EDITORIAL - The politics of 2017

 

The year 2017 is with us and we are now into the midst of events that will make for robust debate, depending on what side of the fence one occupies on various issues. 
 
In our estimation, the two happenings that will generate much discussion in Barbados are the forthcoming general elections and interestingly enough, Donald Trump taking up the office as President of the United States later this month.  
 
Many people in Barbados are expecting a year of political intrigue and campaigning, as it will be the last year before the general elections, which are constitutionally due in early 2018. 
Barbados currently possesses a healthy two-party political system which has served the country well, even if some people are adamant that there is need for a third political force that would offer another choice to the electorate.
 
This is very unlikely. So campaigning for next year has already started. However, what is very sure is that it will definitely intensify as the year progresses and the time for voting draws closer. In the scheme of things, discussions on subjects like roads, water, employment, the cost of living, and the economy, among others, will be taking place in the context of politics, which is very much aligned to most of what is done in Barbados.
 
As for the Barbados economy, it will remain in the spotlight since there remains much to be done to strengthen the growth the country has been seeing, and to deal with the other areas which still require action.
 
Trump to take over
Further north, in a matter of days Donald Trump will be sworn in as the next President of the United States, and Barack Obama will end his two-four-year terms in the White House.
 
The election of Mr. Trump continues to evoke a huge amount of controversy, and this has not been helped by his many mouthings (and tweets) and some of the controversial names who have been added to his Cabinet. His reluctance to call out Russia for its alleged hacking of the Democratic National Convention and what appears to be his repeated questioning of the intelligence officials on the subject is gradually becoming a nightmare for the President-elect.
 
During the Presidential election campaign, numerous allegations were hurled at Mr. Trump. He was able to get past them and went on to win the election. Nonetheless, these are issues which will continue to haunt him. There are key members in his Republican Party who do not like the idea of Mr. Trump getting too cosy with the Russian strongman Vladimir Putin. They along with Democrats have vowed to block any moves by the new President to remove sanctions which Obama had imposed on Russia for its interference in the Ukraine, and for the seizure of Crimea.
 
President Obama has also said that the late Ronald Reagan must be turning in his grave because of the relationship between the Republican President elect and Mr. Putin. The world will be watching how events unfold in the United States.
 
For us in Barbados, it is hoped that in following both political developments that the debates will be wholesome and be of a high standard. That speaks very much to matured political development.     

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000