Mr Editor:
Basic Services
Now that the holidays are over, everyone’s attention will likely be focused on the anticipated elections. As I read the articles regarding the platforms of the various parties, I see lofty goals offered by each group. The independence debate continues as does the familiar chant regarding our assumption as being a world class destination. A few visits by celebrities over the holidays, and a ramp full of business jets, can lead us to think that we have it all figured out.
What may be lost in this discussion is the responsibility we have, as a nation, to live up to the image we would like to think we possess. One basic responsibility is the provision of basic services to the population. During the holiday period, I personally experienced three power failures, the total loss of my landline phone that hasn’t been restored yet, a four-day loss of internet services and one-day loss of television. Throw in the well known situation with the island water system and you pretty much have a perfect storm of basic services failure. Sadly, we seem to have accepted this as normal.
I’d like to offer a suggestion – to which ever party assumes power in the coming year – that the first order of business be to focus on the various organizations that provide basic services and assist them in bringing them up to acceptable standards. As we continually wave the world class flag, we rattle over the horrible roads of The Valley, walk past the van on cement blocks in the ferry terminal lot, tolerate antiquated customs procedures, live in a mosquito infested environment with the threat of disease with little proactive control, and tolerate utilities delivery worthy of a third world nation.
I think it is high time that we look inward and start acting like the nation we would like to be. It is great to attend galas around the world and proclaim excellence. It is much harder to remain grounded and focus on the things that speak for themselves. As they say, “actions speak louder than words”. The more we begin to create a world class act, the less we will have to shout it from the rooftops.
A belonger
