Letter: Sir 'Cocobay' Campbell, President of St Vincent and the Grenadines
|
| Published on Saturday, October 10, 2009 |
Email To Friend Print Version |
Dear Sir:
As indicated earlier, strange things happen in the multi island state of St Vincent and the Grenadines, a member of Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and, strangely enough, the Latin America leftist movement called Bolivian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA), and I shall be grateful if you can publish this letter so that the public can be aware of some of the startling happenings in the multi island state.
The country's historian and renowned columnist, Dr Kenneth John, who is also an attorney, in one of his columns advocated that PR Campbell, (a Brirtish QC) be knighed for the outstanding work he did on the revision of the Constitution.
The VIncentian readers did not take Kenneth seriously. In fact they never paid heed to his suggestions or predictions, but it seems as if he is right on that issue because I understand that Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves promised him knighthood before the country removes Her Majesty the Queen as Head of State, thereafter there will be no more British awards, and later if the Referendum is successful Campbell is to be named the first President of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
But PR has to sing for his supper hence the reason why he is going all out to woo the electorate for a "YES" vote.
Gonsalves was the arch enemy of Campbell because both of them wanted to be Prime Minister, but Gonsalves was more clever and teamed up his small Unity Party with the Labour Party and later outsmarted the Labor Party stalwarts, Ken Boyeau and Stalky John to be leader of the merged United Labour Party.
Vincent Beach who was the leader of the Labour Party stepped aside after he sold his office for a few pieces of silver -- a knighthood.
Campbell wanted to be Prime Minister so badly that he was backstabbing his Prime Minister (James Mitchell) while he served as Attorney General. He did so many wrongs which I am unable to write for obvious reasons, but one of them was amusing in which he told the nation that he had a heart attack - and had TV cameras while he was in hospital. He carried out an extensive interview with the GIS while he was lying in hospital surrounded by dozens of bouquets and get well cards.
I was attending a seminar in London at the time and was recalled to St Vincent because I received a call that the Attorney General was gravely ill.. It turned out to be false. How can someone with a massive heart attack conduct TV interview. In fact the Prime Minister instructed me to stop the GIS from running the tape again on the GIS programme. The words of Mitchell --" stop this disgraceful interview on the GIS programme".
There is no doubt that Campbell had the ability to take over the leadership from Mitchell, but because of his "cloak and dagger" traits Mitchell pushed him aside and named Arnhim Eustace as his successor, despite the fact that Eustace had very little political experience.
Gonsalves time and time referred to Campbell as "Cockobey" ... Cocobay is a reptile that changes its skin to match surroundings. In other words Campbell shifts his actions and principles to suit... some called it political grasshopper.
So if Campbell is to be knighted on the Prime Minister's recommendations, would he be called "Sir Cocabee"? I ask this question because that is what Ralph was calling him all the time before they started their "expensive love affair".
I was closely associated to PR while I served as Solicitor General and he was Attorney General. He has a serious ego problem and was "two faced"... very strange, and likes publicity. He used to dominate the GIS programme promoting himself, but that did not assist him.
He wanted to be above everyone hence he built a mansion despite his limited earnings and his huge debts to Owens and New Banks (two off shore banks). In other words he wanted to live way above his means.
PR realised that he cannot be Prime Minister so he is now licking his arch enemy's boots, but he is well paid and he expects power. Big bucks as Chairman of the Constitutional Reform Committee, and fees as one of the lawyers in the Motion filed arising out of the rape charge filed against Prime Minister Gonsalves. Although the Government complained about its poor financial state, I was informed from reliable sources, it nevertheless picked up the tab, and I understand it is a sizeable amount.
What is more disturbing PR did not open his mouth in Court. It was Queen's Counsel (An Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court silk - not an English) Astaphan who successfully argued the matter.
He got a QC despite he had to resign as Attorney General in disgrace, and now he is working towards his knighthood. It seems as if Her Majesty's Government does not quibble in granting governments of former colonies British honours.
Louis Straker, who lived in the United States for most of his adult life and returned to St Vincent recently, was given a knighthood as Gonsalves said "to keep him happy"
Well if Gonsalves and Campbell have their way, St Vincent and the Grenadines will have Sir "Cocobay" Campbell since he would be knighted before the Queen is removed, and later President after the Constitution is amended. Therefore the new President will be "Sir "Cocobay Campbell.
Oscar Ramjeet | | | | Reads : 1249 | | | |
|
|
