Dear Editor,
With continued support and the belief that she will be an exemplary public official, allow me to congratulate our newly appointed Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling for accepting the offer to direct this very diverse and interesting ministry – the administrative sector that is responsible for upholding the rule of law, regardless of the gravity of the situation.
Minister Tackling (although I like chairlady), to pursue the role of a public executive is never an easy commission for someone who chooses to dedicate his or her life to the advancement of the people, and country, in which he or she is summoned to serve. Your decision is admirable, but the journey ahead will be extremely challenging, due to the bureaucracy that is designed to maintain the highest level of checks and balances.
This position will test your integrity to the limit, whether it’s by your own account or from people with ulterior motives. But try your utmost not to ever lose control of your ministry. Set the tone from the start to become known for your principle of impartiality; so that when the tiny irritations begin to emerge, every decision that you make will be from a place where these evaluations were carefully considered.
Not every day will be the same. At times the trajectory to your goals may be hindered by unforeseen circumstances. But you have to recognize the elements that will allow you to manoeuvre effectively, through this vast and complex administrative system – a network that requires advance knowledge, your value of self, intention, wisdom, intuition and integrity – factors that are intertwined, to keep the circle complete.
Your worth is your strength. So, the value that you place on yourself will be the anchor that will keep you grounded. So, if at any time you feel that you’ve lost your tactical initiatives for your various objectives, just access your spiritual domain – the divine territory that would give you a deeper understanding of the situation and the assurance that you’ve got the team to help you recalibrate your approaches and policies.
As indicated in the previous paragraph, your value of self is your power; therefore, your success will come from your efforts and determination, to preserve this quality. Keep your eyes open in your immediate surroundings and beyond; but always trust your intuition, because it is the built-in mechanism that is similar to a compass, but is much more powerful than what the eyes can perceive.
As the weight of responsibility continues to increase, always welcome the learning experience, because there is always something to discover. On your path of discovery, identify the vulnerable areas within your ministry, and tap into every resource that can help you steer the department into the direction that will elevate the ministry, the people, and the country.
In your pursuit to enhance the ministry, stand by your principles, because the bureaucracy of government is designed to maintain the highest level of checks and balances. You will make mistakes, and every time you do, the experience will help you to assess and persevere; but try as much as possible not to bring your integrity into question.
The pressures of public life can be overwhelming at times. To ease the frustrations that will emerge from this bureaucratic system, always take time for yourself. Do not hesitate to leave the office and go for a walk to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. But more importantly, try to avoid taking work at home. When you are done with the office, leave your administrative mind behind. Unless there is an emergency, your personal life takes precedence.
I truly hope that you could maintain that grace and excellence that you’ve exhibited during the process of this year’s August 19 elections, when you held the position as Chairlady of the Main Voting Bureau (I’m still waiting for my snacks). If I were you, I would have contracted a small group of experts for about 3 months, just to delve into matters that concern the police force, coastguard and the prison.
As you proceed on your journey of discovery, may the God of the universe continue to direct your thoughts and shower you with the wisdom that you will need to guide your decisions, knowing that all of your plans are only as good as those who are tasked to execute them.
Joslyn Morton
