Time for politicians to listen to people

To substantiate our statement, we have been voting out administrations in the hope that the incoming government would understand the message.

Somehow it seems that in opposition the message is clear and in government the message is lost.

Perhaps we need to clarify the message so that those in office understand exactly what we voted them into office for. We the people, in an effort to improve the quality of life for all citizens, place a political organisation in office to: * Enact legislation to establish policies, standards, operating procedures and structures that ensure all the people, regardless of ethnicity, religion, community, political organisation or gender, are treated equally and with respect.

* Restructure the economy from reliance on a single sector for hard income to a multipronged approach incorporating agriculture, food processing, tourism and manufacturing.

* Restructure the governance from centralised control to community governance.

* Partner with the business community in restructuring tourism, transportation, agriculture, preservation of heritage sites and buildings, port development and Carnival.

* Immediately stop the practices that place undue hardship on citizens — like having to pay dues and fines in cash rather than online or by mail; lengthy processes in accessing government documents like passports and certificates, and ridiculously high fines and fees.

* Establish modern police practices that ensure efficient community patrols and expeditious resolution through the justice system.

* Restructure the prison system to allow for reforming prisoners and clear the backlog of cases in the courts by a system of plea bargaining and pardon for exceedingly old cases.

* Cultivate a culture of patriotism by utilising the talents of the best of our citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

After the results of a general election is announced, we live with hope that perhaps this time we will have the change we voted for.

Instead, we are confronted with new people continuing the system of jobs and contracts for party supporters, water woes, poor road maintenance, criminal activity with impunity, and a structure of government that continues to oppress our citizens.

This is our land and we should not allow our nation to fall prey to a handful of political financiers. Perhaps it is time to look beyond the traditional politicians who continue to wait for their turn to access office to continue the status quo.

STEVE ALVAREZ via email