Letter: Vincentians, don't sell your birthright for a bowl of stew!
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| Published on Monday, November 2, 2009 |
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Dear Sir:
Regarding the upcoming referendum on St.Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution, it appears that the ruling Unity Labour Party Government is becoming extremely desperate to secure a 'Yes' vote. This desperation can be seen by the outright bribery taking place in my homeland.
Prime Minister Gonsalves announced a package of thirty million dollars to Vincentians as an 'Anniversary Gift' from him on the 30th Anniversary of Independence. Primary and secondary school students, as well as young people in post secondary institutions will each receive a cash gift of $200.
According to Dr. Gonsalves - "this gift is a confirmation of our love for our children and our young people." Pensioners also will receive a gift of $200 along with people on public assistance. These so-called gifts are one off payments.
The package also includes subsidy for farmers and an education fund for nurses, police men and women, sports and cultural persons to do further studies abroad. Money was also allocated to developing the infrastructure and a land distribution program will also be part of this 'Gift'.
I am praying that Vincentians won't be tricked by this false show of generousity by the Prime Minister. This ULP Government introduced a VAT of 13% on food items among other things. When the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Arnhim Eustace asked the Prime Minister to ease off some of the basic food items, Dr Gonsalves refused. Senator Julian Francis said that Vincentians likes 'chicken back and neck and turkey wings' so there was no Vat on these items. In the supermarkets in St Vincent and the Grenadines there is 13% VAT on ground provision - even 'callaloo.'
I want the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines to realize, that the $200 they will receive from this Government, is nothing more than their VAT money, taken from the Treasury, and some from The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) - and even this they will have to repay. There is no free lunch - everything comes with a price.
The Lord reminded me this week about Esau, in the Book of Genesis who sold his birthright for a bowl of stew: Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob (his brother), 'Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!" Jacob replied. "First sell me your birthright." "Look I am about to die," Esau said "What good is the birthright to me?" But Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. Gen.25:29-34.
My people, Esau sold his birthright because he was hungry, and according to him about to die. I know many of you are seeing hard times because our country is like a wilderness - it's rough. I know about the many mothers who sell their bodies daily to put food on their tables - because they cannot find work. There are others who give their girl children to men who can help provide for them - even to help send them to school. I have heard your cries when I worked on the radio stations and when I ran for PPM in 2001. I also know that many people who appear to support the ruling Unity Labour Party are doing so, to get a hand-out when things are rough with them - or to get a little job. And there are the others who don't agree with the behavior of this government, but they are afraid of victimisation so they put on their red T-shirts and make a lot of noise.
So, I know many of you will sympathise with Esau, because he was 'hungry'. It's not easy when you are hungry and you don't have any food to eat. But the 'trickster' Jacob took advantage of Esau's hunger and made him 'swear an oath' before he gave him the stew. Does that sound familiar? They will give you the money - but you have to swear an oath first. In other words, you have to promise them you will vote 'Yes on the referendum.
Although Esau despised his birthright - he later came to regret what he did. In Hebrews 12:16 - it says "See that no one... is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.
People of St Vincent and the Grenadines "Hairouna" (Land of the Blessed), is your birthright - don't sell it for a pot of stew like Esau, otherwise you will live to regret it. Vote 'No' on November 25, 2009.
Amory Lashley
Vancouver, Canada | | | | Reads : 670 | | | |
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