‘Punch and Judy’ politics does the Isle of Wight no favours – we must all work together
By Kevin Smith, Chief Executive, Isle of Wight Chamber
It’s election time – again! The local council elections are looming and we also go to the polls again in June to select an MP. From the Isle of Wight’s perspective, I think we have quite a lot of opportunity to take advantage of to create more wealth and prosperity for the Island. It has been a fairly tumultuous period recently with a lot of uncertainty around the impact of formally leaving the European Union. Well, as all business people will know, there is always opportunity in periods of great change. On the Island we must seize that opportunity in whichever way it presents itself.
Part of being ready is to ensure that your business is running as efficiently and as effectively as it possibly can be, to be fighting fit and prepared to face whatever challenges may lay ahead. In assisting the business community and helping the Isle of Wight to be able to grow and develop I would like to ask all prospective councillors that are putting themselves forward for the May elections to consider how they can work with and on behalf of the Isle of Wight to gain maximum benefit for the Island’s community and its economy.
I would further ask them to refrain from getting involved in ‘Punch and Judy’ politics and the political or egotistical point scoring that seems to dominate public life, strong though the temptation may be. It does the Isle of Wight no favours whatsoever.
The Isle of Wight is a small community. About half of it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and we have some world class businesses located here. So, the challenge for us all is how do we all work together to face the challenges that this community may face and how do we, by working together, overcome any challenge that is presented to us.
After May 5th I want to be able to work with not just the Isle of Wight Council, but all of the local town and parish councils, for the betterment of the Isle of Wight. Whether that is the work that we have done and are still encouraging with the Ryde Masterplan; or the work that we are doing with the Bay area, that will maximise its potential; or the work we are doing with the Isle of Wight Council on the delivery of an Economic Plan for the Island that increases more high value, high paying jobs; or the work we do with schools and education to support and encourage young people to be ready for the world of work.
If we can all subscribe to this and work together positively and constructively with shared aspirations, that must be good for everyone. We won’t always agree on everything but we must be able to move forward and work through any differences or lack of understanding that we may encounter. Infighting and backbiting should have no place in working to improve the wellbeing of the Island and I say that if we come across it we should shine a light on the naysayers and bring them out from their dark corners and hold them to account if they are blocking or attempting to block positive economic or community development.
To those individuals that I have worked with in the past who have struggled to understand this, let’s have another go and see if we can make great things happen for the Island. To those who are newly appointed to positions of power and influence, let’s work together to grow and build the Isle of Wight economy for the benefit of all. I very much look forward to working with you all.
