By Heidi Badenock
After many weeks of speculation, discussion, and protestations, we have seen charges being brought against three individuals in the Cornelius John saga. Coupled with the bringing of these charges, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the person of the director of public prosecutions (DPP) herself saw it fit to prepare and release a statement as to the steps that were taken in the investigative process and ultimately the decision to lay multiple charges against named individuals. In the midst of this however, to the surprise, or not surprise, of many, charges were laid against Mr. John.
The public has, of course, formed their opinions on the independence of various public offices such as that of the commissioner of police, director of public prosecution and even that of the magistracy. There has been much discourse surrounding the integrity of these persons and the likelihood of justice being obtained despite these charges being brought.
This article, however, is not purposed for determining, agreeing, or disputing any sentiments felt by members of the public but, however, to examine how we arrived at this point.
So how did we get here?
The long and short answer is that we have made our beds and we are now lying in it. We are reaping what we have sown. Now if you feel offended by that expression, let us turn away from your personal affront and consider all the instances in which you, or someone who know, have made a seemingly innocent choice which was not necessarily right, but did not appear to do any harm.
We all know of an instance where we have accused someone of being dunce for doing the right thing; or where we called our police friend to teach our antagonist a lesson. We know of instances where a “small money” was passed to someone to help us with something; or where we closed our eyes to varying forms of abuse to stay out of “man and woman ting”.
The list of personal choices that we make that impact on the current societal breakdown is endless. The fire that we once had for the development of our country has now been set back to finger pointing. Yes, it is easy to point the fingers at the politicians and those who are deemed to be their minions, but how did those politicians get there?
We can blame the police and say that they have fallen below the standards of policemen and women who performed with integrity like our fathers and grandfathers, but how did that standard fall?
We can blame every single person in a position of power both in government or opposition for whatever infraction we think they, or through their agent may have committed against us, but how did that happen?
The breakdown in the agents of power in St. Vincent and the Grenadines can only be attributed to us as a people as we continue to make allowances for dishonest conduct. We welcome certain types of behaviour and when the proverbial horse bolts the stable, we ask ourselves how we have gotten here? When we give those persons, we deem to be superior to us an inch, and they take the whole mile, why are we surprised?
We are to blame and conversely, in us lies the salvation of our nation. As the cause of our problems, we too can be the solutions. It is no longer enough to lay blame. The time to act is now.
The opinions presented in this content belong to the author and may not necessarily reflect the perspectives or editorial stance of iWitness News. Opinion pieces can be submitted to [email protected].
Very well laid out .couldn’t have said it better
Very interesting article! What I get out of it may be different than what another person gets. Many mistakes are made by making decisions based on emotions rather than thinking something through. We may vote for the politician that makes promises even though they have a track record of never fulfilling promises; but instead because the crowd or a trusted person says it is the right decision. Many choices are from greed, lust or other such reasons. In the present court case, the establishment may “win” the case, but in doing so they may just “lose” the people. They probably believe that by the next election they will somehow make the usual promises and bare “gifts” to win enough of the “doltish” back. After all the mistakes through the years, it may not be enough. Then, some of them, after a loss will ask: “How did we get here?”.
GREAT article
Seriously? So are you arguing now the average person is responsible for the misconduct and dereliction of duty for professionals etc? Actually, this presentation amongst to blaming victims for just being or existing.
Wow.
Quite profound and intriguing!
I totally agree with you Ms Badenock. Well said.
We must make our FAITH a joint effort now to remove SVG from where she is at. A hearty welcome to the 2 young lawyers on the picket line however, we need to see more.
I applaud the ability to identify with the root cause of the state of affairs in the country. ” we the people” and what we accept and allow, for want of fame, money and allegiance.