This week I return to a theme that has occupied my mind for a very long time, one that a small circle of friends and acquaintances will recognize. I refer to the need for a free-thinking, politically independent group of patriotic Saint Lucians who are prepared to discuss the social, political and economic situation of the island, publicly and truthfully. This thinking is not uniquely mine. It has been broached by a number of people that I respect, including the publisher of this newspaper.
The need for a more informed discussion on climate change, including changing weather patterns, is generally accepted. Curiously, however, I have not paid sufficient attention to the science behind global warming even though the results seem evident. I am informed that we ought not to confuse the local weather with climate change. Those aged sixty years and older will be acquainted with the local weather riddle: ‘June too soon, July stand by, August you must and September all over’, and can today appreciate the unpredictable rain and wind patterns. Recent storm and hurricane reports have made a mockery of that riddle.
The Caribbean prophet Bob Marley (deceased) reminded us in song that when the rain falls, it does not fall on one man’s house; does not discriminate between people whatever their rank, religion or business. We know that the wicked are not deliberately chosen for destruction by floods or hurricanes. For this reason the formation of an independent group of patriots is needed to educate and guide the nation on climate change and other global issues which may negatively impact our island.
In this regard, leaders of political parties, private sector leaders, and leaders of religious organisations need to offer more regular and factual information on the climate to their congregation. Leaders owe it to their followers to be properly educated and to act collectively in the national interest. They can also collectively put more pressure on government and opposition politicians to awaken them to the urgent need for building resilience against adverse natural disasters. The childish attacks that divide, not unite, the nation must be beaten back and stopped.
Politicians must learn to speak to their supporters in ways that encourage them to differentiate between narrow partisan issues on the one hand, and the cheap promises dished out at elections. It is crucial that the patriots among us take a stand and encourage people across the board to place the social, political and economic development of Saint Lucia ahead of personal rewards.
To respond to the type of destructive weather (and climate change), it is best for the citizenry to work together in their communities to resist, and later to rebuild wherever the need arises. The need for community action to build resilience is therefore paramount. To emerge stronger and more ready to withstand adverse changes in the environment and to rebuild must form an essential part of our cultural ethos. We must seize this moment to act beyond narrow partisan politics.
What should be the official reaction to citizens who do not agree that climate change issues are relevant in their lives? Hopefully, the majority of concerned citizens can rise above the foolish uninformed. To plan and work together against worsening future hurricanes is a smart thing to do. The catastrophic hurricane that recently visited the Bahamas should be regarded as a wake-up call for Saint Lucians.
My feelings on the question of the proper education and adequate preparation of the people of Saint Lucia for any adverse weather event, and the need for leaders to work together, was, to a degree, inspired by an item on Facebook by Victor Marquis, a friend and fellow Samarian. He published a shortlist of names, including mine. When I inquired what I had done to qualify for inclusion, he replied that these are Saint Lucians who left their political party and continued to advocate on behalf of their constituents, some even contesting elections under the banner of another political party.
This reminded me that there is still a mountain of work to be done on my biography, which I had set aside for other tasks. For this reason I may experience difficulty sharing my opinions in this newspaper as regularly as I have over the past several years. I will, however, make every effort to write whenever a matter of national import demands my attention. I have always had a deep desire to share hope beyond simple partisan politics and I intend to continue doing that.
I wish finally to share the growing optimism I sense all over the island, notwithstanding troubling homicide figures, sluggish banana sales and a justice system that is still battling to do justice for the people!
