need! On top of the legislative rules that govern our structures, we need enforcement and accountability. We need fines for insults, character assassinations, disappearing funds, and breaking parliamentary procedures. We need approval bodies when elected members are being considered for ministerial positions. This includes, but is not limited to, background checks, police records, qualification verification and community character feedback.
Our politics need to adopt standards; because when politicians expose private documents and compromise the confidentiality precept of governance, and when angry rebuttals describe each other as mongrels, then goes on further to categorize the type of mongrel, then it’s a sad and hopeless day. If we continue on this trajectory, Crapo will smoke our pipes, our children’s pipes, and our grandchildren’s pipes. It’s time to shape up or shape out.
Finally, when solid standards are set, it would then be easier to revoke, retract, suspend, discipline, and terminate politicians who breach these standards. Additionally, these standards should apply whether a politician is in active government or in opposition, so that when the excuse of claiming not to be in public office is used at the time of the breach, they would still be held accountable. The prime minister therefore, needs to intentionally manage his cabinet of ministers so that they are appraised, not only for meeting targets and objectives, but for their public decorum, communication, and dissemination of information. Until then, “can’t we all just get along”?? This current situation is tiring, annoying and destructive on all levels. Thank me later, I take gift cards especially for the spa. Have a great and productive day!