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iKNOW Politics: What challenges have you faced as a woman in this leadership position as Senator? How did your background prepare you to meet these challenges?

Mary King: The challenges I faced were mainly those of a Parliament operating under the Westminster system where first-past-the-post elections give all power to the winning team. The party in power will have its way although we are given the opportunity to have our say. The Trinidad and Tobago Senate is made up of the following members: 15 appointed by the party in Government, 6 appointed by the Opposition Leader and 9 appointed by the President. The latter 9 are known as the Independent Senators, (of which I was one) having no party allegiance and expected to work in the interests of the country, always striving to get the ‘Best Act’ possible in the national interest. The Constitution spells out for the President how he is to choose these 9 independent senators - from outstanding persons in the country having certain qualifications, economics, law etc. I am an economist with a focus on development economics.

My background in economic research of the energy sector, finance and gender issues would have played a major part in preparing me for the role of an independent senator. Our country is one based on oil and gas and it has not learned the lessons of boom-bust scenarios which go with this type of economy, the ‘plantation’ system. When oil price is good the Government distributes it among the various sectors, trade and distribution, the social sector and construction. When times are not so good then we tighten our belts and borrow to meet the Government’s budget. Some of us economists have over the years researched this curse known as the ‘Dutch Disease’, developed best methods of diversification and laid these on the table for absorption by Governments over the years – so far to no avail.

I also was responsible for the formation of the National Women’s Caucus in the early ‘90s which set out to develop women for leadership roles in the society and the Parliament. It struggled with membership for some years and died perhaps because women were not then ready for leadership roles. Today it might be more successful.

My economics led me to courses in financial management and financial planning thus I was probably more than ready for my role in the Senate. I am a firm believer of hard work and most of that is geared towards national development, economic, social and political.

iKNOW Politics: In your opinion, what should women candidates be aware of while running for a public office? What specifically would you recommend to women running with limited resources and in male-dominated societies?

Mary King: Women should be aware that money plays a big role in party elections. At this time in Trinidad and Tobago the Prime Minister has just dissolved the Parliament prior to an election which by the way is not due for another 30 months or so. However, it has been reported in the press that his party will spend TT$ 150 Million on this election- that is about US$ 25 million (and we have only 1.2 million people). The other parties report that they have no money and are looking for about TT$ 12 million or about US$ 2 Million. With such vast differences in financial assets it is more likely that the party with the most money will most likely sway a greater number of people to vote for them. Also, historically financiers prefer to finance male candidates thus women are at a disadvantage in their campaign capability and usually depend on the party for funding. Of course this opens up the whole question of election campaign funding regulations and legislation, of which we have nothing in place. My own work has also included being Chairman of the local Chapter of Transparency International which has done a lot of work on the financing of political parties. I am also Secretary to the international body of GOPAC – the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption and our work there includes Parliamentary Oversight, Anti-Money Laundering and Political Party Funding issues.

iKNOW Politics: Can you tell our readers about a particular policy change you have contributed to since you were elected that benefits women?

Mary King: For many years many of us have written about, lobbied for and generally were very vocal on the need for a Children’s Authority as we have a serious problem with abuse of children. There are insufficient social workers, community police or even pre-school facilities in Trinidad and Tobago. I particularly have been lobbying for support for financially challenged single parent families. Our Government insists on having many make-work programmes all of which take the single parents out of the home. In my view a system that would engender batter nurturing is to keep the single parent at home by way of paying a dole or a family allowance like in the UK. In that way small infants are better taken care of, and live with the love and protection needed to allow for their development especially during the first four formative years when they are developing that sense of being loved and giving them the confidence of being a part of a family. So far we have succeeded in getting the legislation padded to establish the Children’s Authority and the establishment of a family court. I trust that the next Government will give priority to rebuilding family life and instilling the importance of having more responsible parents with stay-at-home mums especially in financially challenged homes.

iKNOW Politics: Are there lessons learned you would like to share with other women leaders?

Mary King: I cannot say that lessons have been learned as I am usually stubborn on points which I consider important. I would only suggest that when you have done your work, researched an issue and your view or proposal is not in keeping with what others may be thinking even in the case of a vote on a particular Bill, go forward with your own viewpoint, your decision based on your research. Do not allow the view of the majority to change yours as if you do your position will not be aired or debated and you will never know if you could have convinced the others to come around to your viewpoint. If you do otherwise you will have lingering doubts forever.

iKNOW Politics: Has your leadership style changed over the years?

Mary King: I do not think my leadership style has changed over the years. I may be swayed to change my opinions at times but it would only be based on a logical argument or discussion and based on a viewpoint that I had not examined before.

iKNOW Politics: Do you think you brought a new perspective as a woman?

Mary King: I may have brought a new perspective as a woman.  My own experiences which took me from being a registered nurse in Britain, a midwife, a pediatric sister, an operating theatre sister to doing a degree in economics and mathematics in Trinidad and Tobago, becoming a registered financial planner, Chairman and Director of several Boards both in the private and public sectors, Chairman of Joint Select Committees of Parliament, all of these experiences would have given me a particular perspective that few women would have had in life. I am sure all of these experiences have shaped who I am, how I think and how I make decisions. As a matter of fact it has been said quite frequently that as a woman I am not supposed to think the way I do.  So, yes I would say, I have brought a new perspective as a woman.   

iKNOW Politics: How has support from other women helped you in your work?

Mary King: Other women in my life, my mother, my sisters and close friends would have encouraged me to continue on my path. As a matter of fact it stands out very clearly in my mind when I was about 15 years old; my mother informed me that I could be anything that I wanted to be. I took her advice soundly.

iKNOW Politics: Do you think that being a part of a global network, such as iKNOW Politics, can help women at all levels of politics and their supporters to succeed in their careers and to mobilize around issues of common concern?

Mary King: Being part of iKNOW Politics must be of assistance to women at all levels of politics. Unfortunately it has only recently been born but nothing comes before its time. In today’s world most politicians and leaders have access to the Internet and if we all do our part in our own country more and more women will learn about it. I must congratulate GOPAC and its leaders for bringing this initiative to its members and trust that the male members of GOPAC will also introduce their women MPs to it in their respective countries. In that way circles of enlightenment will be born and developed bringing about stronger parliamentarians and a wider vision of the possibilities for women throughout the world.

iKNOW Politics: If you were to make one recommendation, what piece of advice would you share with iKNOW members, particularly women candidates, as they progress in their political careers?

Mary King: Investigate parliamentary models throughout the world. Examine them against your own model. Ask the question “Does your model give you and your country folk the best possible democratic system for people participation, open and free discussion, transparency and accountability, oversight of the Executive and enforcement of the laws you help bring about”? If your system is not working in the best interest of bringing about a strong democracy do not be afraid to work to achieve this goal. In this way you will ensure you have done your best to ensure your government is not working in its own best interest but is working in the country’s interest. We must work for open government, transparency and accountability, equity in distribution, value for money and efficient law enforcement. The people elect the government and the members of parliament. The parliament approves the budget, brings about new laws or amendments to existing laws, and, its third important role is oversight of that government on behalf of the people who elected them to office. The role of parliament to its people is an onerous one and therefore it is imperative that only persons of integrity with a passion for improving the lot of their people should be considered for such high office.