Let me start by expressing my personal view as it relates to our local politics. I believe that an opposition party is essential and necessary. I consider them a government in waiting, but I also believe one does not leave better for worse.
Three elections ago the United Workers Party swept the polls because they were able to convince the voting public that they were the answer to their needs. But after their reign, there were many areas of discontent, not excluding the handling of the economy, our national debts, as well as the many unfulfilled promises.
Since the return of the labour party, they have ensured that in their development plan, that more social services are offered, and that many more people benefit from the economic pie.
In areas such as education, not only have they created more diversity in the education system such as to include technical education but have ensured that students are able to sit exams at less cost to their parents.
Teachers also have received more spending money to assist them in their school programming and assistance to students.
In areas of Law and Oder, despite the escalation in gun crimes and the growing drug culture that is now island-wide, as it relates to lawlessness, strides are being made to deal with the scourge, including the building of a Halls of Justice.
In the health sector, there is also a more positive approach.
The government of the day is in a position to secure grants and loans on behalf of the country to ensure economic growth and further employment opportunities for the masses.
But despite all the present improvements and handouts, as per usual, there is still much that can and should be done — and that is where the opposition should focus on, as it relates to consistent development rather than dealing with loopholes in the government’s policies.
I refer to areas like renewable energy such as the possibilities of introducing electricity from various sources such as geothermal, wind, water, or solar energy, as a means of lowering the cost of such necessary needs.
The telecommunications sector also should be more customer friendly.
In agriculture, we are still very dependent on imported goods and still little is done in the transformation of our local products to saleable and usable items as it relates to the culinary development, especially in the hospitality sector.
Education outside the schools is still a dire need and the development of the arts for all to participate in — from the young to the seasonal performers to a point of earning a livelihood — is still lacking. We still have a high percentage of our trained specialists still seeking greener pastures, feeling they are underpaid and not appreciated.
In the service industry, there are too many servants and not enough front liners; in our tourist industry, so few can deal with the influx of visitors as it relates to needed foreign languages and being committed ambassadors.
The point I am making is if the opposition can focus on areas that are still lagging and necessary and essential for our further stability, they would stand a better chance at being first choice.
They also have to review their term which were in office as it relates to the promises they made and if they delivered.
They were many accusations during their reign as it relates to managing the economy, as well as expenditure in areas such as The John Compton Dam, the southern hospital, solid waste disposal, the air and seaports and contracting policies.
They as a party have to be truthful, honest and have a critical review not only of their development methods used in the past, but they must also assess all their representatives and their advisory team.
As far as I am concerned, the Labour Party has turned things around, but they as-well can become complacent and not go beyond the call of duty.
I think that the opposition can bounce back, but only if they have an honest evaluation of their past. Egos must give way to new realities and misfits must be eliminated from their ranks.
No one person has all the answers, and no group should be silenced for thinking outside the box.
We are all St. Lucians and ought not to be discriminated against. We ought not to fight each other, but surely there are some square pegs in round holes, misfits so to speak, so I hope that my analysis is not taken with bias but seen as a blueprint for improving our country. Nothing remains the same and the world is changing, and we to must embrace change, but with more commitment and purpose.
Too many are in political office for their personal gain and cannot see the bigger picture and further our needs, even in the present setup family and friends take first place.
Too many think in the past and lack the vision and will to change for the better. We must create a society that all our citizens are pleased to want to be part of.
For the offenders and those who insist on doing things their way, breaking the law so to speak, the hand of the law has to become more rigid and forceful, starting with the law makers and keepers of the law being more upright. This “because I know you or you are my friend, or family,” has to be thrown out the window.
All who insist on being involved in negativity have to be dealt with.
The blue-collar criminal should be seen as no different to the man on the street, so in my mind both parties can play their part but there must be honesty. And more transformation in some quarters and we must learn to call a spade a spade, as well as give Jack his jacket and remove the undesirable ones.