by Kenrick Quashie
Senior public servants have been the quiet force holding this country together. You deserve to be respected, valued, and trusted to perform your roles professionally, free from political interference.
You know better than anyone that the wheels of government turn because of your professionalism, your experience, and your dedication to duty and not solely on politics. Yet, too often, that professionalism has been disrespected, manipulated, and exploited for political gain.
It is a known reality that many senior civil servants were initially appointed due to political alignment. But what’s done is done. You have the position. You are not anyone’s pawn. Your qualifications and hard work sustain you, not their favour.
We all know the stories:
- How your honest, professional recommendations have been ignored or rewritten for political expediency.
- How you have been dictated to by politicians on what to write or recommend.
- How you received a call or even a cursing from a minister or party operative, demanding that you bend policy to suit their politics.
- How you have been left carrying the blame for the deception to their political supporters while being forced to enforce the politician’s will.
We are aware of the immense stress and fear when certain politicians call, knowing it might end in a disrespectful outburst or a barrage of expletives. You do not have to live in that fear any longer.
This election is an opportunity for relief. It is your chance to free yourself and your colleagues from the daily tension and degradation of political interference in your job.
Consider the next generation: your children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. If the tables were turned, and they are not supporting the ruling administration, would you want them to endure the victimisation, exclusion, and humiliation you have seen others face? Would you want them to be treated the way you are currently being treated by political leaders if they have the government position you hold today?
Things do not have to be this way. You should be allowed to execute your duties professionally, knowing that your obligation is to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, not to transient politicians.
Every senior officer sees daily how mismanagement, favouritism, and abuse of process have eroded the integrity of the Public Service in procurement, hiring, promotions, and the deliberate sidelining of those who refuse to “bow”.
But you are not powerless. You are not voiceless.
You do not have to speak out loudly. You can speak quietly at the ballot box. You have the power to:
- End this cycle of abuse.
- Ensure that no one is forced to persecute or humiliate their fellow Vincentians again.
Look around. You know the truth:
- You know how appointments are orchestrated to make it seem like politicians “gave” you your post, so they can hold it over your head like a leash.
- You know how patronage is used to demand loyalty instead of professionalism.
- You know how fear has become a primary management tool.
This is not their country alone. It belongs to all Vincentians. You owe no politician your silence or your servitude.
This election gives you, the real stewards of the state, a moment to reclaim your dignity and the integrity of the Public Service.
Go quietly. Go thoughtfully. But go with purpose.
Vote for change from this current type of governance. Vote for freedom from political bondage and the politicisation of the Civil Service.
Vote for your profession, for your principles, and for the future of your children.
Vote for a clear conscience.
Let us restore integrity to public service. Let us remind those who hold office that they are the servants, and we, the people, are the masters.
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].