Written by Kelly-Jean James
It is my unwavering belief that a person does not have to be an avid lover of politics or a supporter of the government or opposition, to agree that representation matters when selecting leaders. It is not my love for politics or my support of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, that is the primary driving force behind of this letter.
In fact, I am writing as a daughter of the soil of Antigua and Barbuda and as an investor in the future of leadership for my beloved country. As a citizen of this country, it is my duty, and by extension, the duty of all citizens, to ensure that the individuals that represent us are equipped with characteristics which are synonymous with being a quintessential leader.
Characteristics such as class, tact, integrity, intellect, pride and respect are a few tools that our leaders should utilize when representing our twin island nation on a global stage. Permit me to emphasize the word global, for we no longer live in a world where what happens on island, stays on island.
The entire world is watching – from our Caribbean counterparts to our international colleagues. We are not shielded from scrutiny or pardoned from high standards because we are a small nation. It is the responsibility of our leaders to ensure that the way in which we are viewed, whether at home or abroad is one every Antiguan and Barbudan can be proud of.
To speak of the future and not include those of us that will inevitably be caretakers of said future, would be negligent. Thus, my appeal is to all of us who are labelled with the title of “young”, “youth” or more commonly “young people”.
I am calling on my peers, colleagues, family and friends and ask that you not only join me in being advocates for accountability in leadership, but more so, to not take our democratic power for granted. Like it or not, we “young people” are the future leaders, we are also parents/guardians of future leaders – we cannot achieve the future we desire if we are not willing to actively curate it.
One of the best gifts we received this Christmas season is the transparency into an organization that does not have this country’s best interest at heart. We are now privy to exactly
what efficient leadership does not look like. The multiple resignations and denouncement of the United Progressive Party (UPP), coupled with the recent display in parliament by the leader and members of the opposition, can only be described as shameful and classless. When the common denominator of members of parliament is to sow discord and to be champions of chaos, what message is being sent to the citizens of this country who elected them?
Instead of using the national budget debate as an opportunity to represent their constituents and challenge the government on issues such as overspending or misallocation of funds, or to seek the answers to questions on behalf of their constituents and supporters – the opposition decided to parade their expertise in being unprofessional, unprepared, juvenile and incompetent.
While I can continue to explicitly express how the UPP lacks a sense of propriety, the proof is there for anyone who is able to think objectively outside the box of partisan politics and call poor, unsuitable leadership when they see it.
Our leaders should be disciplined enough to demonstrate respect when interacting with opposing members. Our leaders should be capable of putting people over politics, as the very positions they hold were bestowed upon them by the trust and belief of everyone that voted for them. Young people, we cannot continue to be nonchalant about the persons who hold the development of the place we call home in their hands.
To safeguard a democracy that mirrors our intricacies and reflects inclusivity, we must be empowered to vote. Our voices are a crucial element in shaping our nation’s future and ensure that we have capable bodies at the helm. If we choose not to do better for ourselves, let us do it for those who are coming behind us.
Many of us are already parents. Many of us have no alternate country to call a second home. Many of us have experienced first-hand the results of leaders who over promise and under deliver. So, what standards are we holding those with decision making power against?
Why do we only resort to social media and our three person group chats as the preferred medium to vent about our displeasure and display our “dropwud”- isms and disgust? What message are we sending to our children about what is acceptable from those that were chosen to advocate for us? What are we willing to do when leaders simply do not have what it takes to lead! Why are we shying away from the most powerful tool that we own, the right to vote?
Voting gives us a say in shaping a future where issues are addressed with our priorities at the forefront. To opt out of choosing able leadership and then blame “the system” after choosing to be silent, cannot continue to be our default.
The system is designed to act on behalf on those of us who care enough to be present. If we ignore our responsibility, we are forfeiting our voices, gambling away our future and the future of our children and accepting any form of subpar leadership that manifests. I urge you to use your power and use it wisely. It matters who you send to parliament!
If at least one person is moved enough by this, my only wish is that you choose to be committed to ensuring that our country has the leadership and the representation it deserves for generations to come.
Commit to choosing leaders who take accountability. Commit to choosing leaders that work towards unity rather than division. Commit to choosing leaders who fight against the socio-economic and global issues we are facing. Commit to choosing leadership that provides you with opportunities to provide for your family. Commit to choosing leaders who choose you also.
I will end by being brave enough to speak on behalf of all voters, but especially us, “young people”, first time voters included. Every person who has the honour of representing this country and its people and has the authority to shape our future and make decisions for us, should be cautious. We will not sit idly by or be passive aggressive when our nation’s well-being and its reputation is being tarnished. We are listening, we are judging, and we are not settling for mediocrity.
Written by Kelly-Jean James
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By this point the large majority of citizens and residents accept, with great concern, that the UPP Opposition is a joke.
The same Opposition that claims they know all the problems and have all the answers made up dunce excuses not to speak. Really?
As expected, everyone with common sense saw through their charade.
Imagine you yourself are a member of Parliament, representing people and having recommendations and criticisms on national issues. Would you, assuming you want to win, pass up that opportunity if you had anything valuable to say?
They had nothing. They are quickly approaching being politically nothing. Dumbed down to the Pringle Puppet baseline. This is what everyone leaving UPP saw before the rest of us are now catching up. No hope in sight. The rot and decline are locked in till next convention, which I expect Pringle and his controllers will likely win through a new and improved set of dirty tricks.
Its a damn shame. A damn shame!
Well said.