Ahead of the statement to the nation by the Honourable Prime Minister and Minster of Finance, I wish to comment on where we should be going as a nation. Undoubtedly, from the preview comments to HTS news, the PM will indicate that the nation cannot afford the 15% wage increase proposed by the CSA. It is instructive to note that the CSA, which composes those within the Gov’t providing the same information to both parties have indicated that they have done the needed research to show the capacity of the Gov’t to pay these increases. This is only possible if some party in the negotiations has been engaged in truth conservatism. If the CSA is saying that they can show that a government approaching fiscal deficit of 10% of GDP can alter course and generate surpluses to pay civil servants 15% increase, then in all fairness this case should be made to the people of St. Lucia. The core content of the CSA’s statement is that they have either discovered wastage approaching $ 300 million XCD or that they are proposing policies that can generate such levels of income to the country. It is indeed a staggering proposition. I am doubtful of the possibility of the CSA to show the realism of these startling numbers. The PM comments however have to be considered as a warning to all that things cannot be the same. I have always said that what is lacking in the politics of the Caribbean is creativity and boldness. Gov’ts have been lulled into the comfort zones of traditional approaches to governance, while there is a rapidly changing landscape that demands a responsive approach. We have to think outside the BARREL.
