#BTColumn – Mottley’s dictatorial style

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today.

by Dr Derek Alleyne

“Yah can’t get big works today without talking to me”. – The words of MAM

This comment by Prime Minister Mia Mottley should be seen as a call to action by the defenders of our democracy. Over the last two years, mendicancy and dependency have become the bonding relationship between the governed and the governors.

I have written elsewhere and repeat now that while most people ascribe to MAM’s rule, I believe her aim is to leave a legacy designed to shore up the not so spectacular forays into the political arena of the early members of the Mottley dynastic clan. It has become an obsession. She will accept only quiet acquiescence to her actions.

Miss Mottley by her statement at a political meeting on Sunday for all intent and purposes places her like some demagogue or as the late Owen Arthur publicly stated – a despot. Her statement also infers that DLP candidate Floyd Reifer was out of his league to suggest that he could dream big and galvanize enough momentum to deliver big plans for St. George North.

Politics for Mottley seems to be about controlling people. Examples abound from the treatment of Mrs. Merchandani to the awful expose concerning the $400 grant given to Senator Caswell Franklyn. They reflect a personality trait that epitomizes the transactional leadership model that flows from Eric Berne’s transactional analysis (TA) theory.

Wrapped up within the core principles of Berne’s TA is the notion of games. For an autocrat, ruling can be seen as a game where offers are made and once acceptance is assured then the relationship is over.

For game players each participant has a price whether it is help with a pit latrine, a mortgage, $400, a seat in parliament, a job as a consultant or access to a contracting process. By accepting help the receiver becomes tied in a dependent relationship of gratitude, loyalty and sometimes homage as the associated bond between the giver and the receiver.

Reifer is a success, achieved by God-given talents, hard work, good relations with family and friends and a willingness to be bold and adventurous.

Outside the achievements in cricket, I sat on a wall on Black Rock main road and watched as Crop Over bands that he managed eased rhythmically on the way to the highway. These few examples are signs of talent, management skills and enterprise without the prop of a public purse.

I listened to Mr. Reifer’s interviews after another
heart-wrenching performance from the West Indies team and the calm acceptance that he brought provided balm for the thousands of grieving fans and most of all to the players – signs of apathy, calmness and servant leadership.

Mottley on the other hand can attribute her success to the vicissitudes of a political system that still recognizes people’s origins as a critical asset.

Before the 2018 election whether it has been as a minister of Government or as leader of the Barbados Labour Party, MAM’s performances have been found wanting.

Barbadians are wont to forget for short term convenience the history of MAM’s leadership.

Before now there were checks and balances that kept her in line but with the size of her majority, opposition from within and outside her government has been met at best with disdain but often with punishment.

So much has been this pattern of silence that there has been no discussion about what factors influenced: Gline Clarke to leave Barbados; Sir Richard Cheltenham to resign; George Payne to be shafted; Edmund Hinkson to be dumped; Lucille Moe to be humiliated; or chief lieutenant Trevor Prescod to be relegated.

The nature of despotism is reflected in an environment where big men and women stay silent in the face of autocratic rule and offer no challenge.

Floyd Reifer has spoken up and has offered himself as a target. The BOSS wants to know who the hell he thinks he is to challenge her ward.

The problem dear MAM is that unlike many who dwell in your nest, Floyd Reifer has intestinal fortitude and has always dreamt big dreams and pursued them. Now he wants to help the people of St George North to realise theirs.

Dr Derek Alleyne is a trade unionist, social commentator and member of the Democratic Labour Party.