Dear Editor,
Definitely I can’t say for other places but observing a few local government campaigns in Region 10, one gets the unmistakable impression that local government elections have become a platform of entertainment for some young contenders, who obviously are having a swell time and are delighting in cheap shots at opponents. Many of the deliveries lack originality, and are a basic rehashing of what has been spouted time and time again. They are flat and devoid of innovation, and there is not much brouhaha over what ought to be the basic functions and duties of any municipality. Serious and sincere people do not fight to win points in relation to issues which are no-brainers ‒ it’s ridiculous. Some even make brash statements which are totally out of kilter, speaking through their hats as if elder folks are spring chickens or have gone completely senile. In fact the older folks should have been getting into their heads so they would become more attuned and less brazen and pompous, adopting a more humble posture. It is the natural order for the young to replace the old, though I wish Mother Nature could have provided some form of surety as a saving grace. And as I have always argued: it is the role of the young to be radical and daring, and to question, oppose, and revolutionize, but it should all be done with a sense of purpose, wisdom and conviction, not recklessness.
It is most important to build upon the positives that have been the foundation of their upbringing, ie, the values and standards that were set by elder folks who were leaders, parents and guardians. Hence there is need to bridge the generation gap for the sake of continuity, maintaining a nexus with that which is most invaluable. The wisdom, knowledge and experience of the old are never totally obsolete. But the behaviour of these young contenders certainly paints a picture of those who schooled them – if there are any. (By the way, are people groomed to be petty?) And I sure do agree with Mr Wesley Kirton who in his letter to SN on May 5 said: “Involving the youth in the country’s affairs is great, but we must balance youth with experience and institutional memory.”
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe