My Thoughts...
By Dean Kelly
As I sit here I am truly baffled by my thoughts about development, which encompasses sustainability and growth, democracy and the need for us a people to be motivated and involved within our society so that true CHANGE, in the grander scheme of things can come about. It is far too easy for us to sit back and question the effectiveness of our government but yet play no part in how we should be governed. A mother always says to “Train a child in the way he/she should grow”, a motto that we all hear but cuts like a double edged sword. If we as a people allow/accept our government and others to treat us with disregard, only providing incentives when it is beneficial not to us but to them, how are we all suppose to move forward proactively and productively. What we accept is what we will experience. If we don’t demand respect, why would anyone want to or find the need to respectfully acknowledge our BEING?
Currently, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is undergoing a serious transformation. Though positive, so to speak, too many variables are disregarded which in turn will/are having a spiraling effect within our society. We currently have an increase in crime that stems from a higher than normal rate of delinquency, yet no one seems to know what to do about it. Note that the Federation has less than 50,000 people within its borders, yet incidents of crime are increasing while the ability to solve many of these said crimes is diminishing. It is easy for us to point our fingers and say it’s “Your Job” or “It’s the Government’s Job” to deal with critical issues as they arise, when, in truth and in fact, it is OUR job as a whole. Secrecy is a major issue that allows criminal acts to implant themselves further within our society primarily because there is a high existence of fear due to the loss of TRUST and FAITH in the protective services offered. Though this may be true, a carpenter cannot build his house without NAILS. If changes are needed within these areas, they should be made.
These UNITS specifically, cannot operate on a favoritism basis. They must be firm, unbiased, and effective in their methods and secure in their approach. If we continue to hide our voice, no adjustments in the way that things work will be made.
Many years ago, we, as a Federation, were privileged to be a part of the sugar cultivation and manufacturing in the world. Though the way we may have processed sugar was expensive, that industry was necessary. Many felt that the Sugar factory was running at a breakeven point or below, hence it’s financial demise and overall termination. Yes, many other sweeter alternatives exist as they come to market, however, why reinvent the wheel! As we come into an age where “Going Green” is no longer a fad but is now becoming a way of life, our dependency is back to the earth. Readjusting the processing of sugar, branding, packaging and selling it on the open market will be more beneficial to our society on a whole, rather than leaving what is already established, the foundation of our economy, in total disarray. According to a statement released by the United Nations, food production is what the global market needs and depends on for sustainability of its increasing population. All the production of sugar in St. Kitts/Nevis needed/needs was better management and efficient processing. This concern is not solely limited to just sugar production, but encompasses that of agriculture as a whole. This thought process should not be restricted to our region alone, but should be branched out internationally in some form. That aside, the industry provided jobs for many people who are now unable to conveniently find employment. As a people, our aptitude levels differ, meaning not everyone is going to land a BANK job or a high-profiled government job or own his or her own successful business. Noam Chomsky once said, “In order for a society to fully function, all aspects of it must work cohesively. There is need for all levels of employment and job types within a society.” St. Kitts is a young and up and coming country, and with that is an open window of marketable/business potential over all. We need not reinvent the wheel, just merely grease it and use it to fulfill certain objectives when needed.
Our twin-island Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has so much potential, so let us as a people move in the direction that will encourage true PROMISE in the region. Let us do our part in order to contribute to Emerging Market frontier.
