Dickson C. Igwe. Photo: VINO/File

A pre-amble to the story turns to Brexit, which this Black Briton and VI citizen, has always stated is unsustainable.

Theresa May’s ‘Withdrawal Deal’ was defeated in Parliament a third time on March 29, 2019- the day the United Kingdom (UK) was to leave the European Union.

Overseas Territories

The UK is in a constitutional crisis. The most likely scenario is that the UK will remain in Europe for a long stretch as the factions in the UK Parliament and a younger, much more Eurocentric generation, of UK voters, decides a way forward.

Caribbean Overseas Territories must pay deep attention to the Brexit matter.

OK. All new governments begin with a honeymoon period.

 Voters who placed their mark for the new incumbents are delighted to get their desires granted. Fresh faces, in power, bring a feeling of elation, even joy, and happiness.

There are lots of smiles, good wishes, and back slaps: enough to fill a great ocean. Alternately, politicians and voters who are disappointed with the election outcome go through the seven stages of grief. Mainly, there is shock, denial, anger, depression, and then acceptance.

Disappointment

This is usually the high point for governments: the first days of a newly elected government.  But there is a well worn script.

The journey from the starting point of swearing in a new government, after election victory, has historically been one that travels from elation to disappointment.

It is a journey that is all downhill, for four to eight years, and then election defeat looms, after two terms. 

Can the new Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government buck that trend? It can, if it studies history, and learns lessons from the past.

The simple answer is, ‘’ keep the people engaged in the process of governance. And of course, that is not an easy task!

Bingo

OK. This Islander was at the Bank in Late March. In these Virgin Islands, the bank queue is a great place to get the ‘’local talk,’’ and gauge the social temperature.

The bank line, and the ‘chit chat’ that takes place in the Bank, is a great place to take the pulse of public opinion, in a tiny community.

And he was standing in the Bank line when Bingo, a major backer of the new government spoke to him over a line of patiently queuing bank customers. ‘

’Igwe!’’ the Virgin Islands Heavyweight bawled.  “What is your take on the way things are going with this new government?’’

This resident responded happily, even eagerly, stating that it was much too early to tell.

But there was one common assertion made by voters and non voters alike; that the country appeared to be at peace.

There was tranquility. There was calm. The new government was humble. The new government was listening. 

The new government was approachable. This bank customer told the Great Man his observations of voters he had met.

New VIP

The man’s response—and there was a twinkle in his eye—was that, ‘’ yes they are listening Igwe but for how long. They all listen at first.”

The great man was called to the teller’s ramp, and the very overt conversation ended.

Days later, this dweller in the new peace and harmony that is driven by the New VIP Government, met with a Government Minister.

This meet was on a very informal basis, and by providence.

The ‘Big Shot’ looked this resident in the eye and asked, “how do you think things are going Igwe.’’

The response was much the same as the response given to the powerful businessman in the Bank days previously.

“Things are peaceful and quiet Honorable Minister,” was his response.

This Voter also advised that the government act swiftly in deciding a five to 20 year vision, strategy, and plan that should be brought before the general public in very regular and public forums, to obtain public input.

The man smiled widely and warmly. “we are working on that already Igwe,’’ was his response.

Mini-Kingdoms

A smart vision that leads to good and achievable national outcomes is a great asset for any government. It is a guide to that proverbial land of milk and honey: El Dorado: a GPS that leads the way to social and economic prosperity!

Now a new broom sweeps clean. And new governments in the VI for the first three to six months are the flavour of every single day.

For example, today, late March 2019, there is a calm and pleasantness that never existed in the months and years preceding this VIP Government.

There is a sweet smell in the air. Doubt Igwe? Then talk to the man and woman on the street.

Then, something happens after the first 12 months of government. Leaders become proud.

There is a new inaccessibility.  Ministers and their cronies become a new ‘elite.’ The rot begins to set in. Arrogance begins to replace humility. The new elite know it all and snicker at the opinions of “lesser mortals.”

The listening ear gives way to the heady assertiveness of power and the powerful. Personal agendas replace a united and national vision.

Ministers set up their own ‘mini kingdoms.’

Jack & Jill

Opaque governance replaces transparent governance. Accountability flies out the door.  Then the grumbling on the street begins.

Jack and Jill Public begin to believe the worst. Government fails to hear the cries of “the small folk,” on the street, at this time; usually this is before midterm.

Ministers begin to act like ‘tin pot dictators.’

The wealthy and powerful become the ones listened to. There is divide and rule. The one’s deemed supporters of the Minister get the cream.

The ones viewed with suspicion—as not in the same proverbial gene pool with the ruling party—are ‘ostracized.’

The ‘’corridors of power’’ become the domain of specific persons, usually the wealthy. The average man and woman on the street corner are forgotten.

After 7 years the grumble has become a massive pool of disquiet. There is a seething but quiet rage. The revenge is taken at the ballot box at the general election.

A government very easily loses that feel and touch for the public once inside the bubble of power.

How to avoid the preceding is a wise exertion for the politician. Voters want to be listened to. Voters want to know they have a stake in their own governance.

Voters want transparency.

And to give ‘Jack his jacket,’ there is a new air of transparency in the efforts of the new government to bring specific financial matters to the public domain.  But how long will this last?

Time will tell. Time always tells.

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