Friday, January 12, 2024

I believe that it is a loss, when more civic-minded people refrain from entering the political fray because of lack of name recognition, or because they don’t believe that they can compete on a fair plane with those who are connected. This is a worldwide problem, and it is even more of a problem when politics becomes a family business. To me, there’s no difference between this system and a monarchy, or a dictatorship. It says to those interested in entering politics, ‘never mind, we already have the correct representation’. Entrenchment has become a problem in the Jewel, with all the little juniors taking over from their aged parents. George Price “begat” Jane Usher, who begat that vine that has spread. Joe Briceño begat John, the current prime minister. Said Musa begat a litter of politicians. Dean Barrow begat Shyne! Politics then becomes a society unto itself, controlling the purse of a nation and the masses, which invariably leads to corruption and stagnation!

I believe that emerging countries should have the best of the best to lead them into prosperity, with a population that is proud of its political system. Not the pained resignation in their voices when they talk about their leaders. Doesn’t matter the party in power in the Jewel, the results are always the same. Some people get rich while the most of us get screwed. We vote democratically, but once they get elected and have that 5-year term, look out! I know, we all know, politicians who have come into office poor and left rich; if not, much better off than what their circumstances were before they were elected. With the salaries they are paid as representatives of the people, it’s impossible to get rich, to own various businesses and properties that usually are reserved for the elite among us. Nepotism and disregard and disrespect for the voters, allow politicians to indulge in schemes that the ordinary citizen couldn’t get away with. They get away with it, without fear of prosecution or any consequences, whatsoever. PUDP!

I’m not pointing fingers at anyone in particular, but you know who you are. It’s not that you invented this system; it’s that you exploit it to the fullest, and have the balls to come back for more, through democratic elections! The former party in power abused the privileges accorded them by a patient constituency, until they grew tired of the raw and rampant corruption all around them. This PUP government has to be aware of the past mistakes they made in former administrations, and also of the glaring excesses of the last UDP administration, which was very enthusiastically removed from power. They have to know that as the electorate becomes more sophisticated, more aware of insincerity and graft and indifference, they will act inside the voting booth, curtailing those wossa instincts.

I believe that we need more, and easier access to that mostly closed off club, that hierarchy that should not exist; it should be that such persons earn their position, rather than inheriting it because of familial or political connections. The individuals occupying those positions should be people who will look at the difficulties facing the nation from a different perspective, not the same ole, same old! Young people who want to make sure that those at the bottom, who live in chronic poverty can have hope, and the means to rise up, to get an opportunity like everyone else, to succeed! To be more aware of the dangers of losing part, if not all, of our precious Jewel, to treat it as a national emergency! To protect the innocent from predators, pass laws that will deter the rampant crime that is becoming more common every day. Make it much more difficult for every Tom, Dick, or Harry to own firearms. Give all unions the same respect and support that the cañeros and the Mayas are given. Revamp the healthcare system, radically! And so much more.

But, the cycle will continue…….

Glen