by Man from Baker Hill
If I were writing a short story about our 19 year fight with the volcano, I would write that Montserrat won the battle. I might even write that the people of Montserrat are NOW prosperous; and that the elections made us confident, wealthy and wise. And if this were a short story I might write too, that we are now a united people willing to live happily on Montserrat until the next elections.
But no! This is not a short story. This is not even a story; this is reality, Montserrat.
Less than 90 days after the elections we are losing the battle for Montserrat. The British are back! It seems as if we voted the British into office. And Montserrat legislators are in for some sad times ahead.
Since the elections we are being led down a path of confusion. The political warriors and especially the victors seemed not to have had a clear picture of the goals for Montserrat. And as politicians they should have known where and what the goal is, so that victory could be determined. Truly, no one can win a battle if he does not know what or where victory is.
Additionally, the victors, the newly elected legislators, should have been aware of, and thoroughly understood the systems and procedures that will ensure a mood of continuous victory for the electorate. Unfortunately, they understood neither goals nor victory.
So the truth must be told; and told boldly, too. What has happened at MDC and generally on Montserrat over the last week could not have happened under the watch of David Brandt, the people’s chief. Yet, I shall blame David Brandt for what is happening. Because about one year ago he teased the electorate; and in response the Montserrat Reporter in an article titled ‘Political Mentorification’ begged him to mentor the prospective politicians; but he did not. And now we are losing Montserrat; all because the legislators lack understanding.
The situation is a political embarrassment for Montserratians. No one should seek the power of office or position above his level of competence and or above their understanding. For example, without proper knowledge and understanding, the personal desire to become ministers of government or the desire of political party supporters to be placed on this or that board of directors is the main ingredient for post election national disaster.
Carefully consider this. Despite victory at the polls, the battle for Montserrat will be lost if political understanding is absent, even if there is competence. And although it is almost too late to slow down the arrival of ‘absolute UK political management by coercion’, ‘The Montserrat Reporter’ and I shall attempt to stimulate and influence.
Firstly, with utter haste, the victorious legislators need to understand the purpose for the nation called Montserrat and also to understand what is required to rebuild Montserrat.
Secondly, immediately, position aspirants need to understand what role ‘offices and positions’ play in the battle for Montserrat. ‘Positionists’ need to understand this basic requirement before he or she seeks to be a board member in order to act out their desired roles on this Montserrat battlefield.
Thirdly, we need to be aware of the benefits of good manners.
We, but legislators especially, must respect one another and be fair and supportive to one another, within the bounds of reason of course; even if we are on different sides of the legislative or political table.
And finally, if we want to fight and win the battle for Montserrat, we must first change our mindsets. Yes, the battle must be fought and won in our minds.
But we must begin with the man in the mirror. So here is my story.
Prior to the elections, I told you that I will not vote; now I shall tell you how I will participate in the politically new Montserrat.
Since the elections I have been asked several times how and where I would like to participate in the new Montserrat. And I have made it quite clear that I do not want to serve on any board or committee.
I have also made it even clearer that I shall serve Montserrat in the area of TAXATION, only. But before I serve, the Government of Montserrat must have a modern taxation philosophy that goes beyond the usual Caribbean taxation policies and practices. I shall serve on the battlefield of Montserrat under UK Government supervised tax reform, only then. And in the meantime I will keep ‘wondarin’.
I wonder if the politicians understand that there is an ongoing battle for Montserrat. And I wonder too, if they understand their roles on the battlefield; because if they lack the understanding, as it seems, we will lose the battle for Montserrat before Christmas day 2014.
