Commentary
An open letter to the candidatesand voters in this election
Pastor Al Ebanks
Agape Family Worship Centre
The people of the Cayman Islands are onceagain privileged to have the opportunity to exercise their democraticright to vote on Wednesday, November 8, 2000.
This is no insignificant matter when one considers all that ishappening in our world today and the many countries that are operatingunder extreme hardship and duress. Even here in our own Islands,there are many who feel they should have such right by reasonof tenure or family connections, but they, too, are unable toenjoy this privilege.
The right to vote should be considered not only a PRIVILEGED OPPORTUNITYbut the RESPONSIBILITY of every eligible citizen. By exercisingthis right, we declare that we want to be a part of the solutionto the many challenges facing our Islands, and that those whoare selected to govern must do so at the pleasure, and with theparticipation and partnership, of the people.
Many in our community, though eligible, have taken the positionthat they will not vote because it does not matter who is putin office, as they will do their own thing.
Well friends, may I suggest that if we do not vote, then neithershould we voice our concerns and criticisms against those whoare elected. A government will be elected on Wednesday.
It matters not whether you voted for those particular individualsor not, the majority of the people will have spoken and puttingpolitics behind us we must join together and busy ourselves withsolving the many pressing issues confronting our community onboth a local and international level. If you are not a part ofthe solution, then you are a part of the problem.
All candidates have been addressing issues that are importantto us - education, youth, crime, gangs, economics, high cost ofliving, immigration, White Paper, OECD and FATF, open and accountablegovernment. In many instances, their views are not that differentfrom each other.
But what about their skills, the ability to offer true leadershipand not just talk, but action? Our candidates are known to usall; we must therefore evaluate them not on the basis of politicalpromises, but their daily performance and professionalism overthe years. What examples have they set for us in their own lives,their families, friendships, businesses and yes, their moral andsocial conduct.
Are they the people we want our children looking to as an exampleto follow? My friends, we need men and women of character, honesty,integrity, and who fear God and are not ashamed to obey His word.
The Bible offers sound advice about the kind of qualities we shouldlook for in people who are placed in positions of leadership inthe church. I suggest we exercise the same wisdom in applyingthese qualities and principles to those who are offering themselvesto govern our community.
1 Timothy 3:1-16 says: "If anyone desires a position as aleader, they desire a good work. They should be of good behavior,thoughtful, hardworking, committed to their families, able toset good example in speech and conduct, manage their own homewell, (for if they do not know how to manage their own home, howwill he take care of the government); not be immature, lest theybecome full of pride and arrogance, not greedy for money, do notoffer or accept bribes (buy votes), are not gossipers or heavydrinkers, but one who sets a good example in all things."
We must take this knowledge to the polling booth and vote accordingly.Don't let anyone fool you with empty promises, gifts or specialfavors; these things lead only to corruption and show a lack ofresponsible leadership on their part, and a lack of characteron our part. Don't lose your sound judgment or objectivity becauseof this; use your God-given wisdom and vote wisely.
There is a story in 1 Samuel 8:1-22 about a people who wantedsomeone to lead them, and although their desire for leaders wascontrary to the will of God, He did grant their request. We, therefore,must understand that God will give us the Government we want;therefore, let us exercise great wisdom in choosing our leaderslest they lead us astray.
As humans, the Government finds its source of good order in God'sword (Romans 13:1-3; Daniel 4:28; Exodus18:25). We the citizensof this community must exercise responsibility by getting involvedpersonally and cast our votes.
I therefore implore everyone so able, to vote; prayerfully, carefully,fearfully, truthfully, honestly, with a good conscience, wisdomand integrity. I URGE YOU: VOTE.
Father, I pray that you, in your mercy, would grant us the leadersthat we need; capable men and women who fear You, walk in wisdom,humility and dignity, love truth, hate dishonesty and covetousness,and will not be ashamed to embrace Your name and word.
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen