Dear Editor,
I leap in full-blooded support of Mr Lincoln Lewis’s missive ‘The Region Five Chairman has committed no infraction in relation to his official duties’ (SN, July 24) which addresses the present face-off between the Region 5 Chairman and his councillors – “a matter that has no place in the formal business of the council.”
Are we really on the path of harmonizing our people after all the talk, big fuss and gala displayed for our 50th independence jubilee? Were these things just an empty show? The present impasse is indeed so foolish and nit-picking, and is taking precedence over other urgent affairs of the Region.
Mr Lewis is all the way so correct: “Councillors are elected to develop and manage programmes on behalf of the citizens of that region … To be demanding an apology for not attending a function that is not on the official business agenda and programme of the region is ludicrous.”
And what to me seems even more ridiculous is to see the fervency, the zeal with which they are steadfastly pursuing this matter; they feel so right and so proud in their unrelenting demand to bring the Chairman to book for what they consider a major infringement – “disrespecting the President”, when it is nothing more than partisan sycophancy masquerading as law and order.
An apology is indeed nonsensical for the Regional Chairman not attending the handing over of buses to the Region ‒ wasn’t his deputy there? Come on, does this matter merit such action? I’m not in any way endorsing any disrespect of the President, and I agree that protocol must be observed.
Further I have no problems whatsoever with a stand on principle, but why stop the clock on the forward movement of the Region over an issue that isn’t quite an issue. I just don’t get it.
And what now with this African dress that they have adorned themselves with to enforce their demand, just where we are going, how does this help social cohesion!? If only these combined energies could be spent in the conducting of the people’s affairs, imagine what could be achieved. It is time that someone within the hierarchy of the party or government be bold and mature enough to knock some sense into these councillors’ heads.
My my! Just who are we? I tell you, with this behaviour, the next 50 years will find us running on the spot. Don’t doubt me, look for the words of the prophet between the raindrops.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
