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| Volume No. 1 Issue No. 42 - Wednesday May 07, 2003 |
Conversations Among the Deaf
 by Maureen Paul
One would have thought that by now it is obvious that the seemingly endless discussions, sans the readiness to implement serious visionary proposals, is getting the nation of Dominica no closer to the end of its political and economic malaise.
Undoubtedly, spirited discussions are healthy and desirable. The unmitigated flow of discourse enables the dissemination of information and facilitates the exchange of ideas. According to the age-old adage, �knowledge is power� and as such more power has been afforded to the people of Dominica.
Certainly, much of Dominicans increased political awareness and recognition of the economic struggles facing the country can be credited to the many discussions and debates that permeate the media and everyday conversations. What�s more, it allows the expression of (dis)content and informs the government of what the majority of the body politic desires of them.
Nonetheless, like most other things, too much of a good thing when misused can be bad for you or in this case a country. Too often these discussions serve as purveyors of misinformation.
This is more acute when people choose to not listen to what others are saying thus making them more susceptible to misrepresent and cloud the issues. This malady is manifest in Dominica.
At present, the discussions vis-�-vis the political and economic destiny of Dominica, have become what can only be described as conversations among the deaf. It appears that people, including the government (who some might argue is the main culprit), are not truly listening to each other and consequently constructive ideas go unnoticed.
In other words, it would be correct to say that the people, including those in power, are effectively deaf to each other and impervious to sound advice.
So no surprise then that the discussions have degenerated into bickering and �mepuis� (Dominica�s very own weapon of mass destruction) leading to very little progress. On this account, many are discouraged.
Some have been scared away from making valuable contributions while others have given up hope and have chosen to leave the island in search of calmer and more promising shores. Unquestionably, this status quo is an impediment to progress and paralysingly so.
Given this, one would be excused for thinking that Dominicans are predisposed to talking rather than acting. Rewind six months back and the same issues that now occupy the Dominican people are being discussed.
What about a year back? Oh dear! Yes, it is the same things being battered to death. From all this discussing what has been achieved? These discussions have given rise to useful ideas and proposals but what have become of them? By the looks of it, they have fallen on deaf ears!
Is it not time to act? The need to act (that is, within the constraints of the law) is not only a cause for the government. The people ought also to do what is within their power to help move the country forward.
It is imperative that people listen to each other and to the government and likewise the government to the people before plunging into attacks and counterattacks.
Moreover, it is necessary to act on the ideas and proposals offered or at least give them serious, rather than passing consideration.
It is definitely possible to work together for the common good without compromising party loyalty. Surely, country loyalty supersedes party loyalty! And what if the current demand for the government to call early elections does not materialise, will we allow the remaining years to be plagued by yet more conversations among the deaf?
God forbid! It is time now to end the era of deafness where it seems that only self-serving bureaucrats reign supreme. Indeed, it is time that Dominicans combine their efforts and engage in some facet of nation-building.
All � both resident Dominicans and those living abroad � should seek ways and means to help propel the country towards prosperity.
This is not an insurmountable endeavour and need not be an arduous task. It can be as simple as joining or supporting one or more of the many pro-development civic groups currently in existence .
The media ought also to inform the public of such groups and bolster participation in them. Put succinctly in Dominican vernacular; c�est temp pour nous mettez t�te nous epi tj� nous ensemble.
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