It’s ironic really. One party complains about criticism levelled by the other and invariably replies in kind, whether by style or in substance, or both, touching of further rounds of more of the same. So it goes in politics in Bermuda as the kettle calls out the pot and vice versa. Some of it, I swear, Mr Editor, you couldn’t make up even if you tried. But please don’t. It isn’t that it isn’t helpful. It is not. It’s just that it only serves to widen the divide and deepen the division.

Don’t get me started either on the racial implications, both the intended and unintended, left open, in some instances, deliberately, for interpretation and misinterpretation, building on and reinforcing the worst stereotypes. We see it on the blogs, pretty quickly too, and hear it over the airwaves. It is more than just grist for the political mill or noise. It is fuel for fires.

Sadly, it’s all very predictable. But let’s not kid ourselves either. The party partisans love it. Most of the time, in fact, it is done for their benefit to shore up flagging support. It’s also a useful tactic to deflect and distract from some of the other real issues.

Some would simply put it all down to party politics. There’s probably a kernel of truth in that. I have been there and been a part of that. But I don’t think party politics is going to come to an end around here any time soon. The stakes, power, are too high and too close for both parties. Party politics also seems to be deeply entrenched in our political culture. Despite any claims to the contrary, both parties and their supporters have strong roots in the party culture.

So what’s to be done, you ask? Well, first off, you can count me as among those who think our system of governance requires reform, it’s the key I believe to changing the political culture around here. There are others who think and feel the same way I do and I am grateful for their encouragement.

We are not alone.

I happened to come across a really good opinion piece last week on the Caribbean News Now! website (www.caribbeannewsnow.com) entitled “Our Caribbean: Dictatorship in a democracy?”. The headline is intriguing, the subject matter compelling. Check it out yourself. But here are some of the highlights of what the writer has to say to whet your appetite:

* The Westminster system was inherited and accepted at face value “with little sustained critique as to its relevance to the way we really do things”.

* Our inherited system is arguably “a drag on our progress because of numerous procedures, debates, the fragile nature of our political parties and questionable allegiance to them”.

Familiar themes? Read on.

* Once elected, “democratic practice is either sidestepped or regarded as an inconvenience”.

* Decisions are not necessarily made through consultations at all levels “but are handed down after meetings with inner circles and interest groups in the form of directives.”

* What we end up with is an “institutional dictatorship within the framework of a much heralded democracy”.

The commentator is concerned that our system of governance through its institutions and practices legitimises “dictatorship, arrogance and political puffery”, and what we see emerge is a kind of dictatorial mentality in action like that of a class prefect or past colonial administrations. Consequently, he calls upon the “politically conscious “of the Caribbean to “educate their people into a new and different kind of political culture that promotes dialogue, respect for persons and their views.” In his view: “Dissent must be seen as positive thereby enriching the democratic process. This is the antidote to emerging dictatorial tendencies.”

I don’t know the author. He is Oliver Mills, a former lecturer in education at the University of the West Indies who is a past Permanent Secretary in Education with the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He is apparently a regular commentator with Caribbean News Now. But while I do not know him, I share much of his analysis of what’s wrong and what needs to be corrected.

Prescriptions vary. I have mine and this week I go right outside the proverbial box: -

* So much of politics is fuelled by ego and jockeying for position. Believe it or not, party politics features internal rivalry as well. LOL. Let’s bring this constant focus on one person to an end and rotate the leader on a predetermined basis. He or she is after all only meant to be “the first among equals”.

* One reader went a step further: Adopt a version of what they have in Northern Ireland. The leader is chosen from the party that wins the most votes, the deputy from the runner-up. Places at the Cabinet are similarly assigned based on how the parties fared at the polls.

* My perennial favourite: we can then have a shadow backbench by which MPs through committees shadow the Ministers, providing the opportunity for work, understudy and, eventually, advancement.

Modify the system. There is a good chance we will modify behaviour, attitudes as well. Sure it will ultimately come down to those who are elected to serve. But there is nothing wrong with strong encouragement to get them moving in a new direction. My father used to tell as children when we misbehaved: Birds that can sing but won’t sing can be made to sing. Ouch! But he was right.

Share your ideas and views on The Royal Gazette website or write jbarritt@ibl.bm.