Bonsai tree politics has stunted this society

Dec 09, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – It is foolish to celebrate broken systems! There may be hope for people and things that are broken since such people and things can be fixed, but broken systems must be replaced! It is my view that some political parties fall under the broken systems category. Persisting with them will never bring success or betterment for the nation and people they represent. These groups are like the Chinese’s bonsai trees, they may age, but they are so set in their ways that they cause nations to be stunted.
This error of retaining dinosaur-like political parties and failed political figures have caused much damage to many countries of the so called developing world, where issues such as tribal and ethnic politics have resulted in the people of these nations being manipulated by selfish people whose agenda is to enrich themselves and not that of national development.
I have had the privilege of growing up in the Caribbean during the time of great leaders like L.F.S. Burnham, Michael Manley, Fidel Castro and Cheddi Jagan. These leaders were all for developing their nations and uplifting their people. Their promotion of the trade union movement and other issues, such as free education have benefited many. So also, was their involvement with the Non-Aligned Movement, which saw the coming together of great nations and their leaders.
It was Michael Manley who said, “we know what that system has meant for us…And tell them anytime they are willing to deal with an honourable Jamaica built on principle, sovereignty, pride and dignity, then we will talk the investment of the money. But if we are to return to our knees, they can keep the money we will find another way.” He was addressing Capitalism and Colonialism at the time.
There seems to be a lack of respect for the values pointed out by Mr. Manley in much of the politics shown by some today. And in local Caribbean politics, some seem to be bent on seeing to it that their countrymen who do not look like them return to their knees. The regional unity called for by the four great men who signed that famous CARICOM agreement seems to have fallen on deaf ears. The language of many in government is now rifled with the “we” and “them” phrase.
I solemnly hope that there will be a return to that kind of thinking as attested to by Mr. Manley, who was confident of finding a better way for his people, and ridding ourselves of selfish agendas, which only benefit those in power and their friends, or those who look like them. I am fed up with this bonsai politics masquerade!

Apostle Adrian Wade

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