Plans for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two sides of the island regarding agriculture, fisheries and livestock (see Monday newspaper) are most welcome. To be sure, while a commitment reportedly was made, the proof of the proverbial pudding will be very much in the eating.
Synchronising related policies, enhancing relationships and facilitating partnerships are logical from an economy of scale perspective. After all, it regards a joint market due to open borders along with free movement of people and goods, based on the Treaty of Concordia.
Some will no doubt say this is another August 19 election stunt by Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten, number two candidate on the Democratic Party (DP) list. They may have a point, but even actions with a – partially – political motive could end up benefiting the population.
Although current cabinet members have a caretaker status they are still being fully paid for such. Should they then stop working and just collect the salary while campaigning?
Of course, getting good publicity that way can help secure votes, but ultimately the content is most important and is what those involved ought to be judged by. Working together more for agrarian development simply makes good sense in terms of food security, an increasingly important local issue, no matter what government is nominated by the next parliament to take office on September 20.
