Political hypocrisy on all sides of the divide result in nationals abroad feeling especially affronted. The audacity of these politicians to feel that the general citizenry is void of perspicacity is mind boggling. As such, I hold no brief for anyone of the political gladiators (government or opposition) as they have all equally contributed to the scholarly/professional demise of this country as people continue to leave in droves.
Imagine, we have the guardian of the public interest going on a diatribe about a leak of a report instead of focusing on the content, but the same individual was unfazed or his conscience was on sabbatical when confidential files from his office ended up on a political platform denigrating a citizen in the most vile way with behaviour unbecoming of such an official and being endorsed by his superior as evidenced by their silence.This guardian of the public interest on the government's side seems to be in political hibernation whenever members of his side commit grave indiscretions, impropriety and far-reaching acts of immorality but is quick to vilify in a vociferous manner ad nauseum the indiscretions of those on the opposite side.
Similarly, on the other side of the divide, the opposition faction, termed government in waiting, leaves a lot to be desired. Their moral conscience seems to be on a respirator as it only operates at times. Where was the Leader of the Opposition or his protege to be rightfully condemning at all costs in all manner and form about the "calcutta ship" and the flabbergasting statement made by a subordinate on the "being too black to be prime minister"?The silence was and is still deafening. How on earth could someone who spent thousands of tax-payers dollars in a wig emporium in North America be placed on the political throne in the Senate? How is that different from the same injudicious and unethical actions of a member from Tobago who spent tax payers money for self-gratification? The only consolation is that in the latter's case, restitution happened.
I reflect and reminisce on all of this and remind all right-thinking citizens to remember the renowned statement and provocative poem attributed to pastor Martin Niem�ller (1892�1984) about the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis' rise to power and the subsequent purging of their chosen targets, group after group:"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out–because I was not a socialist.Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out–because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out–because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me–and there was no one left to speak for me".
Carlyle Hinkson,
Diego Martin