Submitted by Yardbroom
…I am here this evening because I am fully committed to doing all I can do to ensure the return of the Barbados Labour Party to power…It is my mission and nothing will detract me…
The words of Mr. Owen Arthur as reported by Gercine Carter in the Nation of 9-14-2009. If reports are to be believed – and I have no reason to doubt them – there was not a hushed audience, but “rousing” applause.
He went further:…The Opposition Barbados Labour Party once I am part of it, must be the voice of the people…
When an astute and experienced politician speaks, note should be taken of not only what is said but what has not been mentioned.ย What is the inference in: …the voice of the people.ย We all know what that means in general terms, but was there a subliminal message to be expanded, at a later and more appropriate time.ย Is this a signal for an incremental change of direction in a certain area of policy.ย I will not prejudge his intention that should be left for Mr. Arthur, he willย oblige no doubt in his own time and naturally when he deems it most advantageous to do so.
There is no reason to overstate the obvious but the clever use of words for immediate effect and to connect with the audience and the wider public is most revealing.
I am here
I am not here, not for myself but for you, my country and the BLP it is through your urgings now demonstrated by rousing applause that “I” have the right to be here.ย The unsaid.ย How could I refuse this call.
There are a few problems to overcome, the first is, we can win with me or lose with you, but the rebuttal to that is “we have already lost with you.”ย The master-stroke to that exchange will be, let the people decide.ย The strategy is already working the “rousing” applause of the audience is in the bag, they have already decided.
I wrote sometime ago that the Government will only be defeated if they get two issues wrong:
(1) Immigration
(2) Integrity Legislation
Mention has been made of the economy but there are so many outside influences at work there,ย it is easy for the Government to make a case which can be believed.
The problem the BLP will have is Immigration, it cannot be ignored and the Party which is able to successfully address it, will be the next Government of Barbados.ย Astute politicians do not just get up and speak they have a strategy and that strategy takes account of how their opponents are expected to react.
One possible get out clause – I am not saying this is Mr. Arthur’s position – is to say the situation has changed since we were in office and I last addressed the problem and in this “new” dynamic, new solutions must be found.ย That line of thought could be canvassed for a reaction from the electorate, their reaction will then determine how to proceed.
It might just work, but it could cause dissent – within – because of previous strongly expressed views against this Government’s policy.
From here on in “astute” politicians will choose their words carefully, it is for the electorate to reflect on what hasย been said, as much as what has not been said.ย The main players have started to crank up the tempo, there are many hidden cards yet to be played.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.