Submitted by Yardbroom
There are times in the affairs of men – and women – when a decision taken, can alter the course of history.
The decision taken, which engineered the removal from office on the 18th October 2010, of the BLP leader Mia Mottley, had major reverberations on the political landscape of Barbados. I venture to suggest even now, before the embers are yet cold, that those decisions will be seen in the future, as defining moments in Barbados’ politics. Even at this early stage, any discerning neophyte to the political scene in Barbados, can see that since the first flash, when the flint caused the kindling to burst into life, the fire has been gently subsiding.
That suggestion leads to the question, who will rise like the phoenix from the ashes.
The question any reasonable person must ask. Is why was Mia Mottley removed from the leadership of the BLP? Is it a question of performance? If it was, surely the ordinary citizen did not notice it. Was it due to personality? When elected leader, she was the same person as she is now, and in the public consciousness that has not changed. Or were there circumstances and issues, beyond the control of Mia Mottley, over which she could never have an input, which caused her “temporary” demise as leader of the BLP.
With a tentative glance around me, I venture to ask. Was it opportunism, the lure of power and authority to be regained? Some politicians are very pragmatic, they will do what is required, often in their own interest. Opportunities perceived, can often bring enemies together, but when expected outcomes are not realized, does that pragmatic bond still hold.
When the “putsch” was started, there was feverish political activity, press conferences held, talk of malpractice, expectations were cranked up. There was the belief the Government could be ambushed, there was even talk of a snap election. I allowed myself a wry smile, and asked in a soliloquy why surrender a working majority in parliament, and go to the electorate with the “hope” of getting another working majority. . . . it did not make sense.
Those of us – of a certain age – hardened and baked in the heat of Barbados, know that in lighting a coal pot, you must ensure the paper and sticks are well alight, before you put the mahogany pods on the fire, they must be well dried, or they will not catch a-light. For if the pods are green, and the wind is in the wrong direction, you will get a face full of acrid smoke. For in lighting a good Bajan back yard fire, as in politics “timing” is everything. (Forgive the Bajan folklore).
The internal self-destruct button has not been pressed in the DLP. In Government to date, the line holds firm. No sensible politician voluntarily walks into the wilderness. . . mad they may be, but not that mad. David Thompson, as if to thwart that anticipated division, had placed in strategic positions, men to hold the line, the “expected” has remained just that – the expected.
The BLP opposition is reduced to calling for a snap general election. A plaintive and hollow call, to a government with a substantial working majority, barely half-way through its term of office. The word snap in context means “unexpected” timed to give advantage to the government. I ask of you, to think logically, a snap, “unexpected” general election, being asked for by the opposition, with the BLP waiting in ambush. Where is the snap, where is the unexpected.
Prime Minister Freundel Stewart can just govern, the electorate expects it of him.
In the meantime Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler, in his first budget was a man not in a hurry. He was just putting the building blocks in place, for a secure foundation, from where he can build a structure of some substance. . . mission accomplished.
For those who made the decision to usurp Mia Mottley, there is only the grind of opposition. Which can sap the energy of young parliamentarians, on older ones it can take its toll. The volcano has erupted, sending molten larva down its sides, venting itself destroying a lot, building nothing, now dissipated it bubbles, just bubbles. Intense mental activity can be like a lubricant to a motor. In-activity, without lubrication can cause gradual corrosion and later seizure. The road ahead is long and lonely, there are no favours to be given without authority, only the mental torture of being in a dark place.
Is it too early to ask, where did it all go wrong? Was it timing, planning or execution?
Meanwhile Mia Mottley walks with renewed confidence, the smile has regained its sparkle, there is a relaxed air about her, she talks and walks with belief, refreshed and rejuvenated. . . the electorate know she has behaved with honour.
The opposition BLP in waiting, look to each other and ask where now my friends, the response to a nodding of heads is just wait. Is that all there is. A few might contemplate the future, for lonely is the way a-head, and the waiting can be long when the “ambush” is set, and you know the enemy will not appear.
As I said earlier, there are times in the affairs of men – and women – when a decision taken can alter the course of history.
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