WORDS FAIL ME. Two downgrades in two weeks! What next? But what’s scary is that the present administration seems to be still in denial. And what’s even more scary is that there are people who call in to the radio programmes and defend Government’s handling of this economy to the point where it seems they would vote for them again next election. Definitely frightening!
These same people seem determined to destroy any new parties entering the arena without giving them a chance, even though we know the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) was once in the same position. They grilled one party’s representative relentlessly, asking what was different about them.
Their answer of honesty, integrity and transparency is certainly a good start although this was made a mockery of by these critics. But perhaps this is not the time for new parties which many fear will only split the votes and, Lord help us, favour the incumbent party.
That being said, I still think party politics is at the root of many of our problems and I wish there was some way to have a system of democratic government without having parties. Maybe our many political scientists can come up with one.
At least we saw some balance this weekend though, with the large, outspoken crowd turning out for the March of Disgust. As I mentioned before, this is far from a true representation of the level of disgust since many disgusted people would be hesitant to join such a march for a variety of reasons, not least of which is being targeted as an affiliate of the Opposition party. If ordinary citizens can summon up enough courage to initiate a march themselves, I’m sure there’ll be even greater support.
I haven’t heard any more about the National Economic Advisory Council so I suppose that has “gone the way of all flesh”. So our only hope now is the two subcommittees of the Social Partnership. I trust they’ll work with more urgency than the Social Partnership itself since we heard that the first time they met since September 2016 was sometime in February this year.
Of course, for the next week or two we’ll be treated to the annual two-ring (Lower and Upper House) circus, better known as the Estimates Debate. That event in itself is a costly exercise, not only in terms of time but the wining and dining which will accompany it.
It will no doubt be like the “feeding of the five thousand”, not on five loaves and two fishes, however, but rather, the fatted calf. I have long since recommended a much more concise, meaningful and less costly debate, without all the political grandstanding, but it seems “we like it so”.
Is there any wonder that we keep getting downgrades when Government seems to continually increase, rather than decrease its expenditure ($155M more this year)? We’ve been hearing too, that the public service layoffs have been followed by rampant rehiring. Can Government comment?
Moving away from the local scene, I see our Prime Minister has been elected as an honorary fellow of Keble College, Oxford University. I had to check to see if there was another Oxford University somewhere else in the world, since after hearing some of his statements in recent years, I couldn’t believe he would feel comfortable accepting an honour from a university with such colonial ties. I thought a more “indigenous” accolade would be more to his liking.
After all the depressing news last week, it was really heartening to see the innovation and creativity of Ms Glenda King, who is crafting very professionally presented jewellery from recycled materials.
It was really amazing to see what can be made from PET bottles, cans, paper, glass and other materials which are normally discarded. With some help, I’m sure this could become an export business, while at the same time assisting with our garbage problem and protecting the environment.
Talking about protecting the environment, it seems the date for charging for plastic bags at supermarkets has been postponed. Don’t tell me they’re giving in to pressure from some thoughtless, lazy people.
They need to bite the bullet and follow the lead of many other countries. In fact it’s not new here either, so what’s all the fuss? At least five companies have already introduced this, with no backlash whatsoever.
• Dr Frances Chandler is a former Independent senator. Email: fchandler@caribsurf.com
