In congratulating the United Front Government, and there is a lot of congratulations to go around, I wish to admonish the new government that nobody gets a free pass so I will not wait to say what I have to say. There are some things I would like to see and there are things I do not wish to see.
My very best wishes for a successful term are extended to our new Chief Minister Mr Victor Franklyn Banks for whom the ascension to this the highest political post in the land must be the pinnacle of a long and relatively successful career in politics. Then there is the deputy Evans McNeil Rogers to whom I once referred as the Rookie; you in my view have matured into a very seasoned politician; we are going to want to see evidence of this growth and development. The Honourable Mrs Cora Hodge-Richardson-Hodge brings a great set of skills and abilities to the table as does the Honourable Mr Curtis Richardson whose aggressive and determined style I admire. To you Mr Richardson, you will be under a lot of scrutiny. The Honourable Mr Cardigan Connor and Mrs Evalie Bradley also deserve much commendation for pulling off victories that will long resonate among us; your supporting roles will be critical.
In this new dispensation of the United Front Administration there are a few things you must do differently as demonstration that you have learnt from past experience.
Transparency and accountability are two terms which get thrown around a great deal in political circles but they are hardly ever practised on a consistent basis. I trust you to buck this trend and that you truly make transparency and accountability paramount. I say this because in your last go-around there was a habit of labelling the public accessing certain information as it – the information – having been leaked to the public. The public being kept in the know must be a priority of this government if public confidence in your administration is to remain high.
During your last term there were way too many Special Assistants; this caused a drain on the public purse; we must not see a return of that plethora of Special Assistants. Every party has its ‘bandwaggonists’, persons who are in it for what they can get for themselves first irrespective of the implications for the welfare of the country, but the appointment of so-called Special Assistants is clearly not the way to reward relatives, friends or party supporters. If you feel compelled to reward these persons other ways must be found, as a party to do so, but as a government do not burden the public purse in this manner.
I welcomed the declaration about a readiness to deliver positive advancement but I will, as will many other persons, be looking on to see how the politics of Boards will play out, whether there will be a new paradigm, a new modus operandi, or a continuation of the same old politics of appeasement, the appointment of relatives, friends and party hacks irrespective of their skill set or whether they bring anything to the Board Room.
I was very moved by the open and public declaration of forgiveness by the Honourable Chief Minister for his detractors; I hope that all concerned would take the offer seriously. One thing I am assured of going forward is for a less contentious approach, and far less of the blaming; the style, approach and attitude are just plain different.
I also anticipate a new and higher level of respect for and adherence to the laws, policies, regulations and conventions going forward. I also expect you our leaders to not just be good listeners but I look forward to greater inclusiveness, to your taking on board good ideas irrespective of origin.
The overwhelming support at the polls was an indication of the high level of anticipation and expectation by the people. The people wanted change but it would be remiss of me if I did not caution us the people to be patient and reasonable in our expectations. Whatever needs to be done, and a great deal needs to be done, to right this ship of state will not happen overnight…eternal vigilance is our watchword.
