By Carlton Ishmael,VP Digital

Copyright thevoiceslu

Another season and a good reason to manufacture lies.

The people no doubt are hoping and looking for free political favours for their pockets, so the political party that can skilfully craft out a plan that incites and excites the people, that must be the way to go (some politicians assume) that will give them a competitive edge and leverage.

In the case of the existing government it’s a strategy of adding to their recorded achievements, ensuring that their projects and track record speak for it. And in the case of the opposite side, it is to outdo the government in all its proposed plans, without factually giving information on their own source of financing or methodology for delivery.

Usually there are three ways to obtain development funds, one is through taxes, secondly through obtaining grants and thirdly through loans, meaning to borrow large sums of money.

The opposition has a good and long history of borrowing, but a bad record when it comes to paying back and implementation or delivery of promises.

It is clear to me the problem is not getting the money but how it is spent and managed. But in all three cases there are consequences. If you choose to eliminate certain cash avenues, such as the existing security and health levy, or dismantle the Citizen by Investment Program (CIP) then just like by reducing VAT, you will be left wanting, short of needed revenue.

With the proposed plans to discontinue payment by students who go to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, or offering free water, these plans need to be thoroughly worked out before implementation.

The government of the day is also saddled with improvement of road network and finding new forms of employment opportunities and satisfying the general needs and wants of people, but that too is an uphill task.

Education in all areas is also crucial, but the people must want to work as well as learn and also contribute through some form of taxation, because we cannot develop a country on freeness.

In the quest to get votes, many things are said, but to accomplish promises all belts must be tightened and some of the usual practices also.

The rest of the world has their issues and will not give as freely as they used to. There are many external threats, including the possibility of another world war or war in our backyard, and because we cannot depend on our own resources, our dependency on external support is determined on what happens in the outside world.

Global warming is also a factor and we as a country must secure needed cash in the case of such eventualities or mishaps, plus the usual hurricane and storm threats that can impact us at any time.

Running a country is no child’s play and talk or promises will not cut it. The development of this country depends on prudent management. Party will not save us, but good governance will.

So, before we take in all the cost-cutting measures being proposed by some wannabes, voters must think before you vote, because voting for the wrong party can cost us dearly.

I urge voters to properly follow the track record of both political parties before election day comes.

For the sake of a vote, a politician will promise you heaven knowing fully-well that you may end up in hell.

In the past it has usually been for self, but now it should be about us, and many are yet to grasp that!

What a pity!