Dear Editor,
Not every single candidate could have captured the hearts of the electorate. But some were predicted to do well, and missed the mark. Realizing this reality, what really went on in the minds of the voters to reject certain candidates, who have contributed significantly to the community? Is it that they were unaware of their work in and out of Parliament, or these contestants just did not appeal to them?
Many may disagree with my choice to highlight two such candidates, who do not get the recognition that is due to them. But a good way to start is to evaluate what they have done to improve the lives of others within the society, prior to postulating themselves. However, the election results on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, painted a completely different picture – a view that warrants analytical revision.
Case in point: I was stunned by the small number of votes that former MP Claudius Buncamper received. Several questions flooded my mind as I tried to substantiate this shortfall, but nothing concrete came to mind. Flashing back: When the MP was elected to Parliament back in 2020, he was a formidable force to tussle with, as he held every minister accountable, whenever they were summoned to Parliament to report to the people.
I would dare say that during his tenure, every minister wished that he was absent that day, because he was well-prepared and ready to challenge any discrepancies regarding their presentations. His counterpunches were well-researched and delivered with a force. Even when the ministers tried to wiggle their way out of some embarrassing situations, he backed up his responses with facts, and their only recourse was to submit to his blunt deliveries.
Unfortunately, half way through his term, he was dismissed, pending the outcome of his court case. But this dilemma did not stop him. He continued his trend of researching and presenting as if he were still an MP. Sadly, the electorate did not consider his efforts to re-elect him to Parliament. On Election Day, a friend called to ask who she should vote for, and he was one of the names that I recommended from a pool of three candidates.
Even though I am not a part of his social media following, his podcasts always pop up on my phone. He detailed each subject with advanced knowledge, passion, confidence, and vigour. Then, he challenged anyone to prove him wrong. These elements kept the viewers engaged, from the beginning to the end, because the information received is like attending a workshop, filled with interesting statistics.
His willingness to share has gained the respect of many, particularly his ex-colleagues at Public Works, who treasure his expertise and do not hesitate to seek his assistance, when needed. It takes a professional to make himself available to members of a team, from which he was discharged.
Another candidate who has been overlooked is MP Hyacinth Richardson, because of his passive mannerism in Parliament. However, there are times when an MP performs poorly in Parliament, but within his community, he demonstrates a completely different persona. It is true that former MP Hyacinth Richardson, sat in Parliament and said nothing for most of the deliberations.
From my observation, he appears to be an extremely shy individual, who has not worked on this weakness that has plagued him over the years. This limitation has suppressed his ability to communicate effectively with his colleagues and the general public, during the parliamentary meetings.
But, on the flip side of his shortcoming, for years, he has committed himself to visit with the constituents on a regular basis and has contributed financially and otherwise, where necessary. It doesn’t matter if it’s weekdays or weekends, his dedication remains the same. Despite the defeat, there aren’t many persons within the community, who can match his kind and compassionate heart.
To both of you: Not every loss is a failure. This bleak circumstance is teaching you to take a diagnostic view of the situation, which will allow you the opportunity to extract the obstacles, and then come back with a transformed mentality.
Joslyn Morton
