'We are now only seen in terms of our party affiliation'- Doug Wheatley
According to him, “Party politics came into its own in the 1960s, where little groups that would get together for an election prior to that and then after the election they kind of melted away and so forth. However, from about the 60s, we had real political parties.”
“Do you think it (party system) has served us well or has it polarised –that is divided up- the society?” Mr Wheatley asked his listeners on June 27, 2017.
The talk show host said he brought up the issue because on numerous occasions persons have expressed to him that the party system has been the worst thing that was implemented in the VI because it has divided the country.
He further added that the party system allows people within the community to see individuals as a Virgin Islands Party (VIP) or National Democratic Party (NDP) supporter rather than just a person.
“We are no longer just human beings and people; we are now seen in terms of our party affiliation,” said Doug.
There are two main parties that are presently active in the Territory: The National Democratic Party (current ruling party) and Virgin Islands Party.
‘Party system does not serve a purpose’
This drew a response from a caller that stated that the party system does not serve a purpose in the VI.
“There is no ideological distinction. The BVI is basically in practical survival mode. A party is put in place and they do the best that they can for the BVI.”
The caller added, “It seems to me they are generating and promoting that party system as nepotism. That seems to be the only real beneficiary. I think the best 13 people in the BVI who have the qualifications can actually run this country.”
‘No ideological difference between them’
In agreement with the caller, Mr Wheatley commented that there is “no ideological difference between them” and over the years the party system has divided the community. As a result, this has led to the ruling party surrounding itself with only members of its party and the opposing party members are left out.
“I think we all have to join hands and heart in order to develop our country in the interest of all. It cannot just be; this is what the NDP or VIP wants. We have to develop it for everybody,” the show host added.
Mr Wheatley continued, “This is something that we really need to address in a serious manner because they are the ones who are involved with the direction of the country. If it is a broken system, what can we do to fix it or if we don’t think we need it, we can get rid of if.”
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8 Responses to “'We are now only seen in terms of our party affiliation'- Doug Wheatley”
The party system is not the problem. If the party sytem is not the problem, what is? Supporters of members of the parties demanded stuff for their support and members obliged. This demand developed a political dependency and political patronage. Over time , the attitude developed that if you are not for me, you are against me. This attitude evolved into tribal politics. Instead of the debate focusing on policies it too often resorted regrettably to the politics of personal destruction.
Ok. Now you got me thinking differently. What I hear you saying is the party system is not the problem. It is politicians responding to the need of voters. Meeting the demands of voters created a culture of dependency that will not change unless voters change it. Voters are addicted to politicians meeting almost their every need so nothing will change, although they know some of them are non performers. A cultural change is needed but the prospect is not bright. Things will have to hit rock bottom to drive change. The BVI is in a hopeless state. The state will have to crash and burn to change state. Very few people give a rat's @$& about the state as long as they can pay their car note, mortgage.......etc. But the Dawg say Barry Say You Will Hear.