The Podium - a non partisan message by Mr. Calvin A. Samuel- CARICOM Youth Ambassador-Anguilla.

Mr. Samuel speaking at a recent Press Conference.

(The Valley, Anguilla) - Historically, the podium is a structure in which an individual stands to bear a message for public reiteration. The podium is a structure that sets the messenger above the others no matter how short the distance or height it is raised. Point and case, it separates the messenger from the audience not for the manipulation or karaoke of ideas but for the deliverance of profound ideas which should inform the audience near and afar. The message is meant to be intellectual, positively stimulating, simple and most of all, bearing goodwill.

Today, we are in a society where the message is one of gossip and comedy. I refer to the political jives that resonate from the platforms which we as a society eagerly call “The podium”. Recently, those individuals on the podium consistently deliver messages that are far from the profound ideas and national issues we need to hear. Yet our audiences seem to find an unsurpassed delight in their charismatic expressions of social commentary based on our local context.  Indeed I find no humor, adjoined to this, is the fact that we are being tuned in not only on the local premise but also the global perspective. In the many illustrations, politicians have perfected the art of talking around the topic and hinting at the future of the island. Also, politicians continually measure their worth by the methodical fashion by which they compare the short comings of their worthy adversaries. And in many instances, personify their message with irrelevant information giving reason they describe as the “unworthiness for office”. This uncanny magnification of personal worth over another must stop. It is embarrassing to all of us as Anguillians and those living on island.

However, there is an impeccable amount of detail sternly expressed as it regards their (proposition) achievements. I find them to be fragmented stories that only comfort the truth to the mandates that been placed in their respective ministries. While this is admirable, what we (the public) should be listening to is the number of actions given verbally, in manifesto, or information booklet by all hopeful of being elected. This way, we can measure what or how well the respective person has done or will do, so that we can truly compare individuals and their effectiveness in taking us forward. We can even decide how practical their perspective or principles may be as it regards national development. To reiterate this point, anyone once ‘in office’ can describe what they have done but legitimate progress has to be measurable and therefore, baseline information must be given in a measureable form for achievements to truly be merited. 

The significance of a person’s father, mother, wife, husband, sister, brother or uncle should have much less political mileage than we give to those relationships. The person on the platform is an individual that at the end of the day must live and abide with the outcomes of the continued political process, regardless of color or creed. Our political standard in Anguilla often sees self-worth as it compares to another individual. I find it extremely appropriate that within the recommendations coming out of the National Conference on Youth Development that “Persons in authority should be respectful to others” be made essential to adhere to.  Yet, we still find the persons on the platform which is our synonym for “The podium” acting in a contrary fashion. 

As a youth, witnessing these less than ideal demonstrations by our future leaders, find it enormously displeasing.  However, I along with other youth remain optimists, ready to cast my vote and exercise my right. Although, I feel offended by the persons who do not first respect themselves; second, respect the people they address and represent; and third, respect the country in which they abide. In my perspective, we the people form the platform; we are the ones who separate them by the short distance or height that they entertain from whether by deliberate or unintentional actions or lack thereof.

In light of the issue of education reform being brought to the platform, this pivotal issue is almost illusive due the unnecessary ramblings and so, the issue is silently engulfed by the methodical rebuttals of personal gossip by those at the podium. Rarely is the aspect of a ‘social development framework’ for human development nationally and abroad addressed. Everyone has overstepped minimum wages and the ‘constitution reform’ and what it means to us as Anguillians. Few persons have commented on and developed the idea that we need a more ‘entrepreneurial culture’ and more small business stimulation to combat the recession. Seldom is a vision for the next 5 to 10 years given through the eyes of our leaders. Does anyone truly demonstrate what it means to be Anguillian?

Things we will never hear are, 

What true sustainable development means unless it means infrastructure;

How we can certify the current skilled labor and contractors on the island so as to protect this generation and create a path for those to come;

The importance of healthy lifestyles, so that we can at least reduce diabetes the leading non communicable disease in the region;

What the current status of the national environment, health system, poverty or finances;

How we can use MOA’s (Memorandums of Agreement) as a tool to increase the agricultural productivity and potentially the Industry on the island.

What the restructuring of taxes really means.

What we should listen to are the issues and the intrinsic value each person running for office has brought and can bring for the development of Anguillians present and across the globe.

My people reflect on these words of Aristotle “I count him braver who overcomes his desires that him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.”

And finally, because we are a people who believe in land husbandry, I will say to ‘us’, continue to work hard and take delight in the fruits of your labor, as in the words Martin Luther King Jr. “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree”.
 
 

Signed,

Calvin A Samuel

Caricom Youth Ambassador (Anguilla)

Photo Caption: Mr. Samuel speaking at a recent Press Conference. He is  flanked by other CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Ms. Sangrena Harris (right), the COMMONWEALTH Regional  Youth Caucus Representatives-Ms. Shellecia Brooks (far left) and Mr. Kasseem Ford the President of the Anguilla National Youth Council.