WHEN last month’s NATION/CADRES Poll indicated the political ascendency of Chris Sinckler, there were those observers and critics who poo-pooed the probability.
They hastily pointed to the former Minister of Social Care’s political “inexperience and lack of readiness for national leadership”. But this was of no concern to the majority of persons polled on alternative leadership should Prime Minister David Thompson have to throw off the mantle.
According to the poll, 35 per cent clearly see Mr Sinckler as the alternative or future leader of a Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Government. And it appears, if we may be so bold to say, that the Prime Minister is in consonance with the people’s pick.
Mr Thompson’s elevation of the flamboyant and outspoken Mr Sinckler should not be constricted to the giving of a birthday present (Mr Sinckler having turned 42 yesterday). The Prime Minister, well aware that of all his ministers Chris Sinckler has captured the imagination of Barbadians most, feels confident that this young man is best suited to communicate to and win the attention of the populace on national financial and economic matters.
Surely, in the eyes of the Caribbean publics, the Minister of Finance is synonymous with Prime Minister – or thereabouts.
Barbadians remain concerned about the DLP Government’s leadership on economic issues – even though they are prepared to stick with Mr Thompson and the party, so far as a general election goes. And clearly the Prime Minister sees the task of reassuring the country a reachable success in the hands of Mr Sinckler.
What this means for former Minister of Economic Affairs Dr David Estwick and his passion for economics is anybody’s guess. We are still to learn where Dr Estwick’s sound and fury – after being reshuffled to Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, Industry and Small Business – will lead him and us.
Passion and personal confidence aside, these trying times call for exceptional efforts in the economic management of this fair land. Exuberance alone won’t do; and definitely not bombast.
As Mr Sinckler settles into his new role as Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs – which must be expeditious – we expect to see a separating of the quintessence from the periphery. Barbados can afford no less.
To Mr Sinckler, goodwill and our very best wishes.
