The holiday season has started in earnest. Although we do not, of our own accord, celebrate halloween and thanksgiving, we get caught up in the spirit in support of our guests and guest workers. But we do celebrate the Christmas season with all our might.
Consequently, we recognize, according to the words of Solomon, that “to everything there is a season.”
And the time of the season has come to lay down our pen.
We thank those who have been dedicated readers of our Friday blog. We appreciate the ones who have distributed it on their Facebook pages or in their WhatsApp groups.
We have even smiled at the special delivery vehicle that one individual created to share it with her public.
Many have encouraged me with their comments. Some have been brilliant in their analyses, others scalding, but all appreciated.
Although we can never claim to be an Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, a Russian, who was arrested for having criticized Stalin in his letters, we are aware of some discomforts that have arisen from time to time in the halls of state and are not insensitive.
But, as the parties begin, we, too, cast our glacé away from certain disappointments, that result from the way the state exercises its considerable power and control over the lives of the people of this Territory, to family and familial gatherings and merrymaking.
BVI is a beautiful and special place and we encourage its present caretakers to do the greatest good for the greatest number for that is the essence of democracy.
Of course, we are disappointed with the 3rd December notice that robs the lowest paid in the community. Without their services, the system would buckle.
“On account of a matter of policy…” there is a postponement in the minimum wage increase that was slated to take place on 30 November.
The business community trusts its government but the government seems to have scant respect for it.
For starters, the proposed implementation date of the increase was totally against the business community. No one does budgets at mid-year.
The business community screamed to the deaf ears of its government; A common occurrence; So, given the dependence on employees’ services, businesses bit the proverbial bullet and splattered red ink across their books.
Because of the expectations of their employees, they agreed with Freddy Mercury (Queen) that “The Show Must Go On.” This time, Mercury was wrong. Implementation was postponed and Christmas, for those workers, may have been stolen.
And we are not sure that anyone cares.
If they did, the pensioners would still not be without an increase when retired politicians have received their increase, the 13 are silently counting theirs and government workers were paid.
For all the marching, speeches, posturing about the contributions of yesterday’s workers to the fabric of today’s BVI, we have pensioners who receive less than $400 per month.
And they are being pushed deeper into poverty while officialdom drags its feet and kicks the can down the road with bureaucratic finesse.
But we have a world class public service.
If such dereliction takes place under the watchful eye of an overseer, imagine how the people’s interests would be managed in an independent BVI?
Sometimes, I tremble.
Although I should not have to;
On Fridays.
Happy Holidays. Make it count! Be safe;
And, Happy Friday.