Access to the Government?

Recently, it was announced that the government had appointed an ombudsman. The act is a first for the Federation. More importantly, it seems to indicate an acknowledgement among elected officials that the voice of the consumer and voter must be heard and not just during elections.

St. Kitts, gladly, is joining a growing number of Caribbean countries that have appointed ombudsmen, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda, Belize, Dominican Republic and Haiti.

See http://www.jis.gov.jm/justice/html/20040512T180000-0500_2536_JIS_OMBUDSMAN___AN_INSTITUTION_PROTECTING_THE_RIGHTS_OF_CITIZENS.asp

Admittedly, we are all aware of our country’s history of partisan politics and the act may be seen as no more than a shell attempt to quell critics that say little is known about the government’s actions, spending and decision-making process. I don’t wish to delve into that particular argument. That’s the job of the political opposition.

Meanwhile, this is a significant move which I would like to celebrate, even if only for a moment. I would urge Kittitians to make the best use of this new government official. While he has been appointed by the government, he answers to the people. As Merriam Webster defines it, an ombudsman is:

“A government official (as in Sweden or New Zealand) appointed to receive and investigate complaints made by individuals against abuses or capricious acts of public officials”

“One that investigates reported complaints (as from students or consumers), reports findings, and helps to achieve equitable settlements”

Ask questions, put your displeasure or satisfaction on the record, demand the results of hearings, reports and travels.

In other words, make the government answer to YOU!.

Can you go home?

Recently, I went to an accountant to complete my taxes (Sidenote: first time I had to do that ... but owing a state over $1,000 would certainly encourage anyone to seek professional help). Anyway, I digress. Going back to my original point, my accountant made a comment, who interestingly is a native of Antigua, which gave me reason to pause.

In our casual conversation he asked, ‘Do you plan to return home?’ My answer was quick and assertive. ‘Of course, as soon as I finish my education.’ A few weeks have passed since that conversation. However, the question still resonates. Now, I have somewhat changed the question to ask: Can I return home?

If we are truthful with ourselves, we all want to go home. Home is, after all, where the heart is. But we are forced to ask ourselves, can we go home? Are there opportunities? Is the environment conducive to your professional and personal growth? Can you contribute?

I know too many friends who struggled on their return home to find jobs, secure positions that would utilize their skills and qualifications and then build a career. It’s a tough choice for young professionals. While I long to give back to my country, I am hesistant to make a choice that stymies my growth.

Admittedly, I don’t have answers to these questions. Rather, I pose them to the other young professionals at home and abroad.

Can we go home?

Customer Disservice

The customer is always right!

WRONG!

At least that seems to be the case more often than not in my twin island federation. While you can find many courteous employees at various businesses in the federation, there is still an unflattering prevalence of disservice, disrespect, disregard, and even disdain exhibited by many ‘service’ workers.

I can see your heads nodding in agreement already. I invite you to comment and share any incidents of customer disservice you have experienced in the federation. Here is a recent one I witnessed at the RLB International Airport:
December 2007: Waiting to collect checked bags at RLB, a FedEx employee (a young lady), accidentally dropped a large box on the foot of a middle-aged lady (returning national). Her reply to the elderly woman’s cry of pain: “That’s why allyuh need to kip allyuh backside one place!”

{By the way, why does passenger luggage and cargo arrive in the same area of our highly touted international airport? Stay tuned for more on this.}

More Media Outlets Equals Weaker News Stories?

Everyday I read the newspapers and listen to the radio from home online. I love being able to keep up with the current events. However, it never fails that I leave feeling more confused than enlightened. The media plays a very important role in society. It can be a watchdog over the government, a teacher for the people and a mirror that reflects the attitudes and norms of society. After weeks of reading news stories and feeling cheated, it raised the question for me: Shouldn’t more choices in news outlets mean better news stories?
There are at least four newspapers, three radio stations and granted only one television station in St. Kitts, but the choices have certainly increased. Most of us can remember when there were only two choices for newspapers and one choice for radio and television. So we have certainly stepped up but why can’t we still get reliable, quality news?
Newspapers are considered the crème among media outlets because the medium allows the writer more space and usually more time to research and present their readers with an in-depth, quality story. Television is crunched for time. A good story gets three minutes while non-breaking news will suffice with a minute and half. I know the reality of radio and television production.
So if we have all these choices now, what is the obstacle to providing accurate and credible news to our people? How can we have so many newspapers that only publish what can be considered fluff stories or rewrites of government press releases?
I think a little more pride should be taken in the words that fill the pages of the newspapers and definitely the screens of the Internet-based versions. The World Wide Web is a blessing and a curse. It connects us to the world, but it also connects the world to us. Unfortunately, if the current selections of news items that parade the websites of our media outlets are an indication, I am concerned and slightly embarrassed at the message that is being sent about my beautiful country and the intellect of my people.

IS IT TIME FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS IN ST. KITTS?

Well, the topic has probably aroused a response already and I could probably just stop writing, but I shall force myself to expound on this issue.

It may be hard to fathom but St. Kitts (specifically Downtown Basseterre) actually has “RUSH HOURS.” What is even more striking is that our “RUSH HOURS” rival those of metropolitan cities like New York City (relatively speaking).

So isn’t it time for traffic signals in St. Kitts?

Traffic signals have become a valuable tool for ensuring traffic flow throughout a community. Some of the signals are timed to work with other traffic signals and allow continuous flow from one signal to another. Others are timed so that if you are driving at the posted speed limit, you will receive a green signal at each intersection as you progress down the street. Others are on preset timers where the red, green and yellow indicators will cycle for a specified time period.
Considering the growing vehicular traffic on our island, I think it is about time that we implement a proper traffic signal system in our island.

It would be ideal if every driver could drive without stopping from one destination to another. But we live in the real-world, not a vacuum and free flow is not possible even with the most intricate, well-designed traffic signal systems. However, the goal of the St. Kitts Traffic Department should be to provide the most comfortable and safe environment by getting the greatest number of vehicles through the system with the fewest stops.

We boast constantly of our economic growth, educational advancements, manufacturing & construction growth, increasing tourism development etc, but with these advancements have come more and more vehicles on our roads (which have little or no room for expansion). So isn’t it time for traffic signals in St. Kitts?

Footnote: Nevertheless, I hope that we don’t totally end the traditional traffic officer at Fort & Cayon Streets, I enjoyed seeing that a lot as a child and still do and tourists enjoy seeing the flare and style with which it is done.