Dear Editor,
The election campaign is in full gear, but the electorate must beware! When several candidates can dodge a question that requires a straightforward answer rather than an unrelated exposition, this behaviour is a classic distrust of one’s moral principles. And, if these same candidates cannot clarify issues that have plagued their political career, whether now or in the past, then the electorate has just fallen into their trap.
To begin, fast and smooth talkers are generally liars. When I listen to the number seven candidate on the USP slate, he may sound convincing to persons, who do not take the time to analyse his message. Or, may have ignored the behavioural pattern that defined the character of this individual. Therefore, the electorate needs to reflect on just two issues that have clouded their minds during his tenure as an MP.
First, it was this bribery charge against the former UPP leader, which was hotly debated and recently thrown out by the court. When he was asked to shed some light on the matter, this former MP danced around the issue. To this date, he has never come clean on these legal charges. So, did the ex-UPP leader bribe him, yes or no? If yes, when the charges were dismissed, why didn’t he oppose the verdict? If it is no, why file a false statement?
Second, this number seven candidate tends to display his passion for a breakfast programme for children that he initiated back in 2014. At the time, I questioned his intention, because it was also on the verge of an election. What was worrisome then and now, is that this former MP, who was making more than $10.000 a month, requested that the airport pay for this initiative.
If he cared so much about the children going to school hungry, why did he ask an entity to pay for the programme, when he had the financial resources to execute it? What is more worrying than before is that this former MP is still in a much better position than previously, but he is complaining bitterly that his programme was shelved. Why doesn’t he fund it with the bloated income he is collecting from his gaming licence?
Now more than ever, the political sphere has become the playground for politicians, who feel that the population is suffering from Alzheimer’s. It’s almost comical to see former Minister of Health Emil Lee running on a political list again, after he has failed to improve the social and labour situations on the island. What does he have to show for being in that position for four consecutive years, except for dispute after dispute?
Over and over, this ex-minister claimed that he brings honesty, transparency and integrity to the table, but declined to answer direct questions when it comes to the controversial issues that surrounded his ministry. What is not surprising, but rather strange, is his change of heart regarding the initiatives he fiercely defended and became utterly disappointed when he was thrown out of government.
How is it that a man of integrity, transparency and honesty is afraid to chance going back to the executive branch to finish what he has started, and demonstrate the qualities that he claims are lacking in government? All of a sudden, he wants to stay in Parliament. Why is that? Is it really because of the uncertainty in the political arena as he continually stressed, or does he want to change the laws that would allow him more freedom, when he returns to government?
The electorate must analyse why he dismantled that piece of legislation that was presented a couple years ago to benefit the workers. And, for an individual who is advocating for locals to profit more from the labour market, why did he sign so many work permits for nationals from the Asian community? Furthermore, why did he approve a three-year permit, instead of yearly? There would have been better control and more generated revenues.
As the saying goes, “Not all that glitters is gold.” These unethical politicians will tell you anything just to get your votes. A politician who is honest, transparent and has integrity, doesn’t need to toot his or her horn; the people will be the judge. Likewise, if there are issues that cast doubt on a politician’s character, that’s a clue that has revealed his or her true nature.
Joslyn Morton
