Sometimes I wonder what we really want and am left baffled when I read and listen to a lot of people’s views.
I do not want to be judgmental, not be a judge, jury and executioner, or even to have the opinion that some people are ‘dotish’ or their values are shallow, but based on what I hear sometimes, I do come to that conclusion.
Take, for instance, the views of the many who think that the visit of an African statesman to our island is of no significance and has no purpose or objective, and is valueless. They mention the various temporary setbacks and inconveniences and ask the blatant question: “What is in it for us?”.
As the world is changing, especially in Africa, the local critics would rather be rooted in their colonial past, than to see the value in these changes. Some offer the view that the former prime minister should return to office, simply because they think he President Trump’s “friend” and will therefore secure US interests here, instead of deepening relations with Africa.
There are those who condemn the present government, because in their view, they are underperforming and cannot see the comparison with the former. Despite all the available education and information, there are still so many who are anti-Labour Party and against PM Pierre.
As for me, I reflect on the past and the present and see our country’s development, at this point in time, very satisfying. I see growth and opportunities, especially for the young. I see progress in so many different areas, so how can I ever share the minority view that we are not a progressive society?
I do agree that there are areas that need more attention, or more assessment and some screws need to be tightened, that more enforcement is needed and disrespect is rampant, but despite all the negatives, our progress should be commended, not wildly criticized.
Too many people only think of ‘I’, and not ‘We’, there is less done for people based on their political affiliation, or getting support based on who they support at the polls.
In my opinion, all nationals have the same opportunities, and it is the bias in their minds that keeps them so skeptical.
Unity should be the building bricks we use, not division. We should relate to facts and not what we hear them say, because gossip is not usually the truth — and being gullible and not analytical can retard you.
Most of us are the ones who dwell on negativity. We choose not to be proactive, or supportive. We sit on the sidelines rather than participate and we are never in favour of reformation.
There is a new world order — and we have to internalize, start seeing what we can do for ourselves, and the dependency syndrome will have to go and be replaced with a new kind of productivity.
Our old friends like Europe and the United States have their own new agendas, and if we are not careful, we will be left with our pants down (as is common in today’s youth attire) and if we don’t notice the changes, then I wonder who we will blame, or who will come to our rescue.