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A spectator's perspective |
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Published Sunday, March 09, 2008
ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada
By A. Mason
Many folks believe that history is repeated especially when we experience incidents that evoke the déjà vu feeling.
There is something about the way the current regime in Grenada is trying to retain "absolute power" or perceived power that brings a familiar feeling.
It may be eerie for those of us who experienced the pre-Revolutionary era, and are able to/choose to remember it.
During that era, Grenadians wanted change. The then Dictator was adamant about ignoring the wishes of the majority. Through ignorance and arrogance, he ignored all the subtle and overt signs. March 13th 1979 was the wakeup call that signalled the end of his game. Consequently he was exiled in the outfield! Is the political style of the deceased Dictator, Gairy, repeated in the current "leadership?" There are those who believe that Grenadians forget easily – I don't agree. I believe that Grenadians are patient and forgiving and tend to take as much but not as long. When waiting becomes unbearable then desperation occurs and solutions are sought "by any means necessary."Enough is enough!
The current Prime Minister prides himself on being an ardent Cricketer. Well, he must have played Road Cricket some time in his childhood. For those of you who are not familiar with the rules of Road Cricket: the batsman should not bat too long. Hitting the 'ball' (green mango or young coconut or any round object available) continuously in the bushes bores the spectators; frustrates the bowler, the fieldsmen and the other players. In other words, at one point in the game, the batsman must be aware when it is time to "out himself."
Why is it when elected political leaders have served a considerable amount of time, they insulate themselves in office and fail to stay in touch with reality?
Leadership in a democracy is supposed to function with support from the majority of the masses. To serve one's country in the capacity of Head of State should be an honour and a privilege. Imposing one's self as though it's a God-given right is wrong – politically, economically, morally, socially, spiritually and 'Grenadianally.'
Just in case the Batsman has problems recognising the signs, allow me, a spectator, to articulate:
Cultivating an atmosphere of fear among the masses is a clear sign of dictatorship!
Muzzling free speech and censoring the press is a clear signs of dictatorship!
Granting personal favours to those who support your regime is a clear sign of dictatorship!
Failing to respect the opinions of those who oppose you is a clear sign of dictatorship!
Controlling the justice system and the public service is a clear sign of dictatorship!
Stooping to immature, petty behaviour by issuing law suits is a clear sign of dictatorship!
Making unilateral decisions on issues that affect the country is a clear sign of dictatorship!
Refusing to be accountable for mismanagement of public finances is a clear sign of dictatorship!
Discrediting and diminishing the role of the elected Opposition is a clear sign of dictatorship!
Manipulating the electoral process to maintain "power" is a clear sign of dictatorship!
Dictatorship breeds corruption and corruption obstructs progress; lack of progress evokes frustration and anger; anger impedes judgment. Without clear judgment, there is desperation and desperation leads to change "by any means necessary." It is my wish that the batsman will pay heed and be guided by the rules to maintain the honour of the game.
According to the Historian Lord Acton, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
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