Caribbean politics has become a matter of routine, and somewhat predictable. There are the usual inter-party struggles, but not in a manner that threatens the stability of the party or political system. When elections approach, there is infighting over who would be selected as candidates, or for ministerial or other posts, or whether the head of the party should also be the head of government.
All this is standard behavior, without any cause for concern regarding any negative impact on the system. But recently the Caribbean body politic has become uneasy over the seeming inability of the Westminster system to deliver economic growth, which would enhance living standards. Many discussions center on the need for a more assertive politics to shake up the system, and awaken its consciousness to the possibilities latent within it.
This assertiveness is seen in the 1930s where workers, trade unionists and anti-colonial activists joined to protest and assert themselves against the social conditions existing in the Caribbean. This resulted in organized trade unionism, the formation of political parties and eventually the achievement of independence. This level of assertive politics seems to be lacking in the current politics of the Caribbean.
Assertive politics is the collective gathering of energy, stamina and will to confront unjust situations, bringing about solutions through reason and logic, so that a win-win situation results. It is being politically correct, but in a way that uses conflict resolution strategies to achieve individual, or institutional objectives, resulting in their psychological liberation.
We all have to deal with challenges. But many individuals shrug these off rather than contest them. This leaves them feeling defeated, and they may turn inward blaming themselves. This could lead to something catastrophic. Had they assertively stood up to the situation, it would have been dealt with, leaving them as victors, with a renewed confidence in their ability to deal with issues, and therefore liberated from lethargy.
Politics is about power and influence. Political assertiveness is power used for personal or institutional ends. Dealings between individuals are power based, with one trying to game the other using subtle assertive strategies. The assertive person creates fear and respect in others, using this to manipulate them. Being assertive and achieving results liberates persons from self-doubt, and gives the impetus to repeat their success.
This is also the case with countries. At a certain stage of Caribbean development many countries felt the need to achieve independence. This came through the political assertiveness of political parties and their leaders towards the colonial power. In the case of Jamaica it was Norman Manley, leader of the People's National Party, and Alexander Bustamante of the Jamaica Labour Party. It was their assertiveness in their dealing with colonialism that sealed the independence deal and liberated the country to chart its own future.
In Trinidad and Tobago, it was the political assertiveness and charisma of Dr. Eric Williams that educated the populace to the idea of ruling themselves, and convinced colonial officialdom the country was serious, that brought about independence and liberation. In the English Caribbean, political assertiveness brought about liberation through negotiation. But in some non-English speaking territories liberation came through military struggles. So we have assertiveness through reasoning and the use of persuasion, and another type through having to physically fight for independence. Both with the same result, but with later government instability in those countries that used military force.
Even in economic relationships, Caribbean governments have had to be politically assertive in negotiating with corporations for investment, and with international loan institutions for resources to assist their development objectives. They cannot be passive. Being assertive ensures they get the best deals, or risk the consequences at the polls. Success at this liberates them from a lack of consciousness in their ability to match the strategies of Massa.
Assertive politics liberates countries from inaction and unfounded fear. It frees them from a type of respectability crafted by the plantation and colonialism, designed to foster inactivity and pandering, instead of taking direct action to accomplish their goals. It creates a new energy in leaders giving them the confidence to knock on previously closed doors, and fosters positive militancy which urges leaders on to challenge the status quo.
Assertive politics is therefore virtue-based, bringing out the best in individuals, and in a country's leaders. It goads them on to dare to think and behave in ways that show they are the equal of anyone. And it breeds a spirit of courage in the face of odds, and the belief that nothing is sacrosanct, but subject to challenge and change.
o Oliver Mills is a former lecturer in education at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus. He holds an M.Ed degree from Dalhousie University in Canada, an MA from the University of London and a post-graduate diploma in HRM and training, University of Leicester. He is a past permanent secretary in education with the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Published with the permission of Caribbean News Now.
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