Dear Editor,
Sometimes it’s better to sit back and watch the drama unfold, before one weighs in on the extravaganza that has plagued the country for the past weeks. By scrutinizing the episode from afar, it’s easier to sift out the truths from the lies and further examine the character of each actor. What a soap opera! Who would have thought that the island would be entertained to such a level and that the story line would be written by the actors themselves and not a professional script writer?
With all the excitement and embarrassment, the striking features that caught my attention are: the passive behaviour of the entire UD Party and the hypocrisy of the opposition and some persons within the community. Avoiding the press and not having the decency to address the people of a situation that has their concern is nothing more than a complete lack of leadership and an expression of disregard.
Back to back, the community has been bombarded with unpalatable issues regarding members of the Council, and up to date, the people have not heard any statement that addresses their concerns nor an announcement that reassures the public of government’s responsibility to exercise integrity. Instead, the Council of Ministers is acting as if all is well, not realizing how these unfortunate episodes and their hands-off attitude have damaged the reputation of the country.
When I listen to the Minister of TEATT, his overdue response to the allegations is quite troubling. Anyone who studies the behavioural patterns of individuals will conclude that his extremely speedy, brief and reluctant reaction are not in harmony with his demeanor. And his run-on, unrelated other topics give me the impression that they were put together as a decoy to keep the spotlight off him.
If I were to ignore the WhatsApp messages completely and focus solely on the Minister’s behaviour at the press briefings, it does not reflect someone who is dealing with the pain of his name being dragged through the mud; nor do I sense the importance of his desire to repair the fractured relationship that has occurred among his colleagues and the community.
More troubling is, as a former teacher and principal, does he feel any sense of accountability to the many children that were in his care, and who have access to these indecent conversations, whether factual or doctored? What are their impression of him now, versus then? How about the parents and staff? Don’t they deserve more than brushing the issue aside with a prepaid speech that has no substance at all?
Generally, whenever someone falls victim to another person’s malicious intent, the injured person does not need to defend him- or herself through a written speech. Instead, he or she speaks from the heart and expresses the discomfort that is associated with the situation. From his evasive attitude towards the press and the community, my conclusion is that this is just the beginning of the Minister’s troubles and it’s only a matter of time before he falls from grace.
There is no need to throw anyone under the bus when the facts are unclear, but for members of the UD party to say let the justice system take its course and everyone is entitled to privacy is just a weak and careless way of their unwillingness to lead and take charge of the situation. Yes, the privacy of all should be respected, but when persons in positions of leadership fail to manage their personal lives effectively, then it becomes the business of the people.
It is rather ironic that the population would hear, let justice take its course, when the same people have been complaining of the inaction of the Prosecutor’s Office regarding several pending cases. So, what is the real deal? Is it to allow the matter to run the course of delays so the population would forget about it, or UD has just exposed itself once more of being indecisive and unresponsive?
The opposition has some nerve to condemn another, when they themselves are just as guilty. Has it not that these hypocritical politicians displayed questionable behaviours that warranted their immediate dismissal? How quickly have they forgotten! The abuse of power has no measure whatsoever! Abuse is abuse, period! People, whatever is done in the dark must come to light. Give it time!
Joslyn Morton
