“Dr. Drew was a little Rasta boy living by a ghaut.” This statement, emblazoned on Facebook last week are the words of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) Constituency #8 candidate, Mr. Eugene Hamilton. Speaking on a political platform his words made me ask myself, are there still elitist people on our political platforms in St. Kitts?
In 2014, are we as Kittitians still belittling people because of where they were born and their unfortunate circumstances?
I, like many other Kittitians and Nevisians grew up poor, dirt poor compared to today’s standards in St. Kitts and Nevis. I saw how the powerless were excluded from decision-making. I saw how the powerful had tightened their grip on the political and economic levers of control leaving many to accept tough futures.
I grew up in the 70’s in St. Kitts in one of those poor families and even with as many missed days of school that I had, when I was ready for University I received financial assistance from the then Labour party led Administration. The Labour Party, keen to halt the slide of young people into despair and disaffection gave support to young people like me.
I wasn’t ungrateful or went to look for greener pastures elsewhere after I completed my education, I came back to St. Kitts and made my contribution here on my Island. I know that here in St Kitts and Nevis we are building a nation where all people feel dignified. A nation where we all feel we have a role to play and that our contribution is valued, no matter how humble our beginnings.
For no matter where we come from or where we live, whether we drive the latest Mercedes or ride the rustiest old bicycle, the simple truth is that we are all members of one family, God’s family. Only caring and responsive governments can create environments where unemployment can be reduced, education, housing and healthcare can be improved to narrow the disparities in the qualities and expectations of peoples’ lives.
When I was ready to buy a home, I took advantage of the SIDF FREESH programme and today I am the owner of a lovely home that my parents are proud to say, “This home belongs to my son!” I, however can never forget that this house came to me due to the foresight of the St. Kitts- Nevis Labour party led Administration who understood importance of well built homes for all citizens in a progressive society.
When I was looking to start a business, the St. Kitts Nevis-Labour party led Administration helped me to open a little business thanks to the financial and business assistance of the SEED program. The SEED program was started to give local residents a chance to be business owners in their own country.
As I am writing this commentary, I think of Marvin Sapp’s song, “Never would have made it”. Well with God, my ambition and the help of the Government’s mission of empowering local people, I have made it!
Now, Dr. Terrance Drew is a young man with great ambitions, belief that Jesus Christ is his savior and lucky enough to be born under the leadership of a caring, visionary and progressive Government. Yes Drew was born to a teenage mother in not the best of financial situations. Must this determine his future or should the young Doctor be able to fulfill his dreams and ambitions just like the rich kids from the ‘good’ neighborhoods?
The rich, well to do people of yesterday’s elite on St. Kitts and Nevis do not run the show anymore. The St. Kitts economic pie is for everyone!
So when people, situations or issues hold you back I want you to remember that today in St. Kitts and Nevis, no matter who your Mother is or who your Father is or whatever financial situation you were born into, YOU have the power, the tools and the proper Government policies in place and …YOU can make it.
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