NDP Radio sounds like a ‘love fest’- Douglas Wheatley
Mr Douglas Wheatley, speaking on his 3D Show on ZBVI radio on Friday February 22, 2013, likened the NDP Radio show to a “love fest”. The first airing of NDP Radio for the year was done on Monday, February 18, 2013.
The radio host said it was good that the governing party was opening themselves to the general public but added “I have to say though that when the NDP is on it sounds like a love fest...their supporters call and pat them on the backs that they have being doing a lot of good things and so forth...but you don’t hear a lot of the other comments...maybe persons who are not their active supporters as such, they don’t seem to call. I am not saying exclusively but a lot of times it is the persons of the same persuasion who call.
Mr Wheatley opined that if persons wanted improvement in a community then they shouldn’t always settle for their comfort level.”
“Sometimes the comment has to make us a little uneasy so that we may take another look at what we are doing, so having a love fest isn’t always the best. We need also to ask some searching questions etcetera to go from good to great or whatever...so that they (Government) don’t sort of rest on their laurels and say that everything is smooth and dandy. So that means that other persons should call NDP Radio...”
The talk show host also made a plea for the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) programme ‘VIP Let’s Talk’ to return to the airwaves, “because I think it is important that we also hear from the Opposition and that we are able to question the Opposition about some of their actions and to make suggestions to them for things that they might inquire into.”
Meanwhile, Sowande joined in to say he was happy that NDP Radio was back on air and also expressed similar concerns as Mr Wheatley. “I would like to ask them and to plead with them to invite suggestions in terms of how they can better govern the Territory. It is good for people to call up and recognise some of the good that you are doing and we like that but at the same time, for us to get the best possible governance, we have to be open to some constructive criticisms.”
He noted that it was critical that persons use the forum to make a more meaningful contribution to the development of the Territory and that Government be more receptive of the suggestions, questions and criticisms.
“And perhaps next time instead of it being a love fest we can really think of, even, the National Democratic Party supporters, think of some ways really that the Government can perform better, because we are in a very crucial time in history...at the crossroads...things are tough for a lot of people and we don’t want it seem as though everything is going perfectly.
16 Responses to “NDP Radio sounds like a ‘love fest’- Douglas Wheatley”
If this is a democracy, then voters have a right, indeed responsibility to hold government accountable for everyone, not just the elite few. Mr. Wheatley is correct. traditionally, those who speak up usually face retaliation. This has to stop. But how are ministers going to represent the people if the people don't speak up? Being quiet sends the false message that the silent majority approves of the direction and choices NDP/ VIP are making.
Only one instance made a difference. That was the law suit over Hans Creek and the development of Beef Island while violating the fisheries protection act and planning act. Because people acted, government seems a bit more careful (though not as much as should be). (the appeal was lost because the original law did not stand up in court as written).
We are losing very fundamental characteristics about VG while catering to a big developer. If we are to prosper as an independent territory, its fate cannot be left in the hands of wishful tourism, but start at home taking care of basic human needs, infrastructure and cultural issues before branching out. And residents need to hold ministers and government's feet to the fire. They work for us.