In her bi-weekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.
Dear Sisters in Struggle,
As I embark on the task of expressing my journey in the realm of politics, I find myself traversing the tumultuous terrain that has defined my existence—a landscape marked by victories, challenges, and an unyielding quest for justice. It’s a narrative that commences with the resounding echoes of my family’s legacy, resonating through the corridors of power and shaping my destiny from an early age.
Picture a young girl captivated by the tales of her father and grandfather’s endeavors in the realm of governance. Their names etched in history, their commitment to public service stamped in my very being. From the U.S. Virgin Islands to the echelons of power in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, their influence transcended borders, fueling within me an unwavering determination to follow in their footsteps and leave an indelible imprint on the world.
Yet, the path to political prominence proved to be fraught with peril, as I soon discovered. As a Chief Researcher to the former Lt. Governor, I bore witness to the intricate ballet of policymaking and the inner workings of government. However, it was during my tenure as a senator that I encountered the full force of the political machine—a machine fueled by corruption, deceit, and an insatiable hunger for power.
The campaign trail, envisaged as a bastion of democracy, metamorphosed into a battleground where personal attacks and character assassination reigned supreme. Overnight, I transitioned from being revered to reviled, from cherished to cast aside. The venomous hate and slander hurled in my direction cut deep, leaving wounds that may never fully heal. It felt akin to being ensnared in an abusive relationship with the people of the Virgin Islands, where the same hands that once uplifted me now sought to tear me asunder.
My very womanhood became a target for their attacks, with every aspect of my appearance, demeanor, and personal relationships subjected to vicious scrutiny and distortion. Fabricated stories about my finances and personal life filled the airwaves, each accusation cutting deeper than the last. The weight of it all left me grappling with anxiety and uncertainty, unsure of what each dawn would bring.
Nevertheless, amidst the chaos and desolation, a beacon of hope emerged—a beacon illuminated by the unwavering solidarity of my fellow women, women who I never knew, but who reached out offering kind and uplifting words. In their unwavering gaze, I discerned the strength and fortitude that pulsates through our collective veins—the fire that burns within each and every one of us.
No doubt that the delicate balancing act that women in politics are tasked with mastering is a tightrope walk fraught with contradictions and double standards at every juncture. Should we exhibit toughness, we are swiftly labeled as unlikable. If we demonstrate softness, we are summarily dismissed as unfit for leadership. Should our careers take precedence, accusations of familial neglect abound. Conversely, should we prioritize our families, our dedication to our work is called into question. The ceaseless barrage of expectations and judgments seeks to confine us within suffocating boxes of acceptability.
Yet, we steadfastly refuse to be bound by such constraints. We reject the attempts to silence our voices. For every obstacle strewn in our path, we discern an opportunity to dismantle stereotypes and surpass expectations. We stand united as daughters, sisters, mothers, and warriors—bound by a shared purpose and an unyielding resolve to forge a brighter future for ourselves and the generations that will succeed us.
There are devastating consequences of unchecked abuses when abuses of power result in the degradation of the weaker elements of any given system and, inherently, the more powerful elements as well. As I grapple with the weight of my own shortcomings as a senator, I cannot ignore my complicity in perpetuating a system rife with corruption and moral decay. I steered most of my focus on the economy, the pension system, the disaster recovery efforts along with COVID, the environment, and our youth. Hence, my failure to enact meaningful reforms aimed at promoting transparency and integrity in our electoral process haunts me, serving as a stark reminder of the immense responsibility I bear for the state of our political landscape. I unwittingly contributed to the degradation of our democratic ideals and the erosion of public trust in our institutions. To put it bluntly, my inaction only served to perpetuate the very system of political warfare that I later found myself a victim of.
Forgiveness in this realm remains an ongoing struggle for me. As I navigate through the complexities of forgiveness, I am reminded of the importance of embracing empathy and compassion. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, I acknowledge the great difficulty of this journey and the need to remain steadfast in my commitment to seeking healing and reconciliation.
In this month of celebrating womanhood, I extend my deepest wishes to each of you. Happy Women’s Month! May it be a time of reflection, empowerment, and solidarity as we continue to strive for progress in every sphere of our lives.
To my fellow women contemplating an entry into the labyrinth of politics, I extend these words of solace and empowerment: You are indispensable. Your worth is immeasurable. Your potency transcends bounds. Do not allow societal constraints to dictate the trajectory of your dreams. Embrace your ambition, your passion, and your resilience, secure in the knowledge that you possess the capacity to achieve greatness in any path you choose to pursue.
As I navigate the shifting tides of my political journey with a heart brimming with hope and a spirit fortified by resilience, I extend my hand in solidarity to each and every one of you. May we all continue to journey in sweet grace.
With unwavering solidarity,
Janelle K. Sarauw
