By Carlton Ishmael

Saint Lucia is split in the middle politically. We are not all expected to think the same way, but when there is concrete evidence of the difference between the two major parties, it is important that one judges on merit and not for sentimental reasons. 

In Saint Lucia, we have been accustomed to taking sides, because being seen as attached to a political party may be automatically personally beneficial to you. It’s seldom about the general benefits to its people, but mainly about “What is in it for me?”

As we know, each side has its favored friends and in areas of want the party that profits you most is and will always be your choice to support. But records speak for themselves and in this rapidly changing society, one must pay attention to promises made and promises kept.

When things don’t go in our favor, we quickly voice the opinion that the government is ‘Doing Nothing’ to ease the squeeze or rectify the daily issues. But if and when corrective measures are taken, we still find discontent because some decisions made are not in our personal favour or interest.

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Take the issue of criminality. The government of the day or the state has provided much more to deal with widespread criminality than any time before in our history. It’s also added manpower and improved facilities, offered the crime fighters a large set of new vehicles, more bikes, jet skis and fire engines, protective vests, computers, business training, etc.

Now it’s dealing with witness protection, building a Hall of Justice, a new police headquarters in the north and repairs to those in the south — and despite all those efforts, they are still blamed for the upsurge in violence.

Another area worth mentioning is education. We all know, for decades, that school has always been about academic achievement, but in recent times, development of trades and sports have all taken center stage and plenty more scholarships have been sought to offer greater opportunities for the young and the restless. But all these strides seem to matter not.

The youth investment program seems of no significance to some people.

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In the area of improvement in pay, the minimum wage policy, to me, is a wonderful development, as well as the improved pension rises and the money for training teachers and nurses, as well as payment of our overseas debts and improved health care services, including some areas where you don’t have to pay. But still the criticism continues…

Also add the growth in project development: almost every tradesman is presently occupied, and contractors are complaining they’re unable to get workers. Yet, regardless of so much economic development and growth in the economy, the negativity is still spewed.

The ‘government in waiting’ no doubt has other views and criticizes every political gesture and government policy, proclaiming they can and will do better. But to my mind, from experience, I know that what is promised is not always delivered.

The opposition always promises to do better and make things more modern, offer medical insurance, and ABC to XYZ. Those promises of better tomorrows are seen in some quarters to be better than at present. But, as for me, I think one should look back at least a decade and make comparisons, before deciding on which of the two major parties has delivered more on their promises.

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I also think we have to assess how the national budget was delivered and is spent, at what cost and how-much borrowing will be needed for the new and better road improvements we want island wide, or to give the City of Castries a facelift good enough to be impressive to both locals and visitors. That will not be possible if the tourism industry is not holding its own.

The opposition naturally wants to govern but in time that is wishful thinking because the task of delivering is easier said than done, people are watching political candidates like hawks and if you slip, you slide and you are criticized for everything. And although you may have gained financially, your reputation is at stake…

So, I urge all old and new voters to pay attention to delivery before promises because some politicians will promise you Heaven and lead you straight to Hell.

Not too-long ago in the United States of America, the president of the hour promised prosperity to all its citizens, but in less than one year of his second reign we find demonstrations all over everywhere in America

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He also declares that he is the president for peace, yet he is igniting a war in our back-yard, not because of the so called drugs issues, but for control of oil. But nobody saw that coming and now we in the region are being divided, asked to take sides, to decide who should be ‘for’ or ‘against’ their invasion.

In the meantime, it is all about weapon sales, financial control and power.

So again, I urge readers to watch, listen and learn before taking sides and don’t be deceived by word of mouth because talk is cheap and usually does not change the price of coffee.

And after the damage is done there is no turning back.

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