THERE are two pervasive sentiments seemingly working in concert, acting as a catalyst for sweeping political change in Saint Lucia. There is the public’s awareness of a cloud of frustration and resentment hanging over the island. In this atmosphere of growing anger, an aperture, however slight appears, and certain discredited UWP politicians and others, attempt to re-emerge. I refer to the politicians who stand accused of hastening the demise of Prime Minister Compton, and bringing down his last government.
These undesirables wish to ride the tide of frustration and resentment felt by many and to propel themselves ‘sans envitasion’ (without invitation) back onto the gravy train, riding on the backs of the people, to political office. There can be no other motive for these rogues than to further plunder the empty treasure which the present lot is sure to leave behind them. And true to form, such odious characters are in complete denial of the suffering and pauperization which they and their new-made ‘friends’ in SLP have wrought on the island.
These shameless politicians will use whatever and whomsoever to hoodwink the electorate, as they attempt to throw UWP political leader Allen Chastanet, under the bus. Chastanet has vowed to wipe out corruption from the UWP government he leads. The agenda of those trying to unseat him is obvious. These miscreants hide behind others ‘like the caterpillars of the commonwealth’ in hope of re-emerging to continue their misdeeds. But the electorate has seen through them. The unkindest cut of all is that these disgraced flambeaus are plotting with Mr. ‘Take-me-to-Court,’ against Allen Chastanet and Compton’s UWP’s. What a shame!
The pervasive frustration and resentment among Saint Lucians was well and accurately captured in the penultimate paragraph of The VOICE editorial of Saturday June 13, 2015. Few could have said it better. It summarized the mood of many at this time. I therefore deem it expedient to quote the relevant paragraph for those who may have missed it. In so doing I readily admit that I am breaking a principled stand which I have assumed since I began these weekly opinion pieces inThe VOICE some eight or so years ago.
As a rule, I do not reply or comment on any matter which has been dealt with by another. Those who, like The VOICE editorial perceive that: “There is a serious leadership vacuum in the country and the UWP with its various personalities and their own exaggerated egos and individual sense of self importance, refuse to come together and show they are capable of filling the breach” may be onto something. But be warned that all that glitters is not gold and that things are not always what they seem. My information leads me to be hopeful that good sense and fresh young legs with new ideas will prevail and make the UWP and Saint Lucia stronger.
The fact of the matter is that, there is now a process within the UWP of implementing party decisions. With the advent of Allen Chastanet as political leader some thirty months ago, the process and procedures within the organization have been tightened and the rules are now being followed to the letter. For example an executive meeting of the party has been held every month for the last thirty months, as the rules demand. There has been training of rank and file members and regular meetings of constituency chairpersons and public meetings have begun.
True, the rules of the party are as old as the organization itself but, these are now no longer observed in the breach. In addition, certain rules have been strengthened so as to give more power to the seventeen constituency groups. Each constituency group has first choice over the process of candidate selection for general elections. Allen Chastanet has been at pains to explain this to party faithful and well wishers.
Following an interview by the constituency group, every applicant wishing to be considered a candidate of the UWP in general elections is required to submit his or her name for selection by secret ballot by financial members of a constituency group, present and voting. A candidate receiving 75 percent or more of the votes cast will face the National Council for final approval. Once the baton has been passed unite and move on. Run and win the race! No more blood sacrifices!
Of course any competent political leader who is desirous of building a professional hard working team in office will support as many candidates who can contribute to the development of the island. In times past, the political leader exercised far greater control over candidate selection. Some persons are in fact pressuring Allen Chastanet to return to that process. But he has steadfastly refused. Instead, the people on the ground, (the constituency groups), have been strengthened in their mandate to decide their candidate. No rapist (or attempted rapist), no drug addict or dealer and no criminal need apply. Enough is enough!
The past has taught that a popular candidate can turn out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing and a mischief maker. Such a one can turn around and embarrass the leader, the party and the country. Indeed, things can get so out of hand that such a person can be responsible for the early demise of their leader and his government.
Notwithstanding the pointed VOICE editorial referred to earlier there is very strong reason for the electorate to see the backs of this clueless Labour Government. In this regard the MP for South/East Castries, Guy Joseph has issued the challenge to all UWP’s and Saint Lucians to a protest march of the party next month, (July). Guy Joseph is a hard working young man who has single handedly developed himself. He has farmed the land, driven a mini-bus, and is not afraid to get his hands dirty, working. He has never asked for or, contested any executive position in the UWP. He does not therefore carry the burden on Allen Chastanet trying to placate inflated egos wishing to become Ministers of Government. Thankfully, Chastanet carries his burden with quiet dignity, grace and humility. The man speaks little; and that says much!
I have been deliberately harsh on those who disgraced the last UWP Government and helped bring it down. Let the SLP rejoice if they wish. In my criticisms I remind myself that justice ought also to be dispensed with mercy and compassion. My advice therefore to the UWP is to see whether there is validity in these observations or in that of The VOICE editorial of June 13, 2015. If there is accept them for what they are, learn to eat humble pie, make peace with your God, forgive yourself, and unite for the greater good of your party and country.
Those who have been touched by humility and who love this island must work to build the quadrant vision Sir John Compton left us. People are crying out for better, more compassionate government. They need someone to help them fight VAT, to explain IMPACS and Lambirds and to stop the handing over of Hewanorra Airport to complete foreigners – no matter what the World Bank says. The people want a new UWP Government which would help them stem the tide of rising frustration, resentment and anger.
This could have decanted as a $75 Sonoma County Pinot Noir with elegantly aligned, bouguet, tannins, nuances and memorable finish; alas. you served us a $9 Lambrusco posing as a family friendly Claret.
Peetar, aim for an audience (e.g., Cardinal Richlieu) whose taste buds can compare / contrast a glass of Asti Spumante and that of a Moet Chandon Imperial Rose. If you miss the mark, then you still score a fine bubbly-in between.
This soupy sales pitch has none of thee appetizing nexus conveyed by the Haute Cuisine comedic-melodrama RATTATOULE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1iEsbSLN8U
To be continued!!!!
Saint Peter:
But fish not with this melancholy bait
For this fool gudgeon, this opinion.—
There are a sort of men whose visages
Do cream and mantle like a standing pond,
And do a willful stillness entertain
With purpose to be dressed in an opinion
Of wisdom, gravity, profound conceit,
As who should say, “I am Sir Oracle,
And when I ope my lips, let no dog bark!”
O my Antonio, I do know of these
That therefore only are reputed wise
For saying nothing, when I am very sure
If they should speak, would almost damn those ears
Which, hearing them, would call their brothers fools.
I’ll tell thee more of this another time.
But fish not with this melancholy bait
For this fool gudgeon, this opinion.—
Come, good Lorenzo.—Fare ye well awhile.
I’ll end my exhortation after dinner.
Returning to your prix fixe menu of sorts:
-We had the soup-pea sales pitch ; on to the salad-wilted , not tossed. Let’s start with your hybrid colossus steak tomato when vine ripened tomatoes are more discreet. Your oversized tomato selection is in keeping with your acquired rub-off from your aristocratic handlers. Additionally, it is reflective of your Mussolini style of political fascism.
-Allow me to support this evidence of your political orientation via YOUR OWN ASSERTION:
{ readily admit that I am breaking a principled stand which I have assumed since I began these weekly opinion pieces inThe VOICE some eight or so years ago.
As a rule, I do not reply or comment on any matter which has been dealt with by another. }
PEETAR- You are referring to the editor of 130 year NATIONAL newspaper.
Thundering ARROGANCE; blistering narcissism
You are hopeless, ole boy. All good writing begins with good reading and objective critique. Citations are de rigeur of quality writing. . This is the lowest insult to this editor {Voice} that I have ever read with such profound CLARITY.
PEETAR even the great Bard was accused of editing others manuscripts to churn out his dramatic pieces.
Peetar that’s why your writing style reads like a phonographic stylus stuck on a 78 rpm vinyl disk-Wake up!! PEETAR!!! This is the IPod/Android generation.
Ole boy you sound like AM instead of FM or HD
Peetar, I once recommended a new religion for possible redemption. One that was free of confounding idolatry and pagan inspired rituals; whose great Book actually spells out holistic activities for clean healthy living.
May I add daily yoga and low imp\act calisthenics.
All be it, I bet that your Mt Gimie ranking ARROGANCE wins to assure your permanent residency in………………………..Zombie-land!
Here are your mentors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T0ggPVtCUM
Go ahead Peetar, toast & smirk with pride.
PEETAR
Your conclusion is exposing the expanding spider lines of chronic Dementia on your literary wall:
{to build the quadrant vision Sir John Compton left us.}
1- A vision happens at light speeds. It is done long before it is written..
We can BUILD actions, activities, mission statements that ALIGN with said vision. How in blazes can you build a mental construct without gross negligent PLAGIARISM.Therefore, It follows that you can only do those actions- that you hope –align with your interpretation of said VISION.
For instance Dr. MLKING had a dream or VISION. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was an ACTion that was BUILT by the USA to ALIGN with Dr. MLKing’s Dream or VISION!!!!
PEETAR
I suggest you deep read on Native American spiritual beliefs surrounding vision quests.
Peetar please review writing 101-article1A:
Good writing demands that the writer be able to THINK CLEARLY!!!
Alas, Peetar, the zig zag crevices on your literary wall are revealing the tremors of your subtle yet escalating Dementia!
Oh, how the pressures of placing one’s body & soul to plug the widening fissures of the Holland size political dam of Aristocratic political aspirations.
Poor little Dutch garcon, you have expended “head, fingers knees and toes” in vain attempt to save the rotten dam..
Peetar, rest assured my deluxe medivac will rescue you as you consider seriously, your beating heart to the ancient Aztec high priest.
This is your current Sweet Pea, who still has some hemispheric controls in PEETAR’s bipolarity vacillation. It is rated G for the cradle audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwggEKBxpio
This one is for sweet pea hoping he can get you, Peetar, to the medivac on time.
The agricultural theme is a bonus
This one is rated R but I recommend Adults only.
It shows Peetars delusions of grandeur and how he is willing to give up his heart for any victory at any cost. At this future point, Sweet Pea loses hemispheric controls to PEETARS over arching Dementia, nerve wracking impingements from Mary & Guy’s occult weekly rituals and bar hopping.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLsQYsE7Im8
Peetar I considered the title of your current article and what song and artiste would provide the most fitting finish and florish to your mindset whilst penning it.
Even Sweet Pea understands that I savor good taste for the arts and for you Peetar none but the crème de la crème- after all you are immersed in aristocratic top shelf tastes, n’est pas?
Well, here is the Prince of Experience with his rendition of your signature anthem, oui.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkkO_eiJIkY
May, I suggest a tall Bloddy Mary (insist on purreed seedless vine ripened tomatos, cold Russian Stoli with a fresh crisp stalk of celery) while chewing on thin crusted brick oven baked diced grilled chicken PIZZA; as you watch this video.
Cher Peetar/
Just read that Madame seance (Mary I is ) has her after burner cauldrons belching super steam for potential rapid takeoff on her turbo charged broom.
To help you enjoy the high ball Bloody Mary recipe please follow this optional spice treatment: Measure half cup water add half levelled teaspoon McCormick Tuscan blend dry Italian herb (the glass package) and two pinches dry McCormick cayenne pepper. Gently bring to a boil then steep like tea for half hour or more . strain and chill. Then add (to taste) to the Bloody Mary by stirring very small amounts till your taste buds find the accentuated taste you like.
Remember this goes great with grilled herb crusted chicken on or without Pizza.
You will never miss the other bland Mary I is.
For added nuances to our Bloody Mary use the red pepper infused Russian Stoli.
If a friend is coming in from NYC have them bring in a bottle or two of Dr Brown’s Celery soda, to add a complimentary fizz to your enhanced Bloody Mary. Bottoms up.
Such a recipe from the Great Witch Mary Queen of Scott the Mother of the deviant and Incestuous King James Bibleman, who was being sodomized by his Lover and close Cousin. Josie you should drink that brew to cure you of demonic possession; see Bloody Mary had a special line to your white God Allen Chastanet. You and the Stripper Rick John Wayne are Roman Catholic so here’s some information about your King James’ Bible:
King James was Gay; what’s with you and your boy Allen ? You have made public proclamation of how beautiful he and the Thong-wearing idiot on steroids are – look Josie it is OK to come out of the closet, the U.S.A. Supreme Court just made Same-sex Marriage LEGAL in ALL FIFTY STATES today.
How many folks know that King James (who commissioned the King James Bible and to whom it was dedicated) loved men and had sex with them? At the age of thirteen James fell madly in love with his male cousin Esme Stuart whom he made Duke of Lennox. James deferred to Esme to the consternation of his ministers. In 1582 James was kidnapped and forced to issue a proclamation against his lover and send him back to France.
Later, James fell in love with a poor young Scotsman named Robert Carr. “The king leans on his [Carr’s] arm, pinches his cheeks, smooths his ruffled garment, and when he looks upon Carr, directs his speech to others.” (Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, in a letter, 1611)
Carr eventually ended the relationship after which the king expressed his dissatisfaction in a letter to Carr, “I leave out of this reckoning your long creeping back and withdrawing yourself from lying in my chamber, notwithstanding my many hundred times earnest soliciting you to the contrary…Remember that (since I am king) all your being, except your breathing and soul, is from me.” (See The Letters of King James I & VI, ed., G. P. V. Akrigg, Univ. of Calif. Press, 1984. Also see Royal Family, Royal Lovers: King James of England and Scotland, David M. Bergeron, Univ. of Missouri Press, 1991)
I forgot to mention that Bloody Mary was also Roman Catholic like you and the thongman; earning the name Bloody Mary after massacring thousands of Protestants to avenge the destruction of her family and her mother Catherine’s death at the hands of Henry VIII her father.