June 12th, 2017 -- Over the years, I have learnt that collective wisdom is a powerful resource. Collectively we know more than individually, especially when we work together. Sadly, this is often overlooked and under-utilised. Here are two examples of such collective wisdom at work: one that has been implemented and the other that is in negotiation.
I wrote about my first time voting. A reader, Mr. Liburd took the time to write to me and suggested that I produce a booklet to share with civic organisations, community centres, businesses and schools. Let me thank Mr. Liburd most sincerely and assure him that I have already contacted an educational official about getting into the school next academic year. Over the summer months, I will address the issue of the booklet; building on the manual that was done by a previous Supervisor, Mr. Oriel Hector.
The idea that has already been implemented was one, born as it was, out of the frustration of a woman who was constantly on and off the voters list, through no fault of her own, but rather due to a programming error in our office. She approached me on the street one afternoon after work to vent her frustration. Then she asked whether I could convene a meeting. She had no way of knowing that another person had already vented to me. So we convened two community meetings to discuss boundaries and addresses in Nevis. I wish to thank all those who came and participated. Things are a lot clearer now.
Let me be clear, we were not doing Boundary change. That is the purview of the Boundaries Commission only. We were merely clarifying the issues of what was meant by “base” of a hill and “imaginary lines” that were used to descried polling divisions and districts in Nevis. The meetings not only clarified the positions, but strongly recommended that henceforth, boundaries must be along waterways and roads, and must avoid splitting properties. Also, and this is critically important, there was community and political consensus. Maybe, though, The Boundaries Commission may want to adopt this approach.
The passion for clarity demonstrated at these meetings, the spirit of compromise and acceptance shows that all of us wish for fairness in our electoral processes and that is what this team is working towards.
Thanks to all. See you again during the discussions on electoral reform!
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
