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Politicians and their promises
By Elgin Taylor, Star Writer
In the Jamaican political culture, the promises made by politicians on the campaign are taken with a grain of salt. For instance, if a politician promises you the moon, you will have to thank your stars that you get moon dust instead. If they promise an organisation a salary increase of 300 per cent, they would have to be grateful if they get 30. This level of compliance suggests that people believe their leaders made a concerted effort to honour that commitment.
But this is the stark reality. It is not that a fair number of them did not make these pledges in good faith. It is just that they had been caught up in the euphoria of the moment, and sweet words just fly as fast as spit.
Let's face it, who needs carnival in an election year? The jubilation seen on motorcades and at large rallies is unmatched anywhere in the world. The colour, the songs, the vibes are distinctly mind- boggling. This is what former Prime Minister the Most Hon. Edward Seaga alluded to from time to time; election campaigning would not be the same without these mass meetings.
Unfulfilled
Regrettably, things do not always work out according to plan and promises made cannot always be fulfilled.
Against this background, it seems a bit foolhardy for persons or organisations to harp ad nauseam about that great promise of a 300 per cent increase on salaries.
It makes people seem ignorant because the argument for such a stance will eventually run into a roadblock. It appears to be even more suspicious when the person or group making the promise has not even sat in Parliament as yet.
Holders of public offices need to be careful of public pronouncements.
Making these wild promises does not imply that they are unintelligent or insane, contrary to what others believe or think, especially in reference to the Cabinet of the former administration. It is just that the public is willing to let them get away with much of this kind of behaviour.
Others may believe that this current outcry over the promises of politicians points to an emerging level of maturity among the electorate. But, I beg to differ; it is just a nine-day wonder.
But this is the stark reality. It is not that a fair number of them did not make these pledges in good faith. It is just that they had been caught up in the euphoria of the moment, and sweet words just fly as fast as spit.
By Elgin Taylor, Star Writer
In the Jamaican political culture, the promises made by politicians on the campaign are taken with a grain of salt. For instance, if a politician promises you the moon, you will have to thank your stars that you get moon dust instead. If they promise an organisation a salary increase of 300 per cent, they would have to be grateful if they get 30. This level of compliance suggests that people believe their leaders made a concerted effort to honour that commitment.
But this is the stark reality. It is not that a fair number of them did not make these pledges in good faith. It is just that they had been caught up in the euphoria of the moment, and sweet words just fly as fast as spit.
Let's face it, who needs carnival in an election year? The jubilation seen on motorcades and at large rallies is unmatched anywhere in the world. The colour, the songs, the vibes are distinctly mind- boggling. This is what former Prime Minister the Most Hon. Edward Seaga alluded to from time to time; election campaigning would not be the same without these mass meetings.
Unfulfilled
Regrettably, things do not always work out according to plan and promises made cannot always be fulfilled.
Against this background, it seems a bit foolhardy for persons or organisations to harp ad nauseam about that great promise of a 300 per cent increase on salaries.
It makes people seem ignorant because the argument for such a stance will eventually run into a roadblock. It appears to be even more suspicious when the person or group making the promise has not even sat in Parliament as yet.
Holders of public offices need to be careful of public pronouncements.
Making these wild promises does not imply that they are unintelligent or insane, contrary to what others believe or think, especially in reference to the Cabinet of the former administration. It is just that the public is willing to let them get away with much of this kind of behaviour.
Others may believe that this current outcry over the promises of politicians points to an emerging level of maturity among the electorate. But, I beg to differ; it is just a nine-day wonder.
But this is the stark reality. It is not that a fair number of them did not make these pledges in good faith. It is just that they had been caught up in the euphoria of the moment, and sweet words just fly as fast as spit.
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