Political will

IN RECENT TIMES a number of interesting developments have taken place in several Caribbean countries that pose serious challenges to governance in the region.
What these developments have done is put the political acumen of our various leaders under scrutiny. Within this context, an important question arises: do our leaders have the political will to make tough decisions based on the economic and political circumstances that exist in their respective countries?
Thus far, the answer seems to be in the affirmative! Why?
Let’s take the case of Jamaica first. For some time now Jamaica’s economy has been struggling to overcome huge fiscal challenges that continue to hurt the country’s growth prospects.
Acting alone, the probability of turning the economic tide would be almost zero. Hence, the country has turned to the International Monetary Fund for assistance – a move with which most Jamaicans are clearly familiar.
Despite the social consequences, the leaders of the country are determined to take tough measures to restore stability to the economy.
Hence, not too long ago, it was announced that several public sector posts would be cut in order to generate some savings on current expenditure.
In the prevailing economic environment, that type of austerity measure is indeed consistent with responsible governance.
In Grenada, the economic challenges are numerous but for whatever reasons, developments on the political side have been dominating the airwaves.
The ruling party has been forced to respond to a number of vexing issues placed on the front burner by several senior members within the party’s own ranks.
So serious are the challenges that the government is now virtually on the verge of collapse, saved probably only by parliament’s being prorogued.  
However, prior to that event, the prime minister has responded to all of the challenges faced with conviction and without any fear of the consequences of his actions.
Like Grenada, the governing coalition party in Trinidad and Tobago has had to confront several challenges on the political side as well.
These challenges range from coalition members’ dissatisfaction with certain government policy decisions in the most recent fallout over Section 34 of the Administration Of Justice Act 2011.  
Thus far, the prime minister has taken principled positions on all of these issues and has responded without fear or favour, even going to the extent of firing senior ministers when deemed necessary.
Clearly, what we have been witnessing in Jamaica, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago are examples where our leaders have undoubtedly been demonstrating political will.
Some of the issues to which these leaders have had to react are rather complex, making it even more demanding to forge an appropriate response.
Yet, these leaders have demonstrated the capacity to do what they believe to be right despite political fallout.
And that type of political will is certainly what’s needed in the region at a time when the magnitude of the challenges our countries face is so great.