IT IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT!
HARRIS AT LARGE!
August 5, 2021
IT IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT!
“I guess truth can hurt you worse in an election than about anything that can happen to you.” Rogers
It has been 12 days now since the UWP government, headed by Hon. Allen Chastanet lost at the polls. It was a crushing defeat. Expectations for the new Government to deliver on its campaign promises are high.
Prime Minister Hon. Philip Joseph Pierre has an unenviable position. He will need the prayers of all St. Lucians to help him tackle the tumultuous tasks ahead of himself and his team. It is time for all hands to get on deck regardless of party colour (red or yellow), or otherwise. It is time for all to come together in unity and put people first.
While some citizens are in a state of jubilation, others are more reserved as they look toward the future. There is deep admiration for the men and women who were successful at the polls. Those elected officials, now Parliamentary Representatives are likely to be part of the Cabinet of Ministers, and should be seen as soldiers heading to the battlefield. Our prayers for a special anointing must be continually made on their behalf. With Yahweh’s help, we can be confident that it is going to be alright. In recent weeks since I return to writing my weekly column, I continue to exhort all men to seek after righteousness. Many of us are well aware of the scripture that states – RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTETH A NATION.
The Government is being called upon to return the country to its democratic ways by upholding the rule of law which must prevail at all times. Transparency has to be paramount in the execution of the functions of government. If there is one principle that has captured my attention is that for the first time Saint Lucia will have a government that is INCLUSIVE in nature as is set out unambiguously in the SLP manifesto of 2021. All citizens and well-wishers, regardless of Gender, Race, Colour, Creed, whether by birth, nationalisation or otherwise, religious background, education, straight or LGBTQ must be allowed to contribute to the development of the nation.
We hear a lot about a Youth economy but I want to feel that the involvement of Elders is so fundamental and can only be taken as a given, that it needs not to be over-emphasised. I hope I am correct in thinking that we must forge collaboration between the young and the old if we are going to accelerate the progress necessary to transform our economy.
We need Story Tellers, people who are willing to talk about their journey in all aspects of life – their failures, their successes, and even those who have been born into money. In the latter instance there are some heartbreaking stories to be told. Money does not always bring happiness. It takes a balanced approach to life.
Along life’s journey, we have lost our way of helping ourselves. While we are supposed to be independent, we depend too much on foreign assistance. The term Self Reliance is no longer used to propel citizens to seek out their independence. Wherever necessary, we must return to basics. We should adapt the Self Help principle which assisted communities and individuals in the past. It seems that in today’s world, we can only get things done if we have the funding. Roads will deteriorate to the point where it is impassable and we forget that a grader could be used to take out the potholes and make life easier until it can be asphalted. Let us find ways of applying the KISS principle going forward. My special advice is to take care of the simple things first. Do not ignore them.
I am not in a position to share my opinion on the selection of the Cabinet due to deadline constraint in the submission of my column. The electorate chose CHANGE over CONTINUITY. I expect a Cabinet of men and women of vision, as the Bible states, where there is no vision the people perish. Let us continue to give thanks, and pray that the new government will serve Yahweh’s people in a manner that will bring honour and glory to his name.
I wish you well, until next week when I will share my thoughts on the Cabinet selection. Stay safe!
Edward Harris
Freelance Journalist/Realtor/Business Consultant
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Website: https://stluciagreatpropertydeals.com