My National Shame

It has been two weeks since St. Vincent and the Grenadines has celebrated its national independence, and I have still not overcome the national depression that had over taken me. Although the 27th October 2011, was a significant date in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; this occasion marked the thirty second anniversary of St. Vincent's independence.

This occasion was a special and grand occasion for all Vincentian. The Rt. Hon. Robert Milton Cato, the then Premier of our multi-Island State, took the mantle and perused a course, that had only been an after thought, on the minds of the social class. However as of late, the unfortunate reality for me is; I have been unable to conjure up, a sense of national pride that should accompany such auspicious occasion. This is so because, at this point and time in my nation’s history, there is nothing for me to be proud of; but a lot has happened to cause me to be a shame to claim St. Vincent as my own: my home.

Contrary to what my critics may think, this is not an exhibition of a lack of patriotism on my part; for it is only the patriot in me, that cause me to experience a nauseating ache, deep inside of my being, when I see, the sad situation that exist in my country; a situation that encourages a consistent display of mediocrity on a regular basis. Such is not only practice by the uneducated but by Vincentians of all works of life; such is exhibited in the sad level of professionalism that we accepts, have grown to be comfortable with, get excited about; the poor level of performances we lean credit to and that which is exhibited by my people of all works of life; educational qualification and profession. But what is most Sad is the fact that the citizen of every other nations, has come to expect nothing more from or of us; as a result, they give us patronizing compliment; which is the most embarrassing tribute, one can ever receive.

On the anniversary of SVG's independence, many people saw it fit to take the time out of their day, to convey positive independence greetings to me; in all honesty, I was unable to sincerely accept and convey such happy greeting to anyone.

Like me, most Vincentians are praying, hoping and longing for something meaningful to be proud of. We are void of any thing or person of significant of which we can be proud; as a result, we stretch back into our rich history and hold onto the fact that Carib Chief Joseph Chatoyer was Vincentian, (unconfirmed findings) the fact that we once had on the music scene lyricist and such as, Alston Cyrus "The Becket," Winston Soso and others, a world renown musicians and musical arranger in the person of Frankey McIntosh, we proudly hold on to the pass in order to hide the magnitude of shame we experienced today.

It is no doubt that my people are desperate for something or someone to be produce of. This is displayed in the excitement my people generates, around carnival time, over the mediocre, poorly constructed, lyrically senseless calypsos, and Soca that finds there way on the local radio stations. Such trash is not good enough, to be exported to a foreign radio station but may receive a patronizing air-play to appease the egos and maintain a mutual relationship with those who provide the song.

There are many things about my country and people that embarrasses me and so, I PUBLICLY declares that I am embarrass with the level of professional mediocrity that is displayed by the Prime Minister Gonsalves and his inability to make decisions void of his legacy, I am disappointed because, my county is over run by balls-less males, who are incapable of teaching our young men by example the qualities that a real man should posses and exhibit, or the qualities a dedicated father and faithful husband should model; or what is to be expected of and from a man of integrity.

My eyes literally became, engulfed with tears as I reflect on the state of my country; when I think of the rapid decline in moral, the lack of applied ethics and the sweltering economic; the advancement of criminality even by people who were considered responsible people, and the over all social state of my nation. I am troubled.

I am concerned and very worried for the real state of my country and people, leaves much to be desire. We have become professional at living a lie and at distorting reality; as a result, we have devolved, socially, economically, and morally. Unfortunately; present leadership is in capable of inspiring and or leading by example in generating positive, productive change; their conscious effort only seeks to do the direct opposite. Today my country and people are experiencing a rapid level of degradation that frightens me tremendously.

Really Ralph, Really! You, a strong Leader?

Prime Minister of St. Vincent: Ralph E. Honsalves

Delusion is a treatable mental illness; that cause one to hold fast to an unrealistic believe in something that is false or erroneous. Such believes cannot be supported by facts, other logical findings, culture practices, scientific studies etc. Although such disease are treatable; it is important to note that if one who so suffers is not treated in a timely manner, the illness can escalate to a point where the victim may lose touch with reality, find it difficult to interact with his society and therefore may be hospitalize and treated.


Delusion is not an isolated mental illness; in that, in most cases, Delusion is a symptom of a more severe mental illness that must also be addressed with the greatest of urgency. In other instances, delusion is self impose; when this occurs, it is done as a defense mechanism and it aids to protect the victim from some traumatizing event in there lives; a means of escaping some failure or to avoid confronting a serious or impossible task. Self-imposed delusion is also a very serious mental illness and should be taken seriously.

It is quite easy for a rational person to take the views and opinion of one who is suffering from delusion: as lies. The person who suffers from self-imposed, delusional disorder may not be lying; the strange thing about this condition is: the person believes what he or she is saying, is actually the truth. It is a simple case of one believing the lies he or she tells. The deluded person is unable to differentiate between errors and truth. In the head of one who suffers from, delusional disorder; their reality is turned inside out and do not harmonized with societal norms and the reality of rational thinking people.

The Recent exposure, as it relates, to Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves; in an official meeting with the United States of America’s ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, saw Ralph E. Gonsalves bad talking (bad mouthing) his Caribbean politicians. This was done in a desperate attempt to gain the favors of the USA. Ralph E. Gonsalves; the prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; saw it fit, to take his gutter politics, into a meeting that was meant for states men and women; he also took the liberty to use racial terms (Mulatto) in referring to one of his regional colleague; this make the Prime Minister look like a insecure little boy.

The Dr. Heckyll and Mr. Jive personalities show up in Prime Minister Gonsalves. For when he approached Venezuelan President: Hugo Chavez, with his hat in his hand (hat in hand) trying to encourage Chavez to bad spend Venezuela money on his nonsensical project, he always take the time to shout the praises of Hugo Chaves and ALBA. But when he was before the USA ambassador with his lip puckered up, ready to kiss the posterior of the US ambassador, in what was a private and confidential meeting, without thinking twice; he betrayed his conscience, Hugo Chavez and ALBA. Not knowing, in the same manner he entrapped and exposed his then political counterpart of Stanly John that his double edge personality will be exposed in like manner; revealed to all, the conniving unprofessional that he is.

It is important to note that the US ambassador, conclusion of Ralph E. Gonsalves the Prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines was: He is a master of contradiction. This is the kind or diplomatic way of saying that Ralph E. Gonsalves is a pathological liar.

After all his dirty linens is aired in the public, and after the USA ambassador conclusion of what she though of Ralph E. Gonsalves personality; made PM Gonsalves and the citizen of St. Vincent look like idiots.

Would you believe that after all that had happen; Prime Minister Gonsalves had the hart, the belly and the guts to say, the wikileak exposure make him look like a strong leader. Really Ralph! This exposure make you look like a strong leader? Ralph Gonsalves’ remarks had caused me to confirm my diagnosis of him. Ralph E. Gonsalves is in deed suffering from: associative Delusional disorder.

As if the foregone revelations was not enough, Gonsalves’ disclosure in a meeting with the Caribbean Development Bank, (CDB) where he admitted; the National Commercial Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines had a cash flow problem and would have gone belly up, if not for the timely intervention of the CDB.

This revelation came after months of lying to Vincentian, as it related to the condition of the National Commercial Bank, an institution that was owned by the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; an institution that was the symbol of Vincentian independence, national pride.

The question that must be answered is: is Ralph E. Gonsalves suffering from self-imposed delusion or is there a greater psychological problem that is responsible for his Delusional disorder?

A Nation Of Failure

The recent re-election of Ralph E Gonsalves and the Unity Labor Party which he autocratically leads marked the rapid downward fall of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, into a pit of irreversible moral practice; Economic hardship and the birth of organize systematic corruption.

It must be understood that the character and action of the head of a nation, tends to impact the moral of that nation’s people. Ralph E. Gonsalves’ behavior has proven him to be a man out of control; one who is on a collision course, a train wreck, just waiting to happen. His action and vocal expression had qualified him to be a man who has not learned how to control any of his appetites. And this is evident from his physique and the many allegations of varying degree that were brought against him.

It is also unfortunate that Mr. Gonsalves, has proven by his action and his attitude to be a victim of that which he personally facilitating and encouraging among the masses. He to, is also a victim of a lack of self-control and helplessness and he has so nurture a nation of followers who has so develop the same bad habits within their lives. Habits, they will unwillingly pass on to their children, creating a negative cycle which will plague generation of Vincentian.

Today Vincentian youths had awaken, in a society of grown boys and girls, most of whom has reached and surpassed the age of Adulthood; a large portion of whom has visited and now dwell in the realms of and holds their Senior citizenship. Yet, they have not matured into the men and woman they were meant to be. They are all suffering from self-imposed mental dwarfism.

This condition occurs when people intentionally forfeited, the opportunity to develop the uniqueness, Yahweh have planted within them. Instead, they seek to be lazy and rely on another for the things they were equipped to attain for themselves. They have refused to face the challenges of life and make the sacrifices that are require for success. They sit back and play it safe, choosing rather to rely on a handout, than to be innovating, engaging and ambitious.

Too many within St. Vincent, have fall into this rot, they have allowed themselves to be strip of the virtue of hard work and sacrifice; instead, with pride they down and models the panhandler’s garb, in order to attain goals they are capable of attaining. Laziness confused them and has caused their little minds to see and pursue what appeared to be the easy way out. However, the easy way out, turned out to be the most difficult journey ever; one that robs them of their self-respect, their dignity and a sense of achievement.

Their lack of fulfillment cause them to seek employment in fields they cannot function in and pursue promotion into post that is far outside the scope of there ability; they attain such at the sacrifice of the country and competent people: now in order to clean up their bad name and dirty characters; they hirer cheer leaders to distort the truth and sing their praises by peddling lies. Trying to convinced intelligent people that the voodoo they are selling, is indeed conventional medicine.

Today, St. Vincent is littered with a people, who have grown so accustomed to getting something for nothing; that in expectation, they have abundant their thirst for justice, their ability to sound an objective voice and they have lost their taste and their passion for truth. These new attitudes among my people have confronted the allegations; which accused Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves of tampering with the common Entrance results, (rearranging the top positions) with wall of silence.

It appears as if our children’s hard work and industriousness was rewarded with indifference and corruption. What messages are we sending to our children? Is this really the legacy Ralph E. Gonsalves want to leave behind? Are these the actions of one who love his country and the people?

Today many of the nation’s youth have walked in the dishonest footsteps of their parents and have skillfully learn how to survive in the corrupt environment that was callously crafted for them. As a result, they have transformed that learnt-helplessness into lucrative criminal practice.

Like their parents, they have refused to develop strong sound character and make an honest effort to attain their goals. They acquire things yet happiness always seems to evade them, they are dishonestly propelled into position, yet they are still not contented with the free ride; they associate with so-call important people yet the never feel like they belong and their friends labels them as successful, yet within, they feel like failures. How sad!

Now the parents and grand parents who by their example, (action speak louder than words) have so able socialize this new generation into an unscrupulous, disrespectful, lawless cohort; are now living in fear.

Pat (Patrick) Prsecod; must be hanging his head in shame for his hope for the country that he love so much; which was expressed when he penned the song “God Bless Out Home Land”; in which he stated: “God bless our homeland fair isle of the Carib see, may Peace and Justice here be found.” Unfortunately for Sir, Pat Prescod and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Ralph E. Gonsalves by his arrogance, uncontrolled appetites, and his continued efforts to cause the a miscarriage of justice has single handedly shattered this dignified man’s dream for his country. But then again, a people get the government and the society they deserve. The American patriot: President Benjamin Franklin rightfully said- "Those who would give up ESSENTIAL LIBERTY to purchase a little TEMPORARY SAFETY, deserve neither LIBERTY nor SAFETY."

Coming To Terms With the Electorial Lost of the New Democratic Party

Many of the die hard New Democratic Party (N.D.P) supporters, at home and aboard, have not yet come to terms; with the narrow lost the N D P suffered and the electoral victory of the Unity Labor Party (U.L.P); as was resulted in the December 2010 general election,  which was held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It will be interesting to note that I came to terms with and accepted the defeat of the N.D.P weeks before, the general election was due.

This does not mean, I no longer want to see the back of Ralph E. Gonsalves and his Unity Labor Party, but there are certain things, which are more important than winning a general election and thus changing a corrupt government; replacing that notoriously corrupt government, with a government that consist of a party that has certain elements in key position, which would places that government in the unfortunate position, to exceed the degree of corruption and level of victimization of it predecessor.

My unique insight, awakened my consciousness and alerted me, as to certain profound behaviors, attitudes and practices of the elements in the New Democratic Party, which led me to a disturbing conclusion, which was: to elect the New Democratic Party to govern the affairs of the State, in the last election; was not in the best interest of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Such would have resulted in an even further moral and ethical decline and would have so widen the gap of the community's political partisan dogma; which would have blighted St. Vincent and the Grenadines and propelled the home of the blessed into a political free fall, such as is experienced in Jamaica: where politically motivated violence reign unchecked.

I know that many of the NDP supporters especially those who are realistically and unrealistically expecting an improvement in their present conditions, when the NDP takes over the reign of political governance will say I am chatting foolishness and I am switching political sides now.

However; before I go any further, I must take some time to set the record straight, as it relates to my political affiliation. I am not and have never been a member or an unconditional supporter of the NDP or the ULP. I am a champion of truth, honesty, integrity and Justice and therefore a supporter of Mr. Arnhim Eustace. This is so for the mere reason, I have seen the qualities I hold dear, on consistent display in the life, action and spoken words of the Hon. Aenhim Eustace and by extension; such qualities must be a part of the character of this honorable fellow. This together with my admiration for the Major’s sense of fair play and respect along with my disapproval of Ralph E. Gonsalves' total behavior and general conduct were the chief motivating factor; that led me to throw my full support behind the NDP.

You may be wondering, if my earlier statement as it relates to Arnhim Eustace’s character is true, why did I conclude; electing his party or the party he now leads, would have had a devastating negative impact on the behavior and attitude of the nation’s people?

It is not enough that Mr. Eustace is a man of integrity, strong morals and outstanding ethical values; it is also important that those whom he take into his confidence and those whose judgment and counsel he trust are men and women who are cut from the same or similar virtuous fabric; unfortunately this was/is not so, but this is slowly changing.

Like Sampson, there are those who like deliah, under pretense of love for country, have captivated the attention of this good man. they have cunningly worked their way into his confidence and he have grown to trust their judgment and counsel. They did this by playing the hypocrite’s game. Unfortunately; their core values; political and governmental management goals and objectives for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are not the same as those of Mr. Eustace.

They are not concern about building a kinder more gentler St. Vincent and the Grenadines; but are hell bent on exhorting revenge, get what the can, to prove other wrong and to making a name for themselves at any cost. It is important to note, that every organization has such people in them, but an organization can only be successful when its leader or leaders knows of the general goals objectives and intent of such people; it is only then that such people, their suggestion and counsel be placed in there correct prospective.

Unfortunately; in the New Democratic Party’s case, such people have weaseled their way into the confidence of this moral giant and they have been slyly spreading their poison around, many have been deceived by the alluring odor of their toxin and are taking deep breaths to the detriment of their integrity and their ethical well being.

Fortunately, for St. Vincent and the Grenadines; God don't like ugly and the stripping process has already begun. Their actions are leaving them bear backside in the view of the public. Now; it is important that you pay attention to the activities in the next few months, these people will be revealed for the snakes they are, for the soft flesh that disguise the rough scales that covers their nasty intent will soon be torn from their bodies leaving them exposed for all to see their true nature.

A Statesman & A Conman: Is it in Their Training or in Their Nature.

Sir. James F. Mitchelle

There are many people, who subscribed to the opinion which says, if they ignore the talents and or the abilities of other, then that persons talents and or abilities will cease to exist; while there are others who think, in order to be honored, respected and or recognized they must first bring to naught the other person’s integrity and efforts. These thoughts are from the minds of those who are desperately insecure and possess very low self-esteem.

In total contrast, to those mentalities that are outlined above, there are those of us who can appreciate the talent and ability of others, even when such talent and ability eclipses our own. The people that falls in this category; understands, there is always room for another talented person. In the poem strive to be happy, the author said, “If you compare yourself with others, you will become vain and bitter, for always, there will be greater and lesser people than yourself. It is advised that we embraced everyone regardless of their skills, talents and ability; to do otherwise, will give birth to envy and selfishness and we know the end results of such character defects.

A statesman is one who acts with the view of the bigger picture; he or she plans for the productive and general enhancement of the next generation, thus ensuring the next generation is left is left in a better position than the generation of which he or she is a part. On the other hand a con man is one who uses trickery, lies and other deceptive means to serve a selfish purpose.

During the 2010 general election, Sir James F. Mitchell: St. Vincent and the Grenadines elder statesman disclosed he was in negotiation with a foreign business entity and he have sealed a deal to revive the St. Vincent and the Grenadines cocoa industry. Had the New Democratic Party (NDP) win the December 2010 general election, this was to be one of the plans that would have been implemented by the NDP government to inject a financial antibiotic into the St. Vincent and the Grenadines economy. Apart from stimulating the economy; such a project would have lend needed help to a ailing agriculture industry and resurrect a dead cocoa industry. Unfortunately; the general elections did not turn out as Sir. James would have liked it to; but there were still the matter of the revitalization of the cocoa industry; a project that was waiting to be fine tuned and implemented.

It is important that we understand, if this project (like so many other projects) is not implemented in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it will be implemented else where. For these investors, are not willing to wait around or put up with small minds and their petty political games, when there is a profit to be made.

Sir James move, to hold talks with and hand over the cocoa project to the sitting U.L.P government, so the nation and people he spent most of his life serving, can benefit from it, was dignified and patriotic. In doing so, Sir James actually created an avenue, which will do the following:

1. Generate employment

2. Revitalize the dying agriculture sector

3. Resurrect the dead cocoa industry

4. Create an avenue for the generation of immediate and continues economic growth.

5. Created a means to put back some zest into our dwindling export market etc.

What was Sir James to do? I must say by handing over this project to the Government is highly commendable; after all, he invested his time, negotiation skills and of course, his personal resource to see the negotiation to its present stage. Sir James. F Mitchell would have been foolish not to ensure the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines whom he served so graciously, benefit from the fruits of his labor, even while he is retired. To hand over such a project to Ralph E. Gonsalvesl a man who on numerous occasion tried to destroy Sir James good name and character, was a demonstration of class to the highest order.

Do you know it matters not how much you bathe a cat or a dog or how clean those animals are, they will never be comfortably clean unless they lick themselves; if you lock a pig in a palace with streets of gold that beast will always find a way to wallow in mud; even if it has to make that mud itself and it matters not, how extensive the training, you put into modifying the behavior of a viper, it will always find a reason to inject its venom into a pray. In other words; it is futile to expend energy and resources into changing the nature of some things and some people; for they will always be who they are. A person can only pretend for so long but will soon revert to his or her true self.

Last week I saw some recent photographs of some government owned structures in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; what struck me about the photographs was: there was a reoccurring theme in the exhibition. Unfortunately, this theme did not have a positive or patriotic reflection on Ralph E. Gonsalves or his U. L. P Government and it surely did not reflect well on Vincentians. As a matter of fact; what I saw, was a true to life example, of the size of the mental capacity and how unpatriotic Prime Minister: Ralph E. Gonsalves and the Unity Labor Party (U.L.P) Government are.

I saw photographs of what can be considered the remains, the ruins or relics of what was recently built beautiful buildings and magnificent complexes, which was undertaken by the N.D.P Government. These structures were spitefully left unattended so they can fall into severe disrepair. As a result, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has quite a large number of dilapidated building and other project littering the country. The chief of which, is the Central Bus Terminal, a project that was financed by the Japanese government, which was nicknamed Little Tokyo and is located in the middle of capital: Kingstown.

What can be responsible for such despicable behavior? I will conclude that this was done out of jealousy, spite and an inability to manage the nation resources?

While such projects are left to fall into ruin, Gonsalves and his ULP government embarked on a futile building campaign, constructing building in key areas to ensure they won the general election. I understand that allowing the NDP’s project to fall into ruins will help to erase from the people’s mind the glory days of the Sir James Mitchell lead NDP administration but how does this benefit St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its people?

I am trying to understand how Gonsalves can justify, spending millions of state own dollars in the construction of new building etc. and was unable to invest a faction of the money in the upkeep and repair of key existing structure, leaving such to fall into utter disrepair. Does this make sense to you? All of these buildings and complexes, whether they were constructed by Sir James Fitz-Allan Mitchell, the Honorable Milton Robert Cato, or Ebenezer Theodore Joshua, are all the property of the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and all of them must be treated like property of St. Vincent and the Grenadines regardless if which administration implement and saw them to completion.

Can someone please help me understand the logic in the way in which Ralph E. Gonsalves operates? Is he (Gonsalves) ever going to change his selfish way of operating and began to teach the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines some positive values through his example? I am appalled at this present situation.

Liat, Redjet and Caribbean Airlines

A Caribbean Airlines Billboard in Jamaica, Queens, New York, U.S.A A sign they are taking their business seriously

Photo by: Allan H. F Palmer (taken with cell phone)

All through history, the making of a hero begins and ends, not by premeditated planning, but  occures when selected people, saw real problems within their communities and the world around them and as a result; they voluntarily put their lives on hold and plunge themselves into service to humanity. They did so in order to bring relief to the suffering that inflames their consciousness. They give of themselves, their time and their resources to find solutions to serious problems that affected their life and the life of others. What is interesting, they did so with no expectation or hope of recognition or reward. The though of and participating in such pursuit, brought the pursuer, the fulfillment that was needed.

Every hero, at some point of there pursuit, had to came up against and overcome tremendous odds, but most of all, there were unique qualities that were evident in them. The chief of those Qualities was and still is: they were willing to sacrifice all; however, they did so not for the glory of recognition but for the betterment of there fellow men.

Today we live in a world where the genuine love for people and a desire to provide genuine service seem to be none-existent. It appears as if everyone has a burning desire for instant recognition. Even in the churches, if at some point in the service, the pastor or some other person fails to publicly recognize the people who officiated in the service, there may be problems. So it is now standard and expected practice or procedure, for an official to thank those who have participated in the service. Having put the current trends into prospective, it will be safe to conclude; in this era, volunteering for the genuine love of service to and for humanity, rarely or no longer exists.

In his quest for recognition and to secure his place in regional history, Ralph Gonslaves took on the responsibility to save Liat 1974 limited. In doing so, he struck a deal with Liat’s chief competitor: Allan Stanford and his airline The Caribbean Star, which was slowly forcing LIAT out of the Caribbean skies. Gonsalves’ ego forced him into, a sly maneuver, where he took all of the credit for single handed leading Liat 1974 Ltd. in to a merger with Allan Stanford’s Caribbean Star.

Many people expressed concerned over the deal Ralph E Gonsalves struck with Sir. Allan Stanford and were of the opinion that the deal was a less than desirable/favorable one. Then the troubling news of Mr. Allan Stanford’s habitual dishonesty surfaced; this gave rise to even more serious concern as it related to the deal PM Gonsalves made with the now imprisoned Sir. Stanford.

What Ralph Gonsalves, Liat’s shareholders and Liat’s management fail to understand was: to eliminate the competition was not enough to make this airline (which has a history of falling into debt) a viable entity.

After allegations of Allan Stanford’s legal troubles, the allege deceitful and cunning manner in which Mr. Stanford conducted business and his imprisonment surfaced, many people wondered how these allegations and Stanford’s trouble were going to impact the merger. Unfortunately none of the share holders saw it fit to publicly address this matter. We all know the USA federal officials are in the process of following Stanford’s money trail with a view of recovering the monies of those who were allegedly swindled. This is very good reason for the share holders of LIAT to be concerned.

It is strange that even after Ralph E. Gonsalves himself had overseen and led the restructuring of Liat 1974 Ltd, even after Liat’s sole competitor were eliminated from the market in a merger and the company control the inter island (flight between Windward and Leeward) monopoly; they were unable to realize any significant profit. As a matter of fact the monopoly holding airline still managed to fall into serious indebtedness.

Ralph Gonsalves’ adopted child (Liat) is now faced with a mountain of foreseeable challenges which, may results in the traumatic death of Liat. The first thing to happen was Caribbean Airlines (CAL) came on the scene and decided to lawfully impose on Liat’s protective market, interrupting Liat’s three year monopoly; then a new airlines: REDjet, have chosen to make the Caribbean community their chief target market. REDjet has vowed to provide cheaper rates for a high quality product; the recent competition only seeks to increase the stress of the financially Ailing Liat. You would have though that the environment under which Liat is now forced to function could not have gotten any worst, the recent surge in oil prices only seeks to compound her problems.

What do these recent developments mean for LIAT, for Ralph E. Gonsalves’ Legacy as a business man and the Savior of Liat?

In this global market, where the setting up of protective trade barriers is prohibited, I knew it was only a matter of time, before some entrepreneur saw the value of providing affordable air transportation service to the Caribbean; tapping into Liat’s market. It took two years longer than I though it would have, but I knew it would happen.

I must confess that Liat have been around for quite a long time, and the airline had weathered many terrible storms; however, since the hands of death, that have taken hold of and sucked the life out of Yulemo (the 1970s black conscious, political organization) and has drove St. Vincent and the Grenadines into a place of social, political, economical; spiritual and moral terminal illness, what chance does Liat have now that the hands of death have take hold of her?

It is my opinion that LiatLiat may have been able to weather this new storms that now brewing on the horizon; however, since the hands of death have taken hold of this entity, the winds of competition may just be to strong for Liat to withstand and will knock this poorly managed company (LIAT) flat on its back and out of business.

The question that we must seek answer for are:

After recognizing the serious winds of competition that is brewing on the horizon and the rapidly elevating cost of fuel; what strategic plans does Ralph E. Gonsalves, the shareholders and management of Liat has put together to deal with these new development?

I hope the other shareholders of Liat are not following Prime Minister Gonsalves in his favorite pass time: groping in the dark hoping to bump into a miracle that will fix everything. It surely do not work like that. According to Albert Einstein, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result.

Trouble in "Paradise"

Policing is the easiest job I have ever done. However, it is not a job for the foolish, those who are weak in heart or one who cannot take his or her own initiative. From my studies of my practicing policing, I have concluded that even though those who practices policing and most who manages these law enforcement institutions often seems to equate the functions and objective of these organizations as full military; but such institute are considered paramilitary. Although most of its functions mirror that of the military; there nature, there functions, objectives and the duties the police forces/services are asked to perform; as well as, the demographic they are required serve; requires a generally different approach in the execution of the duties.

Each police officer has a professional obligation to understand his or her duties and his responsibilities as it relates to the law (s) they are expected to uphold. My police brothers and sisters must always remember, their superior officers are there to guide them, to protect the community’s rights from indiscriminate officers and their actions and to ensure they function within the frame work of the law. In other words; Supervisors/managers are there to ensure the job is done in a cost effective, professional manner while preserving the rights of all involved, even the rights of the accuse person.

It is important to note; a superior officer, cannot/should not instruct his junior to break the law. A senior officer does not have the authority to violate the rights of any person he or she supervises and every order that is given by any such person in authority must be a “LAWFUL” order. A junior police officer, has no obligation, to execute or comply with any unlawful order and it matters not where or from whom that order came.

Whilst a serving member of the Bermuda Police Service; I was unlawfully slapped with 26 internal charges. The authority did so because I refused to comply with what I have deemed and justifiable proven to be unlawful orders. Charges I was not afraid to face. It is more important for me to practice integrity at all times and suffer the consequences, then to compromise my standards. So I simply choose not to surrender my rights and it was my right not to comply with any unlawful order. I took the time to point out to my superiors using the law, why I cannot lawfully and in good conscience complying with their instructions. Unfortunately, it would not have facilitated their general intentions, if my supervisors were to comply with the rule of law.

Another point I will like my brothers in blue to understand is; A superior officer, should only give lawful instruction, they can even tell you how to execute the assignment; however, when you arrives at the scene, you has an obligation to yourself, your duties and the people you are required to interact with; to do the following things on arrival at the scene.

• Evaluate the situation.

• Deal with the situation base on your evaluation

• Make adjustment in your mannerism, attitude and your general course of action as the conditions changes.

There are three important points I will like my police brothers to take note of and they are:

1. No junior police officer is entitled or has any obligation to comply with or execute any unlawful instruction.

2. No junior police officer has any obligation, to comply with instructions that will cause them (the officers) to break/violate any laws within the jurisdiction where he or she practices.

3. And no police officer is obligated to comply with any instructions that will cause them to violate the rights of another or their own rights.

When an individual enlists to become a police officer, the first thing that took place is; the swearing in of the officer. He or she takes an oath; they swear and they are expected to be obligated to, uphold the law without fear or favor. What this oath is saying? It is says, a police officer’s first and primary obligation is to the upholding of the law and he or she must do so without fear of anyone, that is: without fear of the criminal and without fear of his superiors; not granting any special favor to criminal or any special favor to complainant, lawyer, Prime Minister etc. he or she must apply the laws and the conditions of the law with an unbiased loyalty.

It is important to note, any time the actions of a police officers, contravenes the law, anyone’s rights or runs contrary to the code of conduct that is expected of such professionals; it is expected that the offending officer, should be held responsible and accountable for his or her actions. It is important to note, it matters not who gives the instructions. A good example of this is: Corporal Casanki Quow, Police Constable (PC) Hadley Ballentyne and PC Osrick James of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, who were charge with assault causing actual bodily harm. This assault was apparently inflicted on a school child. These officers were tried and found guilty of the offence they were charged with. The officers appealed their convictions, but what was unfortunate for the three lawmen, their conviction upheld by The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.

This brings me to the main focus of this discourse. On 2nd day of March 2011, the events in the St. Vincent that led to the speaker of the St. Vincent House of Parliament, instructing the Leader of the opposition Hon. Arnhim Eustace to leave the house of parliament. Unfortunately this matter escalated to the point where elected and appointed members of the house of parliament were allegedly forcefully removed from the building that houses the St. Vincent Parliament. It was also reported that appointed and elected members of the opposition allegedly sustained serious injuries.

It is important for practicing police officers, to always give thought to what they are about to do, before they do it; as a matter of fact, this should be a general rule for everyone. We must also be reminded there are right and wrong ways of executing lawful duties and police officers ought to use common sense and good judgment when there is no protocol in place for the execution of specific duties.

What should have happened?

It is important to note, that in matters of peace keeping, the primary objectives of the police is to:

1. Ensuring that order is maintain.

2. Ensure the restoration of order when such seizes to exist.

3. Once order has been restored, the police ought to put suitable measures in place to prevent the reoccurrence of disorder.

When it comes to peace keeping, preserving order, the restoration of order and general law enforcement the police are the professional. They are required to address such matter base on their knowledge, their experience, their training and their assessment of the situation. They also has an obligation, apply those characteristics that puts them in the best possible position, to deal with such issues when the needs arises. They must come to the best possible solution for all involved; this requires quick and clear thinking, good judgment and unwavering actions.

No politician, medical doctor or PhD, Lawyer, Judge etc. ought to tell the police how to execute his or her lawful duty. The police have the tools required to bring resolution to problems and it is the officer’s best judgment that counts. The police officer will be out of his place to tell the politician, the doctor, the lawyer or any professional how to practice his or her craft. When a police officer’s actions, falls outside the scope of the law, it is the officer who is expected to face the courts or other tribunal; bearing this in mind, a police officer has to be foolish; to abundant his better judgment and allow others to impose their opinion on him or her as to what and how things ought to be done.

Here we had a situation, where the Speaker of the House of Parliament asked the Leader of the opposition to leave the place of his employment: The St. Vincent parliament. Mr. Eustace refused to leave on ground of principled; as a result, the other members of the opposition peacefully went and create a barrier in order to prevent his removal; in an act of civil disobedience. The million dollar question is; do the police have a protocol to deal with such occurrences? If not, is there a professional manner to deal with such situation? Unfortunately; the police do not have a protocol, which they are expected to follow when dealing with such incidents. I will be providing a protocol to be followed in situation such as the one that ended in chaos. I only hope, Commissioner Miller is big enough to objectively review this protocol and implement such if it meets the need of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

In the event such incident should occur in the House of Parliament again; and I have no doubt it will, or in any official functions, the following steps should be taken. I will apply this protocol to the incident that occurred on the 2nd day of March 2011.

i. The senior officer who is detail to keep order in the house, should have approached the leader of the opposition or if the Leader of the opposition were inaccessible because of the barrier that was formed around him; then the senior officer should address each person individually, informing them of the offence they are committing or inform the person that his or her action or his or her failure to comply with instruction is likely to cause a breach of the peace.

ii. They (the offenders) should also be informed the police have the authority to arrest anyone whose actions are likely to cause a breach of the peace and failure to withdraw from their action or failure to comply with the order would be resulted in their arrest.

iii. “One by one,” each person who failed to desist from the specific actions or who fail to comply with the instruction of the police officer; should have their liberty taken away (arrest). Being under arrest and in an orderly manner; the prisoners (arrested person) should be escorted out of the parliament.

iv. If the level of disrespect exhibited to the police by the prisoner was so outrageous that an example need to be made then the prisoner may be have relevant charges laid against them and taken to court.

v. Or when the prisoners (offenders) are out of the environment, where he or she is no longer a threat or can no longer cause a breach of the peace, the potential offender or offender’s liberty could be restored but not before being warned not to return to the house of parliament until they are legally required to do so.

vi. This procedure should be followed and applied by the police, without fear or favor and should be apply to anyone who so choose to misconduct themselves in the house on grounds of principle or out of disrespect and it should be applied to Prime Minister, Senator and all position between.

It is important for us to bear in mind; an arrested person’s liberty can be restored at any point after his arrest. In cases where the arrest was to avoid a breach of the peace, when that person is no longer in a position where his or her actions or lack thereof, can cause a breach of the peace, their liberty should be restore.

This should be the protocol, the police should employ when dealing with such incident in the future. After all, the house of parliament is supposed to be a dignified place, where the business of state is dealt with and such business should be handled in a dignified and professional manner. Therefore the police should also be dignify in there conduct and such dignity should be employ when dealing with the hon. Men and woman whom the people elect to serve their country.

In conclusion; if the allegations that was propagated, as it relates to the events of the 2rd day of March 2011, is proven to be true; then the actions of the police officers involved, were unprofessional, inhumane, and amount up to an abuse of power. Any police officer (s) who forcefully tosses; pushes or intentionally cause any one to fall down such highly pitched stairs, and the victims sustains injuries in the process as allegedly occurred in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, those police officers can face possible criminal charges.

Why Colin Williams' Words Do Not Validates His professional Actions?

When a court of law, the court of public opinion or any tribunal that was setup to determine the guilt of an individual or group; makes a pronouncement of guilty on any person, who was brought before that body on allegation of wrong doing; it does not necessarily mean that the person is innocent of that which he was accused. In like manner, a pronunciation of guilty does not necessarily mean the person actually did that which he was accused of.

Every day, within the justice system, men and woman who are guilty of allegation for which they were tried, are set free on technicality. At times, they are set free because of their social standing, an attorney may intentionally confused the issue of the case, thus causing the rendering of a not guilty verdict or some other reason. In like manner, many innocence people are found guilty for things they knows nothing about; this maybe so because, a dishonest police officer may have fail to properly investigate a matter, or may have fabricated or falsify evidence, a D.P.P or district attorney, who for personal gains, may fail to lawfully disclose evidence that could have proven a person not guilty; he or she (the victim) may have had a lawyer that is from the scrap heap of attorneys and therefore, either through ignorance or a lack of experience that attorney may misrepresents his client’s interest.

In the St, Vincent and the Grenadines, February 2011, criminal assizes; a Vincentian fisherman by the name of Floyd Ollivierre, was taken before the high court, on criminal allegation of “Unlawful Sexual Intercourse.” A nine member jury found this man not guilty of the allegations that were brought against him by The Director of Public Prosecution. As stated above, not guilty does not necessarily means innocent; however, what was important; justice was served, it mattered not the outcome of the case, the fact that Ollivierre stood before an adjudicator and a panel of jury of his peers’ means, justice was served. For that is what constitutes justice; the victim got her opportunity to present her side of the story to an adjudicator and a panel of jury and Ollivierre got the opportunity to face his accusers. It matters not the outcome of the case.

The objective of the justice system is to uncover truth and ensure wrong is appropriately dealt with. Because the justice system is imperfect, the working of the process is what we have confidence in; but when that process is prevented or hampered from working, then justice is/was denied.

What was interesting, the Director of Public Prosecution spoke to the press about this case ( the matter in which Ollivierre’s was involved), disappointed that once again he and his office messed up what was to be a slam dunk case D.P.P Williams said, “The prosecutions neither won nor lost, the prosecution are there to present the facts.” Before I expose the hypocrisy of Colin's statement, let me teach Colin Williams something he would not have learnt in law school: evidences are not and should not be considered facts; they are findings, the fact may be hidden within the findings or evidence, and some of the findings may be factual but they are not considered or refer to as facts. In most instances the facts are not clearly known, hence the reason the Magistrates, juries, judges and tribunal meet and hear findings/evidence and they do so in order to try and ascertain or determine what the facts are. Before you begin to write your reply to this point, answer this question: can two parties present opposite or contrary findings, about the same matter and both parties’ present facts? Totally impossible,

The remarks that were made by Colin Williams the director of public prosecution are very interesting and they caused a few questions to pop up into my head.

• D.P.P Williams, why didn’t you allow the facts to be presented before the magistrate on behalf of the Female Police officer, and the Canadian human rights Lawyer who filed criminal charges, alleging criminal wrongs were inflicted on them by Ralph E. Gonsalves?

• Colin why didn’t you allow the facts against Ralph E. Gonsalves to be heard in the Civil Court?

Mr. Colin Williams, The director of public prosecution also said, he expected a different verdict giving his reading of the prosecution's case. Colin you as a trained lawyer and the director of public prosecution for many years now; should at lease know that you cannot expect a particular outcome of any matter base on your reading of the prosecution's, but you must read the defence case also; then analyse the gravity of the evidence/findings that was presented and the manner in which they were presented. It is only then you can give an informed professional opinion base on your knowledge of the law and the way the particular piece of law, ought to be applied base on the matter that is being heard.

There are some other questions I will like to get answers for, I also hope the D.P.P Colin Williams will take the time to answer these questions in the context of this article taking into account his quotes.

•  Mr. D.P.P does that mean your professional opinion was wrong?

•  Does this means, your opinion of what constitutes "burden of proof," the type and the gravity of evidence that is need to secure a conviction; are different from that of the judge and the four men and the five women that made up the jury panel: which was taken from within the Vincentian community?

• Colin is this the first time you have misread the evidence or the findings as it relates to a case you or your office have presented before the court?

• Is it the first time that your professional judgment has been dead wrong on potential cases that ought to have been presented before the court?

• Could it be, your judgment was dead wrong, when you cause more than twelve (12) criminal and civil cases that were filed by private citizen, against Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, to be thrown out of the Magistrate court?

• And why didn’t you allow the private prosecutors to present the facts before the magistrate

In Defense of Anesia Baptiste

                                          As was published by Caribbean News Now (CNN)

I am very happy, Senator Aneisa did not see it fit to dignify Wade Kojo Williams’ letter, which was titled: “A very angry and dangerous woman” with a response; for to do so would have lend creditability to the nonsense Mr. Williams wrote.


I read with amusement, the content of Kojo’s shameful grunt, but what’s ironic about this letter is; this oppressive behavior, is coming from a senior citizen; one who is currently running the last leg of the race of his life. It is evident that Kojo is trying to make a name for himself in his old age and he is trying to do so at the expense of our youths; by tearing down the ambitious young people in the land of his birth: St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Mr. Williams should be spending his time building up the youths, giving them the benefit of the experience, he acquired in the many years he had lived; imparting words of wisdom and providing practical counsel that could be of use to them in the pursuit of their goals. In all of the published letters that was penned by Mr. Wade Kojo Williams Sr. I have never read one piece sound practical advice given to anyone by Kojo, he is always spewing destructive criticism and unwarranted attacks on people who have proven to be decent citizen and he does so unprovoked.

• What did Wade Kojo Williams sr. hoped to accomplish by launching such a vicious, hate filled on Anesia Batiste?

• Why would Kojo want to destroy the self-esteem of this ambitious young lady who is more than forty five years his junior?

• If Mr. Williams saw that theirs a problem with the way Anesia is perceived by the public, why didn’t he take the time to offer the young lady some practical applicable advice?

If you examine Mr. Wade Kojo Williams Sr. Letter closely, you will make some stunning discoveries. You will be able to see the grime envy and smell the stink of jealousy that saturates his letter. Let us take some time to look a little deeper into what is bothering Kojo.

It is clear that Anesia in her youth has positively impacted the world around her in a more significant way, than Wade Kojo Williams did or will ever do and for this he is angry with the lass.

Kojo accuse Anesia of several things the chief of which are:

1. For being angry.

2. Of wanting to be the first female Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

3. Of pretending to be the brightest person alive.

4. And Kojo questioned Anesia’s faith: her Christian beliefs

Let me take some time to deal with these four points, in the same order as they are listed.

Kojo accused Anesia of being an angry woman. Even if Anesia is angry, is there anything wrong with anger if you have just cause to be angry? Isn’t being ambushed by one’s government, being made a public spectacle of, being publicly insulted by the political leader of your nation and suspended from your job at reduced pay for being patriotic isn’t reason for this young person to be angry?

Although Anesia has a lot to be angry about, she does not function from a prospective of anger; everyone who knows her know Anesia is passionate about her belief, and she tend to communicate her passion in the way she expresses herself. Anesia’s passion is not a quality she recently developed, this is a quality she had ever since I knew her, so what Kojo sees as angry; intelligent people sees as being passionate.

The disdain for Anesia I detected, in Mr. Wade Kojo Williams’ writing, when he mentioned Anesia’s desire to become the first female Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines repulsed me. Kojo make it seems as if it is a crime for a young person to set ambitious goals. Aren’t the acquiring, displaying and the perseverance to pursue ambitious goals; are qualities we all ask and expect from out youths? So why is Kojo having a problem with Anesia publicly expressing these qualities and being specific about it?

It is also my goal to have one of my daughters become St. Vincent and the Grenadines first female prime minister, at this present moment, Anesia is closer to accomplishing this goal than they are, Should I therefore; develop a spirit of resentment to and for Anesia, because her ambitions and current status puts her in a better position than any of my daughters, in the pursuit of this goal. Well if there is anything I can do to aid this outspoken Vincy lass or any lass, to attain this goal I will.

Kojo also accuse the young woman of pretending to be the brightest person alive. We must also be reminded that perception is golden. Anesia is a very intelligent woman and confident woman; add her passion to the mix and when Anesia or anyone who possesses these qualities speaks they cannot help but to put on display, a level of confidence that make them sounds and look like an authority in that which they are engaged; even if they do not have a clue about what is going on. Confidence is a quality everyone should seek to acquire and this is one of the qualities this young lady displays.

On the matter of Anesia’s faith I will say; it is not up to me or Kojo to cast judgment on anyone’s relationship with their God. David was a murdering womanizer, yet Jesus said he was a man after my own heart, John the Baptist was one who care not for the world but for his God and he was called a mad man drunken with wine, yet Jesus say there was not a prophet like him and Jesus the begotten son of Yahweh was accuse of being a wine bibber, a friend of the sinner and publican; one who work with and for the devil. Yet he came to ensure, each of his accusers; even me, can secure a place in his father’s kingdom.

On closing, let me say to my friend Mr. Wade Kojo Williams; you have already live your life you cannot change the pass, so go get a life if you want another and stop trying to destroy the life of our ambitious young people, who have just began to live their life.

Making Liat into a viable entity.

In 1974 selected governments of the OECS and Barbados took on a very ambitious venture when the incorporated LIAT 1974 Ltd. However from since I was able to understand and take an active interest in the affairs of my country and our region; the share holders (the government of the share holding country) of LIAT have been throwing good money into the black hole that is LIAT. It seems as if this institution has a serious addiction and the only thing that can being relief to its discomfort is public funds.

In 2007, when Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves, decided to revive LIAT by striking a deal with the competition Allan Stanford and his airline The Caribbean Star which was slowly forcing LIAT out of the Caribbean skies. What the shareholders and LIAT management fail to understand was: to eliminate the competition was not enough to make this airline which has a history of falling into debt a viable entity.

Today; after having the major and minor shareholding entities pumping money into this enterprise on a regular basis, after four year of LIAT holding an inter island monopoly, where the people of the region were held hostage by this airline and were forced to pay exorbitant air fairs for short trips between the island. One would you thought, after having such a protective monopoly for so long, that LIAT would be standing on its own and standing strong; however, the air carrier still manage to end up in the red.

It was interesting to hear Ralph Gonsalves in a press conference crying about the Trinidad based airline Caribbean Air Line (CAL) trying to force LIAT out of the skies. Unfortunately; the share holders of LIAT is depending on protective clauses in the treaty of Chaguaramas and the Multilateral agreement which was sign some fifteen years ago: in 1996 and not on ensuring the correct management policies are put in place and LIAT's managers run a cost effective, profitable, well managed enterprise that will be able to compete under any competative environment.

It is most strange and can be sum up as poor business practice, within this global-economy and a free market, which is geared towards internationally tearing down all protective walls that give business entities special protection. That leaders of independent nations and competitors in this open global market would be investing their scarce national resources into such a poorly manage venture as LIAT.

It will be interesting to know, what was the annual, financial obligation, of the main share holders of LIAT and what was the actual contribution made to this entity; which have has about thirty plus years of indebtedness. It will also be interesting to know, the total contribution that was made to this troubled airline in the last fifteen years.

Like every commercial airline that flies the skies, the operational cost, of which fuel and labor cost take up the bulk of their operational expenses, must first be lowered if the airlines are to be profitable. It is critical, before anymore good money is pumped into LIAT, the main share holders and management of LIAT must fist do several things, the primary of which should be:

• To find some oil entity that will be willing to sell the company large volume of oil, at a very cheap price, it may even mean opening a subsidiary company, which will be responsible for purchasing such oil in large quantity, refine the product and offer the same at retail to shareholding states for public and in some cases commercial use. Thus LIAT will benifit from economy of scale and in the process access a market that has a vested interest in seeing the enterprise survive.

• they must work on making the labor force more efficient and the employ automotive system as much as possible to reduce the utilization of manual labor in getting the processes functioning. Automation reduces human errors, increases efficency, and has a long term cost effectiveness that will aid in reducing the operational cost of the airline.

• Make management and supervisors more accountable and have them play an intricate role in cost cutting.

These three steps should aid in making the company more operational and financial viable, which will prepare this entity (LIAT) to be privatized and place on the open or stock market.

Corrupt Men Seek To Change The Laws To Protect Themselves against the people they were elected to serve.

Colin Williams: Director of Public Prosecution (S.V.G)

It truly hurts my heart, as a Caribbean man, that my confidence in my own people, to take principled stance on critical matters and do what is right because it is embedded within their consciences to so; do not exist. although it is true, every once in a while, men of integrity arises from the dust in the same manner that cream rises to the top; they rise and set examples by the life they live, they show us what is and how thing ought to be.

One of the reasons that can be attributed for the current state of disingenuousness that exist within our people is the repercussion of slavery. Our fore-parents have been subjected to a master for so long that they have subliminally and through other means, unwillingly taught countless generations these habits and attitudes that have led so many to sought out and make masters.

It seems like children of slaves need to always have someone to look up to, someone to please, someone they willingly make themselves subjected to: a modern day master. Hence the reason the Jamaican poet Bob Marley, in his poem titled: "Redemption Song", asked us to; "emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, not just our self (being) but free our minds."

It is for this reason, even after serious considering of national and regional pride; I can never support the Caribbean Court of Justice as the final court of appeal for this jurisdiction. I also know the first appointees, to this institution will seek to set standards to make this institution a viable one; but it will soon deteriorate into a state of irreversible corruption; in the same manner in which the esteem office of the Director of Public Prosecution (D.P.P) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has fall.

In St. Vincent case, instead of the DPP trying to uphold the principles of his offices, or to serve the greater good of his fellowman, or to provide unwary service to humanity; the appointee has long forgotten about the virtues of the office he holds, he have ignored the dictates of his conscience and sought out a master to whom, he must give his undying loyalty, that master being: Ralph E. Gonsalves.

By now everyone should know that the Ralph E. Gonsalves Led Unity Labor Party, which was given the mandate to govern the political affairs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (S.V.G) had drafted and lay before the house of parliament a bill to be debated. A bill that will make it mandatory, for private citizen and or organizations, wanting to pursue legal action in the Magistrate court, within its civil jurisdiction; must first seek permission from the Director of Public Prosecution, before they can do so.

What does this mean to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines? It simple means, the people of S.V.G now has a D.P.P who is judge, Jury and executioner where such litigation are concern. The hold nation’s ability to seek and find civil justice is being placed in one man’s hand. How long before you will have to seek permission to file private criminal complaint in the magistrate court.

Do you know what is missing; the abolition of the court system and the institution of Ralph Gonsalves and his aids as the sole decider of the people’s legal and other fate. At lease this is the direction in which St. Vincent and the Grenadines is quickly heading.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, common practice and the law have been butting heads for some time now. It is my understanding that common practice should mimic the law; however, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines it seems like common practice is a law of and on its own. So I need help understanding some simple things.

• Isn’t the office of attorney general a political position and the holders of that office is considered the Government lawyer?

• Isn’t the attorney general vested with the responsibilities to defend the government stands on legal matter in the court of law as well as in the court of public opinion?

• Isn’t the D.P.P the defender of Justice and his responsibility is to ensure that justice is done, not according to his opinion, personal feelings, or social or other affiliation but according to the laws of the land?

• Why is the Director of public prosecution trying to do the attorney general’s job?

• If the D.P.P is doing the attorney general’s job who is doing the DPP’s job?

Why does the current Director of Public Prosecution, feel the need to function in the capacity of the attorney general and take a public partisan stand, on this bill, which is geared to taking away the privileges of bring private civil matters before the magistrate court. I listened to extracts of Colin Williams’ attempt to defend the new bill and his actions as Director of Public Prosecutions, Williams gave a scenario of a young person who ran afoul of the law; was forgiven and later made a positive contribution to his society; Colin Williams must realize that this scenario could have four possible outcomes, not just the one that he put forward.

What Colin Williams have fail to understand is; being spared the stress of facing the justice system at a tender age; this may or may not cause that person to be reformed. If he or she does not reform; what them? In the same manner a youth that was made to face the same justice system for offences committed and were or were not convicted may or may not choose to be reformed. No one really know with these things, so police officers, teachers, Prosecutors, Magistrates, and even ordinary citizens take chances and offer forgiveness to offenders for offences they have committed, hoping they will choose to walk the straight and narrow; some times they do and some times they don’t. This position is not unique to the D.P.P. as a matter of fact; there are many jurisdictions that have method of preventing the foolish childhood actions of and individual from harming his or her future.

What is unfortunate; to my knowledge, I say again; to my knowledge, Colin Williams in his capacity of Director of Public prosecution did not cause any such youth to be spared the stress of the Justice system, at lease he did not stepped in on Luke Browne’s (a young man who was taken to magistrate court on election related charges) behalf. Luke was allegedly encouraged to violate the electoral laws by his political mentor Ralph E. Gonsalves. This young man was not given the benefit of the DPP intervention; yet less than a month later, the Director of Public prosecutions acted on behalf of a practicing politician and experience lawyer who now wallows in old age and should know better, Ralph E. Gonsalves.

It is time my people, began to heed with active minds and willing heart, the counsel of Martin Luther King; who in his I have a dream speech said; "We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt, so we must cash this check; a check that will give us upon demand, the riches of freedom and the security of justice. This is no time to taste the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism."

It seems as if everything in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is spinning around on a perpetual wheel of idiosyncrasy; so we must stop fooling around with exploitive men who only have the control of power as their priority. Remember all through history men have suffered and die to ensure that they and their children enjoy freedom and justice; what sacrifices are you willing to make for your children?

Ralph Gonsalves, His Integrity And An alleged Conspiracy To Kill Him.

As published by the caribbean News Now

While reading the story on the Caribbean News Now; which was captioned “St. Vincent Prime Minister speaks of plot to kill him.” This story dealt with a matters, where Prime Minister St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Ralph E. Gonsalves, brought to the public attention via the St. Vincent Parliament, a serious allegation where his life was allegedly threatened. Gonsalves claimed that he had uncovered two plots and the police have apprehended a suspect, who was remanded into custody without bail; for plotting to kill him. He also claimed after the first plot was foiled, the conspirators hired two Trinidadians to complete the job; both of whom are still at large. It is important to note, the first suspect was remanded in the state prison without bail; however, the alleged hit man was not charged with the alleged crime the Prime Minister disclosed to the public. How Ironic.

After reading this story, some very important question came to mind and they are:

1. Why did Ralph Gonsalves saw it fit, to make such a disclosure, in the House of Parliament?

2. Was he technically, invoking parliamentary immunity? Thus making it impossible for him to be sued for slander by the NDP.

3. Why didn’t he hold a press conference, in conjunction with the Commissioner of police along with the chief investigator, allowing them to make remarks without going into details that may jeopardize the investigation if it is on going?

4. Why wasn’t the suspect charge with Conspiracy to commit murder as the Prime Minister had disclosed? If he (the Prime Minister) can disclose the information to the public, why couldn’t the DPP disclose that information to the court in the relevant charges? This can/could be done without revealing pertinent, sensitive and or detail information to the public.

5. Finally; who will be so ignorant, as to give Ralph Gonsalves the easy way out by killing him; in the process spare him the effects of retribution that is patiently awaiting him?

It is interesting, on Tuesday while listening to The Hon. Mr. Arnhim Eustace The leader of the parliamentary opposition, addressed the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Parliament, he pointed out to listeners that Ralph Gonsalves words cannot be trusted. He also brought to board, the reasons for his claim, chief of which was; Gonsalves’ public Declaration in that very house of parliament that he (Ralph E. Gonsalves) is a liar. Ralph Gonsalves then interrupted the proceeding of the house, of Parliament on a point of order, to clarify his statement to the house as it related to him (Ralph E. Gonsalves) declaring himself a liar. Prime Minister Gonsalves Pointed out that he in fact declare to the house, his bad habit of lying, but he had made it clear to the house; he do not lie on matters of public policy. Could you believe that Ralph Gonsalves is the holder of a PhD? Who can ever tell when a liar is speaking the truth? I sure cannot; can you?

• This whole plot to kill Ralph Gonsalves, just does not add up. The drug smugglers and the money laundering interties that allegedly financed this venture to kill Ralph Gonsalves are alleged associates and are alleged financial contributors to the New Democratic Party. If these allegations are true, why doesn’t the Financial Investigation Unite confiscate, all properties of the N.D.P and cause its leader and other associates to be arrested for aiding and abetting the laundering of fund/illegal proceeds.

• Ralph Gonsalves said he is protecting “a most vital intelligence source “, will this intelligence source be allowed to appear and testify in court; giving evidence against the suspect?

• Does this intelligence source really exist? I doubt it.

• Why the suspect was not charged with the crime of Conspiracy to commit murder; to wit: to kill Ralph E Gonsalves, as was made public by the Prime Minister. Who can tell when a liar is lying I cannot, can you? There is only one way to be safe from a liar and that is, never believe anything he or she says.

We all know; politically, Prime Minister Gonsalves and his Unity Labor Party is in a difficult position, he is caught between a rock and a hard place; he is the political leader of a country but he has no power. The composition of the parliament left him in a position, where he cannot get anything done without the support of Arnhim Eustace and his New Democratic Party. The lack of power and the helplessness Ralph Gonsalves is now experiencing can be seen in the subdued manner that is evident in his demeanor. The normally arrogant and offensive behavior that is often on display by Prime Minister Gonsalves has been tone down drastically. This leads me to believe that this whole attempted murder plot is just Ralph’s way of bringing attention to himself, invoke public sympathy for him and his lame duck government; in the process, discredit the New Democratic Party and its leader. In other words, once again, Ralph Gonsalves is lying to one hundred and thirty thousand of his constituents and the world.

This incident reminds me of an incident that occurred in Dominica in 2008, when I was there. In the 2008 incident, a Jamaican hit man, who resided in St. Lucia by the name of Andrew Kirkpatrick Mitchell; was sent to Dominica to do a job, fortunately for his intended victim, Mitchell was shot dead by the Dominican police, about one mile from his intended victim's residence. The hit man had in his possession a high powered riffle, a large quantity of cash and a nine millimeter short arm (pistol). It is important to note that Mitchell was without identification and it took the Dominican authority 5 months with the help of the regional authorities to identify who this man was.

About the man who is presently in custody in St. Vincent; there are thousand of people in Jamaica, Haiti, even St. Vincent and other part of the world, who will sit in a jail cell, for extended periods, if the price is right. I am predicting now that this matter is going to die a natural death or if that person is taken to court he or she will be acquitted.

I am hereby concluding, this is just another of Ralph Gonsalves’ lies; however, he have now gotten state institutions (the police Force, office of the Director of Public Prosecution) involved and they are just as guilty as Prime Minister Gonsalves is; for they to are also lying to the world. There is in deed a conspiracy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it is not a conspiracy to kill Ralph E. Gonsalves; but one to invoke sympathy for Ralph E. Gonsalves and his lame duck ULP and to justify whatever fishy plans he has up his sleeves. It also seems they are willing to go to any length and employ any means to hold on to governance of the poor, cash strap country.

Ralph E. Gonsalves The Best mismanager There is

Leader of the OppositionArnhim              Eustace Prime Minister Gonsalves

I have always held fast to the opinion that Ralph E. Gonsalves, is an ambitious man but he is incompetent in the field in which he now practice: Politic; however, he managed to persuade many people to the contrary. Not through rational actions but by lip service, well targeted propaganda and the exhibition of insignificant projects. For example; from since Ralph E. Gonsalves and his Unity Labor Party (ULP) took the reigns of Government; the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, economy have seen a steady decline. Instead of properly managing and growing the country’s resources, the world’s greatest micro miss-manager: Ralph E. Gonsalves, have concerned himself with investing, the state resources, in projects that only help to drain, scares funds from the economy. It is important to note, no project that can cause a financial return to the economy was implemented. Unfortunately; the chief reason for his action was to ensure he won the December 2010 general election, which he narrowly won.

In order to secure his narrow victory, in an ailing economy, Gonsalves took the last 5 years, went around the country, demolishing and rebuilding community centers etc. While he do this the unemployment rate rose, he slap tax (VAT) on basic commodity and as if things could not have gotten worse, the government is unable to provide the basic essentials for its population. While Prime Minister Gonsalves was busy; foolishly spending money to ensure he won the next election, the country’s economy went into a free fall and we are fast plunging in to what is considered a Haiti like abyss.

So when the young people sit on the block unemployed and broke and their idleness cause thoughts of illegal activities to be manufactured in their heads; a means of occupy their free time and satisfying their financial need; when the elderly and other members of the community who contracts and suffers from basic illnesses, which they are unable to sought medical attention for, while members of the community walk about the country hoping the hunger pain will be dealt with and when the farmers and other business people, invest their time and resources in enterprise and because of the poor state of the economy; they are unable to recover their basic operational cost, which may results in the lost of their investments; they have the consolation of looking at the new community centers and police stations etc.

It is said that a statesman plans with the next generation in mind; while a politician plans with the next election in mind. It is the hope that every politician take as little time as possible to be developed into a states-person.

While listening to the leader of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines parliamentary opposition: the hon. Arnhim Eustace’s presentation in the house of Parliament, and while addressing the matter of the National Insurance Scheme (N.I.S) which is St. Vincent and the Grenadines nation’s insurance and retirement program; it was borne out by the leader of the opposition that the level of the contribution that is made, by the members of the N.I.S was to small. He also pointed out that in some cases, after eighteen months in retirement, most retiree exhaust his or her total contribution made to the scheme in benefits received. If something is not done soon, the program will soon go bankrupt. He also suggested to the house, if the N.I.S is to continue, to serve the people, who it was instituted to serve, the contribution of workers have to be increased.

Arnhim Eustace was not being a politician when he offered this piece of advise to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves but he was putting on display as his custom is; the qualities of a true statesman. This brought me to a point made by renowned lawyer Andrew Cummings, while giving analytic commentary on the evening of the December 13, 2010 (Election night) a comment which was supported by all of the election analyst that made up the panel: “You could not fine a more decent and respectable man then Arnhim Eustace, he is totally opposite in character to Ralph Gonslaves, but it seems like the people of the Caribbean are not appreciative of politicians with these qualities.”

Arnhim Eustace realized that he was unable to save the nation’s bank: The national Commercial Bank, from the economically destructive hands of Ralph E. Gonsalves; which went belly up, and was eventually sold to foreigners. An occurrence, which devastated the pride and dignity of St. Vincent and Vincentian at home and aboard; hence the reason the hon. Leader of the opposition put forward his suggestion to the house of parliament and to all Vincentian.

I was shock when I heard Ralph Gonsalves interjected and asked the leader of the opposition, what percentage increase he would agree to. Is this how Ralph Gonsalves decide to run his government, by seeking agreement with the opposition; whether or not such agreement is in the best interest of the country? What is important is; Ralph Gonsalves has the information as it relates to the true state of economic of the country; Arnhim Eustace does not, yet he is seeking to reach common ground on such an important matter without proper research and the relevant studies.

Ralph Gonsalves- let me bring to your attention, what you obviously do not know. Good governance dictates that you do a critical analysis of the states to affairs of the country and base of the health of the economy or lack there of, standard projections, fix and variable expenditure, scales of salaries; cost of living etc. then you as Prime Minster, ought to do what is in the best interest of the country; it is not for you to seek common ground with the opposition even before you do your critical assessment or your due diligence. Mr. Gonsalves you are fully aware that the opposition does not have access to the required information that will afford them the capacity to make an informed and rational decision, which is applicable to the St. Vincent situation.

With the economic and the managerial skills, such as that which is displayed by Ralph E. Gonsalves; is there any reason St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Vincentian is now “probably”, the only country and people without control of their national bank. Can we afford to lose our National Insurance Scheme?