Dear Editor,
There is no sensible explanation that the National Alliance can offer its loyal supporters, regarding the decision to join with the UP Party. NA has thrown the people to the wolves and gave the country away to gangsters and cult leaders.
I am extremely disappointed in the Leader William Marlin and the Deputy Silveria Jacobs. They have absolutely nothing to say to this public concerning the matter of integrity. This foolish move has confirmed their weak leadership and cemented the fact that the people have become nothing more than just a vote.
Now it is very clear why these parties have no ideology. They don’t believe in anything else but to garner votes to keep them in power. Looking back, the press conference that took place between the two parties had no substance at all. It was also obvious that the Leader and Deputy were not honest with the people on the real issues.
Up to this moment, the sentiments of the people have not been addressed nor did they have the courtesy to acknowledge the request of one of their coalition partners. All they are concerned about is to stay in office under the disguise of advocating stability. The lingering question is: stability for whom?
This is why integrity remains a major issue in this country; but more surprisingly, by those who are voted-in to lead. What they failed to comprehend is that having a Government with 10 seats does not guarantee stability.
The steadiness of any Government is rooted in the heart of every politician. So if the heart is not in sync with the vision to govern, instability will always continue. Furthermore, stability of the country goes much deeper than putting mechanisms in place to prevent ship-jumping. Real stability of any nation is about improving the lives of the people, first and foremost.
Getting down to basics: Is it not the same Leader of the NA who was so adamant about giving utility relief to the people? What was the real purpose for reversing several decisions that were taken by the UP Government? And, is it not he who complained bitterly about the bridge to nowhere, which has led to the sharp increase in consumer goods?
Likewise, on Election Day, the Deputy expressed her dissatisfaction on radio, when UP supporters failed to adhere to the rules. And, she was highly offended when the UP board pointed out a number of shortcomings within her Ministry. How is it that out of the blue nothing seems to matter anymore?
MP Christophe Emmanuel claimed that he was offered millions of dollars to cross over. Who was the donor, or was it just a practical joke? What about the issue of the new utility meters and the exorbitant food prices that he hotly debated and condemned? Don’t talk about the dump! Have these concerns become acceptable all of a sudden Chris, when the people are being tortured, due to this soaring cost of living? Or, is it because he is scheduled to be the next Minister of VROMI why he is not vocal anymore?
What is scary but more dangerous, is to mesh the opposing principles of both parties. Besides this oil and water relationship, everything that NA campaigned against; they have surrendered these portfolios to the UP – portfolios with the kickbacks and to a party with the reputation to tighten the chokehold on the most vulnerable. So, what ideology did NA really campaign on? Was it truly based on putting the people first or was it about themselves and their families?
People, this behaviour by NA has indicated that the present coalition is nothing more than just a façade. If the NA doesn’t have the guts to inform the people of the real situation, then the DP should take the lead and clear its name.
If the leader of the US Party is indeed a pain in the side of the current coalition, why punish the DP? Do the efforts of Minister Emil Lee and Chairlady Wescot-Williams simply go to naught? Wow! Now it is safe to conclude that this present coalition is just a sham. If all is well as the NA and US want the people to believe, why would the NA be this desperate to fix a relationship that is not broken?
This is why I admire MP Hyacinth Richardson. He is the only one who did not sign on to this incoming coalition. When the test of honesty and loyalty to his people, came knocking, he remained true to his conscience. He campaigned on the basis of looking out for his people and he stuck to that belief in spite of the unexpected turn of events and feelings of his colleagues. The stance that he took proves that he is a man of his word and an MP of principles. This is the kind of integrity that is lacking in the political arena!
The good book says, “Don’t promise a gift and don’t give it. That is like a cloud blowing over a desert without dropping any rain.” And, “When there is moral rot within a nation, its Government falls easily. But with honest, sensible leaders there is strength.”
Joslyn Morton
