ULP needs to be self-critical

All ULP systems will no doubt be on “go” as the party prepares to celebrate the 23rd consecutive year of its fifth term in government. A big rally is planned for the tarmac at the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport at Arnos Vale replete with the expected entertainment package including by now the customary Jamaican input.

One cannot begrudge the party for its celebration of what is a remarkable achievement by any standard. It is no mean feat to win five consecutive elections and to maintain a stable government and socio-political environment over all these years. This is even more so when factors such as natural disasters and the effect of climate change are considered. However, as this column began to point out last week, it is critical for the ULP, expected to “pamperset” on its slogan “Six in a row” pertaining to the next elections, to spend some time on introspection.

For instance, why is it, after such an impressive record and a proven commitment to educational opportunities for young people, plus the failure of the opposition NDP to build a credible alternative, that the ULP still faces formidable opposition and an intense struggle to win each election after 2010? What is causing that?

It is important for the party to be honest with itself in seeking answers and not rely on the usual “internet crazies”, itself a crazy concoction, in seeking the answers. The party has so wrapped itself or been wrapped in the cloak of its Leader that it seems incapable of a vision beyond his. Yet notwithstanding his tremendous record, political experience and acumen, there must be contributory factors. They must be sought, discussed and solutions found for it cannot go on like this forever.

On a governmental level for instance, there is more and more an emphasis on the “Big Ticket” items, the grand projects which have brought it handsome rewards.

Every day we are reminded of how many millions this project or that one costs, but to many ordinary people it seems, whether correctly or not, that their concerns about implementation and the simple problems facing them, are ignored in the process. Just think of how long, despite all the protests of fisherfolk, that it took to have a decision made on providing proper sanitary facilities for these folk at the site to which they were moved. Does this not undermine the achievement of the resettlement exercise? Who is responsible/ accountable for such palpable weaknesses?

Then there is the insensitivity. Just think of bus drivers on the strategic Marriaqua/West St George area, staging a protest and withholding services because of the state of the roads, but the Minister of Finance boasting about every street in a small town like Calliaqua being paved, the “first” for any town in SVG.

What is the message conveyed here? Is it that having a show piece in his constituency is more important than the immediate needs of schoolchildren, students, parents, commuters, drivers and bus owners?

Such insensitivity and disregard for what seems to be considered as nuisance complaints runs right through many aspects of the public service programmes, and there is little indication that the complaints and concerns of small people are taken seriously. It must always be remembered that little things mean a lot, sometimes the polls reflect this.

It is to the credit of the ULP that many young people are being given positions of authority in the State administration. But it is important that humility be taken on board, even when one disagrees, we cannot ignore genuine concerns or react in a high-handed manner. The educational degrees are very necessary and the more the merrier, but they are not the be all and end all.

Humility, the willingness to listen to persons not as highly educated, but nevertheless highly committed and experienced, are all important elements of success.

Above all, when is the ULP going to take the issue of leadership succession seriously and frontally? The enormous shadow of its leader and his gigantic footprints make this exercise even more urgent. The Comrade is not going to last forever, no matter how “broad” he considers his back to be. A political giant he may be, but even giants disappear in the sunset, so when is the ULP going to level with us, and its own supporters on this crucial issue? Just as NEMO exhorts us to prepare for disasters and emergencies, so too must our political leaders set the example in politics.

Who ever steps into Ralph’s shoes, even if it happens to be in opposition, has a gigantic task before him/her. That person and the country must be prepared for the eventuality.

The Maximum Leader himself has a responsibility to lead the way. Post-Ralph must be very different to the Comrade’s time in office. There are unique factors involved, many of them positive, but he cannot expect to go on forever. There is little indication of the PM giving more elbow room to many Ministers of government.

Health and Education are key areas but almost every major announcement in these areas seems to come from the P.M. Why, after all these years, does the PM himself be having to hand out individual awards to successful students at all levels? Why does almost every feature address have to emanate from “on High”?

I could go on and on, and court the risk of being accused of attacking the ULP. But truths must be faced, the sooner, the better.

• Renwick Rose is a community activist and social commentator.