Changing The Fishing Laws Is Commendable
Contrary to what they may assert, perfection
has never been among the attributes which even the best politicians
can boast.
In his book, "The Politics of Change", the great Caribbean
political stalwart the late Mr. Michael Manley, former prime minister
of Jamaica, stated that politics is about power, its acquisition
and its use.
Many political practitioners may, from time to time, seek to dispute this definition, but over time by their very actions they all invariably prove to be subscribers to this precept.
If truth be told, Mr. Manley's definition of politics is nothing of which to be ashamed. It is a reality which every practising politician should readily accept and be willing to embrace to his or her advantage.
Part and parcel of this ethos which was so eloquently pronounced by Mr. Manley, is the understanding and appreciation that an essential element of success in politics is the acquisition of an understanding of the importance of how the people are thinking.
This modus operandi, over time, has served to shape the best of policies and ultimately some of the finest political leaders.
By a particular action in the Legislative Assembly last week, the Cayman Islands Leader of Government Business the Hon. McKeeva Bush has demonstrated that he has his fingers on the pulse of the people and that he is indeed sensitive to their concerns.
Changing the requirements for a fishing licence for expatriates from the proposed $1000 per month to $400 per year or $150 per month is commendable.
It is significant because Mr. Bush did not cow-tow to pressure, but rather, it would appear, endeavoured to strike a balance.
This was summed up in his statement when he said: "I am sure that even this amendment will not please everyone. Nevertheless, the government has a responsibility to protect our natural resources for future generations. In order to do this today we must achieve a balance between Caymanians' traditional right of access to our marine resources, the importance of those same resources to our tourism product, and the growing pressure placed on our fragile resources by an increasing multicultural population. I believe that this amendment achieves this balance."
Although it was not pronounced by Mr. Bush, his actions clearly illustrate that he is willing to accommodate dissent, the management of which is integral to the survival of any politician, leader or otherwise, in these times.
The point which must be clearly understood is that dissonance strengthens democracy.
Dissent facilitates the discussion of issues and the clarification of positions on a range of topics and at the end of the day, the ventilation of diverging views provides the safety valve of democratic practice.
Mr. Bush said the government believes that this legislation as it is now presented, more accurately targets the destructive fishing practices that the original amendment sought to address; that is the non-traditional taking of "small juvenile" fish from the shallow waters around our islands.
We are satisfied that he has indeed struck a balance without sacrificing the intent of the original policy and legislative intent at the altar of political expediency.
What is now needed is for all residents of the Cayman Islands, not only the expatriates, to adhere to the rule of law to validate the spirit and letter of what the officials are trying to enforce for the betterment of those who make these beautiful islands their home.