Maybe it is simply a sign of the times we are living in, or the great Benefactor warning us as a people-to be more caring and concerned about each other’s plight, as we go about our daily lives seeking to secure higher and much higher positions, and more and much personal gains. We see and experience strange and un-usual happenings in our daily lives, and we tend to put the causes down to bad luck or the fault of others; hardly ever, or never at all in most cases, are many of us consciously prepared to see and accept those happenings as the result of our own wrong doing. And as we look around us, whether in our private lives, in the professions we operate or jobs we do, or in the public affairs we take part in as volunteers or as paid servants – we seem always to judge the other person by a different standard, than that which we use to judge ourselves. But nature, or fate, or simply the passage of time, have a way and means of bringing us back down to ground zero – to fulfill the truism, that what goes around is bound to come back around, because life is like a circle and we cannot exist outside it. As we come to the end of another year, and celebrate the recognised birth date of that great saviour the Christian community have been worshiping for over two thousands years – we are again faced with un-usual happenings in our political scheme of human behaviour and the reaction of onlookers. While the Opposition NNP group have been busy holding meetings up and down the whole Country side, and lambasting those in the driving seat of the Ship of State for their in-action, and apparent lack of ability to make things happen or get the economic machinery up and moving – supporters of either side of those two main contenders for political office, have been making their observations and adding their tuppence as they saw fit, and whether or not they had all the evidence at hand. And then I got hold of the dis-quieting news, about the apparent division inside the corridors of power of those in control and authority – and how a certain section thereof were planning or proposing to bring about a political solution. Needless to say, that the comments and concerns from John Public were fast in coming and furious in content - but up to the time of writing this article over the weekend, I was not aware of any official reaction or response from those in control of the corridors of power. But even before the article hit the streets in the local press, the other breaking news from the Opposition side were just as sudden and un-expected, and also giving cause for serious concerns about what is happening or un-folding inside that other side. Senator Kennedy Roberts was viewed by many as a very probable successor of the Leadership within the NNP – when the current Leader, Dr. Keith Mitchell, decides to call it a day and pass on the baton. Against that background, therefore, the sudden resignation and decision to opt out of front line politics by Kennedy – is clearly serious food for thought. And to add the usual chaos to on-going confusion, we hearing now above board – how close Kennedy had always been to Minister Nazim Burke, even though they contested the same North-East St. George’s seat, tooth and nail against each other; and some even throwing in the high profile NDC position his brother Vincent Roberts held before, and since after the Elections, for good measure. Maybe others are forgetting, or too timid to come forth and relate – that Kennedy was a product of the PRG era, and that is where he got his political feet very wet – so what else is new!! The point being, that we have all been so close and chummy, and shared common dreams and visions over the years – all in the national interests of our people as a whole; that it does not augur well for any of us, to de-cry and attempt to discredit the rest of us, because some of us have the guts and the foresight to tell it as we see it or perceive it. The real problem remains ever present – and that is too many of those we choose to lead the struggle, no sooner the heights attain they suddenly become un-touchable and beyond questions and criticisms. That tendency has been our political downfall – so often and for so long, that it beats my simple and logical mind how it is those chosen leaders seem always to mis-understand and mistake it. But however otherwise our people may see the problem, and respond or react to the consequences resulting thereform – the situation is ever-present and must be faced and confronted, so as to start changing our ways and methods to bring about a more settled and dependable state of affairs. Because of the current economic recession facing Countries Worldwide now-a-days, and from all appearances that situation could be with us for some time to come – our young people in these Isles do not have the opportunities to get out in search of a better lifestyle overseas. This must mean, therefore, that the opportunities have to be created or provided here at home and in our own back yard – if we are to move our people’s standard of living from where they are to some higher heights. And we certainly cannot do that, if so much of our energies are spent quarrelling and dog-fighting over every issue that crops up on a weekly basis. Nor can we do it, if everyone sees himself or herself as the chosen leader from above waiting to be the anointed one. Discussion, negotiations, exchange of ideas and listening to the other persons points of view – all in the public interest and the good and welfare of all our people – are the hallmarks that bring about settled and truly organised societies and communities. The fact that some see the same set of issues from a different angle, and have a contrary opinion from the majority – is not a reason to cast them away in the dog house and decry their position as traitorous. It is the fullest range of sharing different ideas and opinions, among a group that have common interest and outlooks – that produces solid reasoning and healthy decisions, that would be able to stand up to criticisms and in-depth questioning. As we go about these last days of the out-going year and another Christmas season – we have a serious responsibility to put systems in place, and so manage our affairs to lay down a solid and stable foundation for those coming after us to be able to pick up from where we left off. I heard some statistics from one of the Ministers, that of our hundred thousand plus population to-day – about Forty-six thousand are under nineteen years of age or thereabouts. With our un-employment figures in the over thirty percent (30%) bracket and rising – finding or providing employment for that expanding group, or the avenues for many of them to proceed to higher education wherever, is not an easy feat to achieve. And the twenty per cent (20%) vat on cell phones would certainly not come any where near to that goal. We need far more enterprising and modern day developments - to move our stagnant economy from where it is merely wallowing in ole talk, to levels of more attractive Tourists needs that will propel the financial wheels into faster positive movements that can bring about the bread and butter needs of our people. And one such avenue that should definitely be pursued at this time – is the Zublin Renaisance Hotel and Casino project in the city. But it must only come about after careful and in-depth discussion among all the stake-holders, and without any ultimatum from any quarter. The coming New Year is not going to be easy to handle from any standpoint – and we will need all the co-operation and unity and sensible input to help us through. To all who read this Column, and the many who take the time to call and discuss the points raised – have a peaceful, and fruitful and as prosperous as possible new year – and may the Good Lord continue to Bless and keep us all safe and healthy and well – in the times ahead. By Lloyd Noel Inside Grenada Columnist