Submitted by: Yardbroom
Last week I said on Barbados Underground, that the election campaign of 2013 has started. Recent events have reinforced that opinion, rather than diminished it. Many commenters here have said, the main threat of the opposition’s response to Prime Minister David Thompson’s budget. Was the declaration of “personal assets” by the opposition leader?
The declaration has no function as regards the budget, but it captured the headlines as intended.
It would be churlish not to accept that it was a “master stroke”. The intention obviously to wrong foot the Government. Many have said it was not signed by an auditor, accountant etc and there was no independent verification…perhaps all true. What about overseas assets? All true. However, politics is often about “perception” and what the view of the electorate is. The message in this case, is what “I” have done, limited though it is…what have you done?
This personal divulgence was long in planning, shorter in execution, and devastating in impact. I have consciously decided not to dwell on the minutiae of the opposition leader’s statement…irrelevant at this stage.
Perception, impact and a resonance with the electorate is what matters. Before we get into an “over” congratulatory mood – congratulations are in order – it must be stated that it was Prime Minister David Thompson, then in opposition who said Integrity Legislation would be addressed.
We should not hesitate to mention our friends at Barbados Free Press, who understood at the time, influenced and subsequently expressed the public mood.
I must be honest, it was said by David Thompson. Integrity Legislation would be implemented in 100 days, it has not happened. There may be reasons why this is so…they might even be justified. Reality at this moment is, the situation is as it was before the election.
Does this mean all is lost for Prime Minister Thompson? No it does not. I put it to you he is in a stronger position now than before the opposition leader’s speech. Why? Those -now – Parliamentarians who were dragging their feet on Integrity Legislation, are confronted with a new reality. There is no alternative but to declare personal assets. The option if they so wish is a bleak walk into the political wilderness.
It must be said there is nothing wrong with professional people -anyone for that matter – having a lot of money. Democracy is not about election by bank balance or lack of one. In this issue it is about how the money was acquired, when in office. Has the office influenced or facilitated the acquisition of great wealth at the expense of the electorate.
Prime Minister Thompson has the opportunity, inadvertently aided by the opposition leader to regain the initiative. Reluctant parliamentarians can be dragged – where necessary – into the fold, it is for the Party my friends and your survival, and naturally a pinch of self-interest.
On Barbados Underground we sometimes tap into the “very core” of majority silent positions. Some of our astute commenters have mentioned the change of body language, dress and even vocal execution in recent days. I will not dwell on that any longer.
The fight – and it will be a fight – is for the hearts and minds of the Barbados electorate. Make no mistake the battle has already started. The election will be a tough one, good governance for the previous five years or so will not be the only consideration. It will be about our future, the kind of society we have and aspire to, and what it means to be a citizen of Barbados.
In conclusion I should mention a personal position, it is only fair to do so. Last year, months before the election date was known. I said on the DLP blog that David Thopmson would win by a landslide because of the election strategy he was adopting and history would prove him right – he was then being severely criticised in some quarters – I also added he might become one of the best Prime Ministers Barbados has ever had. It is only fair I should state that opinion now.
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