Letter: Vincentians vote yes!
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| Published on Monday, November 23, 2009 |
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Dear Sir:
As a Caribbean national and a citizen of the Grenadines I am encouraging all progressive Vincentians in St Vincentians and the Grenadines to vote yes on Wednesday Nov 25 for the establishment of the new constitution.
I am always of the opinion that the Constitutions of many Caribbeans islands need to be reformed in order to be relevant in keeping with the changing needs of our people. In my view the new constitution may not be perfect, but it is far superior to the current Vincentian Constitution. I have listened to the debate on both sides of the fence and I am convinced that Dr Ralph Gonsalves and the Vincentian people are on the right track. I am a strong advocate of our Caribbean civilisation and it is time for us to chart our own destiny and eliminate the last shackles of colonialism.
While I am not particularly impressed by the type of politics that have been played out in the Caribbean over the years due to its divisive nature, I strongly support the yes vote in St Vincent and the Grenadines. St Vincent and the Grenadines is leading the way in constitutional reform and both the ULP AND NDP has a golden opportunity to make a difference in the Caribbean.
I am disappointed by the stance taken by the Hon. Arnhim Eustace and the NDP. While he may have some valid reasons to support the vote no campaign he should put the interest of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the greater Caribbean first. What is due unto Caesar, must be given to Caesar. In this case Caesar is the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The sections dealing with the reduction of power for the Prime Minister, and increased power for the opposition leader is unprecedented in Caribbean politics. I am also impressed by the section on proportional representation. I believe that a party gaining a certain percentage of the national vote should have some representation in parliament. Their supporters should not be marginalised.
The introduction of local government is another section that I will support. Under the Grenadian constitution Carriacou and Petite Martinque should have had local government . To date this has never been implemented, however there is some light under the tunnel as the new Tillman Thomas-led NDC administration has begun to process on implementation. Local government should bring increase benefits to the St Vincent grenadines. I also support the section on the establishment of a President. There are highly talented people in St Vincent and the Grenadines who are capable of rising above partisan politics and work for the good of the state.
St Vincent and the Grenadines have come a very long way. I am particularly impressed by the Education Revolution. The very first time that I visited mainland St Vincent, I was surprised by the level of development and thinking of the Vincentian people. However, on my next visit I was very much impressed by the new development and thinking that occurred in St Vincent and the Grenadines in such a very short space of time. St Vincent and the Grenadines have came a long way.The level of development in the Grenadines especially Canuoan is unprecedented.
Dr Ralph Gonzalves is a visionary leader. His vision for the Caribbean and its people is one of empowerment. The Caribbean political divide and insularity has a way of destroying what is good for us. The lack of solidarity is a barrier that must be broken down if the Caribbean is to move forward as a region of any significant in the international community. For too long local politics have stifled the creativity and innovation of our people
I admire the American system of government. Our system of government gives too much power to a single individual and there isn't enough accountability. The separation of powers must be critical if we are to root out victimisation, corruption and discrimination. Why should a citizen of a country be denied employment because of his political affiliation and association. The right to work should be a fundamental right of all citizens and the constitution should strongly protect that right. I also believe that elected parliamentarians should feel free to disagree with they party in principle and not fear the wrath of the Prime Minister. Hence the reason I admire the US system. Elected Senators are strongly independent of their party / President and can disagree on issues yet they are not disrespected like our MP in the Caribbean.
Vincentians show the world that you are a great people that can chart your own destiny by voting yes on Wednesday 25th Nov 2009.
Long Live The People of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Long Live Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the Unity Labour Party.
Long Live the yes vote!
Vincentians, Forward Ever! Backward Never!
Foxy Stewart | | | | Reads : 1118 | | | |
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