Poor are not represented
Two of the news stories from 31 October sit ill together: Shetland’s political leadership seek to gain increased powers to “strengthen communities” (SIC in devolution talks; SN, 31/10/14) whilst there is a growing gap between the haves and have nots (Need for food parcels in wealthy Shetland is ‘absolutely disgusting’, says CAB manager, SN, 31/10/14).
Some of the increasing number needing help from the Citizens Advice Bureau have children. Being raised in poverty is a strong indicator of staying in poverty and, in turn, of raising future children in poverty.
The political will to gain greater power and wealth for Shetland is strongly apparent: less so the political will to use existing wealth and power to lessen social and wealth divides within communities. It should not be forgotten the oil wealth was set aside for social disturbance.
It was always understood the huge social changes brought by the arrival of the terminal would see some win and some lose. Much more could surely have been done to strengthen the vulnerable in communities using existing wealth and existing powers. Little restrains Shetland Charitable Trust from undertaking activities that are genuinely charitable.
Recent letters to Shetland News are also concerning, as they are providing further evidence of dysfunctional politics.
The voices of the poor and marginalised are not represented in the calls for a rebirth of the Shetland Movement (Time mto resurrect the Shetland Movement; SN, 20/10/14). This insular horse served several of its most prominent riders very well last time it was out of the stables: less so those who let themselves be taken in and taken for a ride.
Shetland’s long term future will best be strengthened by increasing the number of people who can access opportunity and participate in decision making – by narrowing social divides.
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Shetland’s inability to work towards more Nordic social outcomes is less hindered by Edinburgh, Westminster and Brussels than it is by a political class who would look first and foremost out for their own kin and their own kind.
If “stronger communities” were the genuine goal, things would not be as they now are.
Peter Hamilton
Berlin
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