It is rather unfortunate that such a situation has been allowed to fester to such a degree. Sometimes we criticize the colonial system but there are times we must acknowledge that the checks and balances put in place remain effective. I listened attentively to the former PM on Out Goes In on December 7th and the gentleman was incredibly articulate throughout the program. Any child listening could have understood exactly what transpired and in our view, the former PM never once stumbled during his interpretation of what transpired. The machinery in place for the assets of the state could not have been better explained, therefore, under these conditions we are unable to fathom why this matter could not have been settled all within a 24-hour period.
I sat back and retracted on many similar stories and what immediately came to mind was the Watergate episode. A very simple error which President Nixon allowed to fester and which eventually cost him his job. Uttering one untruth several times must be continually uttered to defend oneself and eventually the real truth emerges. The former PM undoubtedly has all the evidence to support his version of what transpired and if such is the case, we wonder what precipitated the series of roadblocks. Unfortunately, politics being what it is carries a string of consequences which are taken into consideration and therein lies the complications inherited.
What has added fuel to the flame has been the presence of our PM and House Speaker physically appearing at the Court House supposedly to ensure justice prevails, but ever more worrisome, was the PM vocally expressing his sentiments outside the Courts to all and sundry. With hindsight, we wonder whether the PM and the Speaker have today realized the errors they both committed by their actions. What message is the PM sending to the nation that he could find the time away from his busy schedule to sit in a Courthouse to witness the proceedings of the Judiciary which remains responsible for justice within our shores. With the speed of social media I hasten to interpret the fallout of such thoughtlessness by two leading figures of state. One has to wonder the reasons for this type of behaviour from an administration which has recently won a general election with 15 out of 17 seats. Is it a form of paranoia based on the expectation that they actually won the election?
Unfortunately, the British representative sits on island listening to all these unfolding stories certainly does not augur well for the nation. Being wrong and strong is not the most sensible way forward but I guess in life, to each its own until reality prevails. The damage and precedence comes at a very high cost both to the state and how it is perceived by up and coming politicians who need to understand that holding distinguished positions abroad require distinct measures of competence, trust and adherence to the rule of law. St Lucia may be a tiny state but we must refrain from being embroiled in affairs that appear to be unacceptable by international standards. We should recall some two to three years ago all the confusion in the United Kingdom regarding St Lucia providing immunity for Dr Juffali by way of his appointment as an ambassador to our maritime affairs and when requested by the UK attorneys to temporarily remove the ambassadorial cover in order that justice could be served, our government declined to do so. These decisions unfortunately are seldom forgotten and may turn around to hurt the nation at some time or other.