Dear Editor,
Most of us walk around as if we were impervious to illness or accidents, while in fact we are not. We also pretend that we can be in many places at once, this too is not possible. This inability to always take care of our affairs leads us, in some cases, to give others powers of attorney to act on our behalf, mostly in economic and fiduciary matters. It is also done allowing family or trustworthy friends to take medical decisions on our behalf. This phenomenon is played out in our regular lives daily through our elected representatives (government).
The power of attorney given to them entails a certain trust that they would act in good faith and deliver on the needs of people and country to ensure a productive and respectable life. The power of attorney given to government is referred to as a social contract and we expect most of all for our government to act in good faith in their handling of our business.
In a well-functioning democracy and a progressive country ”simper pro gradiens” we should expect no less than good education, proper and quality health care, a secure and safe environment, and a means to make a living or simply a job. In all these issues our government has failed us miserably. Not this government of a majority of eight that took on an impossible task in a time prohibitive period, but also previous governments who have squandered taxpayers’ money, made irresponsible agreements with the Dutch, and a created super government company whose directors believe themselves to be untouchable.
We have made little to no headway balancing our last five budgets, and the one before us now - though presumably balanced - won’t enjoy the support of all, because we are told about belt-tightening and cuts. Our schools are still struggling with the production of, as they put it, what our economy needs. In the meantime, young people returning to our shores to make a contribution are in most cases never answered. Those that do hear from government are sent to job placement centres and put on contract.
Our medical centre is in urgent need of rebuilding and adequate staffing. We are spending close to thirty million dollars a year on referrals, but no one seems to care. The issues surrounding the men and women of the disciplinary services remain unattended. As far as jobs are concerned it seems we are quicker fired than hired, and government involves itself only when some business people complain; there is no intervention when it is about the little man.
People are being evicted from what should be affordable or low-income housing; as we speak again only silence from government. Not to upset the potential campaign financiers we refuse to even consider a quota system, and in our need to be seen as doing something, we propose raising casino fees instead of going for a percentage of the drop.
One thing is sure, the poor can take no more. If government refuses to help, where do we knock next? Pope Francis in his address on the value of labour said, and I quote, “It is necessary to reaffirm that employment is necessary for society, for family, and for individuals. Its primary value is the good of the human person as it allows the individual to be fully realized. Therefore it follows that work has not only the economic objective of profit, but above all a purpose that regards man and his dignity. And when there is no work that dignity is wounded. Indeed the unemployment and underemployment risk being relegated to the margins of society becoming victims of social exclusion and injustice” end of quote.
It is high time the fights between the outgoing and incoming governments stop. The continued speculation with casino and other business licenses is beside corrupt, ludicrous. Let’s truly look at projects and programs that affect people’s lives. Only then will we be perceived as serious.
Elton Jones
