Dear Editor
In recent times, I have noticed that persons who have a basic academic background and are living an average standard lifestyle, are now entering into politics here in Antigua.
During the yesteryears, politics attracted mainly persons who were considered as professionals especially those persons who perhaps had an accounting, teaching or legal background. Of course, they were more accepted by the society to be the ones qualified as stewards to govern.
With this new dispensation, I have become curious as to why our politics is now attracting persons with a basic academic background. It has led me to ask, are they really entering into the political arena for the right reason?
Of course, people enter politics for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons are
1. A desire to serve the public: Many people enter politics because they have a genuine desire to make a positive difference in their communities or society at large. They want to address issues like poverty, education, healthcare, or inequality.
2. A passion for Change: Some persons are driven by a belief that the system is broken or needs reform. As a result, they may want to challenge the status quo, fight corruption, or push for progressive change in society.
3. To develop a Career: Some individuals may enter politics to develop the skills in public administration and make a positive contribution to the socio-economics of a country
4. Civic Duty: Some people feel a strong sense of responsibility or obligation to contribute & give back to the governance of their country.
5. Representation of a Community: Often, people enter politics to represent a particular group or community to ensure their interests are heard and addressed.
6. Legacy and Family Tradition: In some cases, people enter politics because it’s a family tradition, or they have been influenced by family members or mentors involved in politics.
Interestingly, based on my observation, it seems to me that a 7th reason can be added, that is, primarily for prestige and self enrichment. The thought of what they can do to take the country upwards to the next level becomes secondary.
It is evident that our political landscape has contracted an epidemic of allowing politicians to be transformed overnight, from rags to riches. No proof has presented itself that stealing Gov’t funds by the politicians, is the order of day. However, creating policies so our politicians can get assets at very low concessionary rates seems to be very prevalent, in contrast to the ordinary tax payer.
I must admit that I was extremely flabbergasted to hear on the last Browne & Browne show, that cabinet approved concessions for 3 political MPs who were previously surviving on a basic income, prior to coming on the political stage, and within such short time, they are now able to purchase prime lands at an astronomical price of over a million dollars each.
Hearing such pronouncement caused my heart to bleed. Antigua is no longer for the working class Antiguans. It is clearly for the politicians, their friends, families and cronies. Obviously, in this country of ours, the working class will remain poor. The politicians creates the impression that they have the people & country at heart but behind the scenes, they tend to milk the economic cow to their benefit.
Clearly, our political system needs an overhaul. The politicians on either side of the political devide, are looking out for each other. It is extremely sad that the working class of this country are living in a tangled web. Some body has to be joking…
Alex
