- The people in SVG that are crying now must NEVER vote the ULP back into office next general election.
“Poverty is lack of power. And that lack of power is a direct consequence of others having too much power – ultimately too much control over resources. Wealth comes from exploitation of people and the planet’s resources.”- Global Justice Now
The above quotation is a clear indication of the state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) today. The poverty situation in SVG is so shameful, that, the Ralph Gonsalves, Unity Labour Party government continues to withhold the poverty assessment report for 2018. I guess the numbers are too ridiculous and the government is ashamed of the reality they have brought upon the nation for the last 23 years in power.
Now, one may expect that, the people in poverty, would rise up, against the people in power, and demand better. While this definitely would seem to be the most likeliest thing to do, in SVG, it is the other way around. Most times, in SVG, every election, it is the POOREST of Vincentians, that can be seen and heard supporting and defending the people in power. This definitely highlights the fact that, the lack of power amongst the poor, only builds up power amongst the already rich and wealthy.
Therefore, it is for this reason, why I am of the opinion that, Vincentians who are crying out for hardship will still make the same political choice and mistake in 2024/25 general elections. I have witnessed such backward actions in the last two general elections in SVG. To paint the picture more clearly, this is what continues to happen with Vincentians and elections.
For 4 and a half years into the 5 years election cycle, Vincentians would complain and cry about hardship. Then, for the last 6 months before elections, the government pays attention to their crying, offering them money, lumber, galvanize, cement and a lot more treats. This in-turn win them over, through exploitation of their poorness, causing them to further inflict suffering on themselves, by voting the government back into office.
The poor and hungry overlook their hunger for 4.5 years, only to remember their last meal for 5 months. As a result, the last meal, which is a belly full of lies and empty promises, return the people in power for another 4.5 years to do the same. I shall call such happenings ‘the cycle of corruption’.
Now, how do we break such a cycle? Or is it breakable at all? Will we be able to prevent such unfortunate situations from happening come the next general election? These are all pertinent questions that the main opposition party (NDP), and all right thinking Vincentians, who care for their country and its people, should try and answer.
To assist in this regard, one of the wisest men to have ever walked the earth posits that, “exploitation of the poor can be extinguished not by effecting the destruction of a few millionaires, but by removing the ignorance of the poor and teaching them to non-cooperate with their exploiters.”— Mahatma Gandi.
Essentially, Gandi in that quote, teaches us that, the problems lie with the people, and it is only when the people in poverty, wise up, rise up, stand up and be counted, then their situation shall change. If they fail to do such, then they shall continue to suffer, each time they take the easy route out (handouts and gifts).
In conclusion, the ULP’s style of politics continue to thrive given the high level of poverty in SVG. They continue to only help the poor and needy when bribing their way into power. Vincentians, you have fallen for these old dirty tricks over and over again. You continue to pay the price for not putting country before party and your bellies. If you continue to overlook the suffering of your fellow citizens just because you are not suffering, you are just as responsible as the people in power. Our sweet SVG needs us. Be a model and decent Vincentian, and do the right thing next general election.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
Too many Vincentians at home and in the diaspora are silent on key issues like poverty and corrupt practices by the government of the day. Wake up from your slumber Vincentians, you are constantly taken advantage of because of your impoverished situation. It is for this reason, you MUST NEVER vote the ULP back into office the next general elections.
