For most of my politically aware life the figure of Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has loomed large in the minds of most Saint Lucians. He was the seminal political figure of my adolescence and early adulthood as a Prime Minister, lionized by those who saw him as a liberator from the UWP of Sir John Compton and a threat to life by many a conservative Lucian.
The night of 23rd May 1997 was a monumental occasion , joyous or somber depending on where one stood on the political divide that evening. The 16-1 romping of the UWP was on reflection and astute and incisive victory that rode the wave of discontentment with incumbency that sent chills down the spine of many a seasoned politician.
My first, albeit faint, recollection of the ‘Doc’ was on the New Development Playing Field sometime in 1996*(old age). The little that I recalled convinced me that if nothing else he was a charismatic and affable individual. Many of my secondary school experiences were defined by political sparring between UWPees SLP ees and NOpees, a scintillating experience that shaped me. We ran the gauntlet from the abortion bill, to section 361 and the gun recovery program often occupied our time during break and lunchtimes.
But what now? After so many years of dedicated service what has propelled the career academic and veteran politician to call it quits. Calling it the greatest honor of his life to be in stewardship to the people of Vieux Fort South the esteemed politician indicated that it was time for a change for him and the SLP. Oftentimes poignant, reflective and fiery the soon to be former DR narrated a political history with the skill of the orator and gifted storyteller he burst on the scene as. Showing that whilst age may diminish many things, for some it only sharpens as time goes by. With eloquence and grace he bemoaned the lack of civility among opponents and called for a return to the respect and bonhomie that once captured us all.
The question of his legacy as Prime Minister vis a vi that of Parliamentary Representative is one often debated by political figures with many decrying the state of the town of Vieux Fort and its lost economic potential as a hub in the south, as day by day the northern half of the island appears to flourish. This raises the question as to whether a politician can be faithful to both his constituents and the country at large if he seeks to be PM; a ‘lukewarm’ maybe has been the best hoped for.
However, there is no denying that the now soon to be former representative and future public citizen has laid an indelible mark on the island with his steering of the ship post 9/11 and introduction of USE (which though problematic) opened the door for many to attain secondary school level education. As one who first entered the hallowed halls of SCSS in 1999 I am indebted to the former educator’s hope for all to receive the benefit of secondary education be it technical, vocational or academic* in nature.
Perhaps the greatest failure, is that 1997 Dr Anthony would look at his 2016 version and bemoan that there was so much more he could have done being 16-1 and 14-3 up on what was a shell shocked opposition. Or his greatest regret is not having left in 2016, 10 years sooner and wiser and allowing for new blood to take root in the town he so loves. We can only hope that others take note and leave on such a high note as he seeks to.