Dear Editor,
When a politician is well-read and has the capability to place country above self, these superior qualities can never be concealed, nor are they flaunted for the purpose of self-gratification. In fact, this persona has the propensity to unfold naturally, and with a high level of maturity. Hence, every time I watch or listen to our Minister of Finance Richard Gibson, I cannot help but marvel at his level of education, and the manner in which he weaves this learning into the process of nation building.
It is quite amazing and extremely refreshing to see how Minister Richard Gibson keeps his ego this low. Even when journalists fail miserably to articulate their questions effectively, he is able to maintain a calm demeanour, as he visualizes the bigger picture – the picture that involves consistency in ethical behaviour and his beliefs that he has a duty to serve, and the obligation to educate the population.
Minister Gibson is fully aware that effective communication intertwines with education. Therefore, he is very mindful of how his reaction affects the morale of the journalists. Instead of acting brashly or displaying the behaviour of a braggadocio, he analyses the questions quickly and responds in a manner that enhances the quality of journalism. What also makes this brilliant communicator so conspicuous is that: one cannot detect if he has an animosity towards a particular journalist, or that he discriminates one’s level of competence.
How does he do it? The first two sentences of this article answer that question. Besides, throughout the briefings or interviews, Minister Gibson is usually very attentive to the types and depths of the questions, even when they do not relate directly to his portfolio. During this period, he takes time to assess the proficiency of each journalist. Then, when a question is directed to him, he focuses on the gist of the inquiry and the accuracy of his response, rather than how the question has been posed. This is the power and influence of a true scholar!
Furthermore, this well-informed minister understands that in order for the country to grow and meet the expectations of a civilized community, St. Maarten has to do things differently. In essence, he consistently inspects his ministry to seek ways of removing obstacles to improve his department. Some of his recent achievements include: the acquisition of shares from the assets of the then Netherlands Antilles that were delivered in two instalments, totalling an amount of 67 million guilders.
He is also in the process of signing a protocol with the joint Central Bank for St. Maarten to acquire a more evenly distribution of yearly revenues from this lucrative financial institution. From the 67 million guilders, one may think that Minister Gibson would use some of the monies to initiate new projects. Instead, he made it clear that the extra finances will be used to pay off debts to SVB and APS. Clearly, this is the action of a well-read politician and one whose heart is aligned with improving the country’s financial image.
To top it off, St. Maarten will be introducing its law program in September – a soon-to-be mine of legal brainpower, designed to replenish itself accordingly. Again, this is the power and influence of a well-educated politician, who envisioned the need to cultivate home- grown lawmakers to occupy the demands of a growing nation. Education is power and so there is no boundary, when one's vision is fuelled by education!
Joslyn Morton
