Montserrat: Politics and Masquerade

Things move quickly in Montserrat Politics and Masquerade, slowly and then quickly. Politics is that dance and drama of ambition which makes for theatre. We always open with church and end with drama as people move from chorus to centre stage.

We have our own Ophelia stamping her little foot and pouting: “It should be mine, mine!” Fair enough. She was after all the first who I voted for once upon a time (a week ago), because I know that in all truthfulness, she is both gifted and capable and would be sincere in her efforts. But (and here comes the butt) if indeed what each member of the PDM party pledged was true, i.e., “To Put People and Their Needs First” then her first priority is to serve and not be served by.

And then there is the other pledge, much larger and heavier: “To Do No Harm”. This eases the pain somewhat which comes with ambition. Granted this is easier said than done and I confess that I too would be smarting and feeling that I had catch a lash. But then again I didn’t make the pledge. I merely voted them in.

Next we have the petulant son, who sincerely believes that he should inherit the keys to his father’s Kingdom by right. (By virtue of inheritance?) Unfortunately, neither charisma nor ability can be willed. They can be wished for but not guaranteed. I recommend that he listens to Billie Holliday’s Blues:

“Mama may have,

Papa may have

But God bless the Child that has his own.”

Yes, family can only pray for you, even sister can’t ensure deliverance. This must be earned. Again, this is easier said than done.

Finally, as to the PDM party as a whole, I think they need to remember that naïveté is a luxury which only the Opposition can afford. Once in power, no such grace is allowed.

Remember that Twisty the Cat has nine lives. He has only lost six of them so far. He has boasted, “Six times dem a try fe get rid of me and here me still be!” And he’s right. He is more than capable of intrigue, guile and mischief on his own. He needs no assistance from PDM by way of internal squabbles.

PDM should remember that is not twenty-twenty (T20) cricket; this is test. And assuredly, they will be tested. And they will need more than bread and circuses and smooth dance moves for the long distance.

Ego and ambition will ensure only a quick exit and a cheap wicket. Only concentration and a willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team (remember The People?) will get them through.

The good news is that Premier Romeo will emerge at the end of these trials a much stronger, more seasoned politician and perhaps even be able to remain a human being. Whether or not he chooses to run again, (which from the outset he has firmly stated that he has no desire to do) remains to be seen.

Let any who lose heart along the way simply listen to their pre-election speeches. I have made certain to make recordings of everyone so they might actually hear themselves to remind them what they were about in those Eden days.

We watch and pray with great interest and love, still.