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Can Jamaica's politicians learn anything from the leaders of our so called "small island" sister nations. I should hope so. Afterall, they have had good governance for many years, while we cant seem to find our bearings, but then, our politicians might be too arrogant to learn from our "small island" sister nations.
Take the example of the PM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and his response to the LIAT pilot strike. This industrial action has all but brought to a complete stop, travel between the islands of the Easter Caribbean. Ordinary people, business people etc have been stranded for 2 days. He has not argued against the merits of the strike, but has called for the pilots to return to work while they settle their dispute. Thats all good and well, but what is profoundly telling is his decision about his own travel. He is scheduled to attend a meeting in another "small island" sister state, and has refused to take a chartered plane to so do. His argument is that he cannot, in good conscience, go about his merry way, on a charter, while the ordinary citizen is left stranded by the strike.
My question is, which Jamaican politician would have the moral fortitude to make such a personal decision? I suspect that none would. The "big island" politician response would be to jump on the first charter, afterall this would be another opportunity to demonstrate to the little man who is above whom. Just a little thought.
BTW you must read the editorial comments on the Jamaica Observer online editorial page today. Very impressive articles. Well written, thoughtful, and most of all accurate. I think there were 2 about Seaga, and one about Africa-China-India. These articles should be used as debating subjects for Jamaican High school students.
Take the example of the PM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and his response to the LIAT pilot strike. This industrial action has all but brought to a complete stop, travel between the islands of the Easter Caribbean. Ordinary people, business people etc have been stranded for 2 days. He has not argued against the merits of the strike, but has called for the pilots to return to work while they settle their dispute. Thats all good and well, but what is profoundly telling is his decision about his own travel. He is scheduled to attend a meeting in another "small island" sister state, and has refused to take a chartered plane to so do. His argument is that he cannot, in good conscience, go about his merry way, on a charter, while the ordinary citizen is left stranded by the strike.
My question is, which Jamaican politician would have the moral fortitude to make such a personal decision? I suspect that none would. The "big island" politician response would be to jump on the first charter, afterall this would be another opportunity to demonstrate to the little man who is above whom. Just a little thought.
BTW you must read the editorial comments on the Jamaica Observer online editorial page today. Very impressive articles. Well written, thoughtful, and most of all accurate. I think there were 2 about Seaga, and one about Africa-China-India. These articles should be used as debating subjects for Jamaican High school students.
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