By Denys Springer
The Devine Rights of Kings written by the British Philosopher Thomas Hobbes is currently a reference to the political philosophy that describes the Allen Chastanet–led administration.
By the same token to the narrative, a country has succumbed to immorality comprising leaders detached from morals and values. This has contributed to the country becoming one that is “Solitary, Poor, Nasty, Brutish, and Short”.
Hobbes described this as “Man in the State of Nature”, in his book “The Leviathan”. He was concerned about ‘the war of every against every man which constitutes that state of nature above. He made it clear that “in this of nature there would be no morality whatsoever”.
Is that what we are now witnessing in the politics of Saint Lucia – in addition to a prime minister who has duped himself believing that he has some divine right to rule.
On further examination was the prime minister indoctrinated in his early years that his colonial traits represented at 2-3 percent minority of the population and 95 percent control of the socio-economic fabric, gives him some right above the majority of Saint Lucians?
This may well account for the unapologetic comment that “colonialism had a conscience” and the composite brain matter, that now needs to extend general elections. The intent is clear – maximum control – greater rewards for neo-colonialism.
Nigel Warburton writings in Philosophy, says: “The classic points out the thinking of Thrasymachus who maintains that what goes by the name of ‘justice’ is simply whatever happens to serve the interest of the strongest”. He goes on to write that “power is all that makes something right. Justice is simply a matter of obey in the self-serving rules set up by the strongest”.
This is what is being witnessed in our so-called “State of Emergency” [ … October 16, 2021] that cannot be justified. But being a government that usurps the constitution to outfit the legal definition of the term “convenient” has been used as a tool for the political tribe.
I return to Hobbes state of nature to what is emerging in this pristine land of ours, largely due to the arrogance of so-called leaders.
Take for example: how can a government in a so-called State of Emergency, introduce “COVID Wardens” and after three months disbanded? What is the motive for pandemic tourism while COVID-19 cases continue unabated? Why the pretense that COVID-19 protocols are being observed?
Why the thrust for tourism and related industries – to lives and livelihood – while the hospitals lack basic medication and bed sheets? Recognizing that the government is not caring about the basic needs of the people; then who are the beneficiaries from the stimulant to political projects and gamesmanship? This, in theory, is sheer balderdash and poppycock.
We must liberate our minds and we can only do so by getting this government out of office. John Locke wrote in “the Two Treatise of Government “the idea that the people had a right to overthrow an unjust government” and that “God created us as equals not to be used by one another”.
The aim of any government should be about identifying common interest and improving the lives of people. We cannot continue to support poor leadership and engage in colonial and/or neo-colonial projects which is pernicious and pervasive where the majority of citizens in the country are treated as second class citizens. We must restore some sobriety and normalcy and that means liberating ourselves from the politics that was.
We must ask ourselves an important question if we are to forge ahead after the elections. What does corruption do to a country?
We, therefore, have to go back to what true democracy is about – government of the people, by the people and not the form of government that pontificates “The Belrose Doctrine is systematic”.
I am reminded of “the Elusive Eric Williams written by Dr Ken Boodhoo where he illustrates what Williams saw as the necessary “social qualification” for advancement were colour, money, and education in that order of importance.
Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, on the other hand, believe that “our natural freedom is a necessary part of our humanity”. There is no doubt in my mind, that going forward will not be an easy task, as the body of the country has become cancerous with corruption.
