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Prev    Next Letter: Revolution by Constitution Published on Friday, October 23, 2009 Email To Friend    Print Version Dear Sir: The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines has been saying for a long time, "I, Ralph Gonsalves, remain to do the work of Maurice Bishop." However, I cannot recall hearing exactly what this work is all about.  Is it the building of a National Democratic-Anti Imperialist revolution leading ultimately to socialism? We the people need to know According to the "Line of March Speech" given by Maurice Bishop to the New Jewel Movement in 1982, Bishop had concluded that the revolution was at the National Democratic-Anti Imperialist stage -- is this where we are at present in our development? Something else Bishop said in that "Line of March Speech" is that the revolution must be led by the working people "through their vanguard party the NJM." Dr Gonsalves, what's the true situation with the working people of St Vincent and the Grenadines -- what is the level of unemployment in St Vincent and the Grenadines? Is the Unity Labout Party (ULP) the vanguard party to lead the people to socialism? If so, are you saying that the following Representatives are members of the vanguard party (in Marxist/Leninist terms) ? Hon Louis Straker, Hon Glen Beache, Hon Mike Browne, Hon Girlyn Miguel, Hon Selmon Walters, Hon Douglas, Hon Douglas Slater, Hon Conrad Sayers, Hon Jerrol Thompson, Hon Renee Baptiste, Hon Clayton Burgin, Hon Montgomery Daniel and Hon Julian Francis. What about your son, Dr Gonsalves, what plans do you have for him beyond the United Nations? I really admire the way you have been grooming him (I wish more fathers will do the same for their children). He has impressive credentials -- journalist and lawyer -- almost like his namesake Camillo Paolo Giulio Benso --former Prime Minister of Sardinia (Italy). The Prime Minister who said,"I have discovered the art of deceiving diplomats. I tell them the truth and they never believe me." Maybe one day he can become Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines. After all, he is highly qualified. He helped to negotiate the Petro Caribe energy contract in Venezuela in 2005. He held talks with the Libyan government in 2005 aimed at establishing diplomatic relations with that country. In the diplomatic sphere your son Camillo Gonsalves was a member of multiple delegations of his government to Cuba to discuss a variety of matters including airport development, a medical diagnostic centre and a myriad of other forms of social and technical cooperation. Not forgetting the delegatins to Caricom Heads of Government Conference and South Korea. Of course, all of this was necessary because of his position as Senior Crown Counsel in the Attorney General Chambers. I must say, based on his qualifications - experience and progressive consciousness he will make an excellent Prime Minister. This young man is so blessed that unlike thousands of Vincentians living abroad in places like England, United States of America and Canada, etc. he can contest elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines -- although he was born in the United States of America. For under the proposed new constitution -- once you have pledged allegiance to any of these countries -- even Commonwealth countries (except Caricom and the OECS) you cannot contest elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines unless you renounce your citizenship in those countries. Dr Gonsalves, what about 'cousin' -- Senator Julian Francis -- is he a member of this vanguard party that Maurice Bishop spoke about -- if you decide to move the country towards Socialism. Senator Francis, is an excellent organizer/mobilizer -- he can be the Minister of National Mobilization -- just like in Grenada during the 'revo'. I don't understand Vincentians -- they keep on talking about 'nepotism' because you always have Senator Francisis in big positions -- even now he is the Director of Operations for the "Yes" vote campaign for the referendum, with a budget of $4 million to get the machinery in place and get the message out. Give Jack his jacket we kow he is quite capable of doing the work. Senator Francis is an excellent worker, and I know soon after this referendum is finished he will begin organizing and mobilizing for the elections due next year. Well, Dr Gonsalves, if the 'yes' vote on Referendum is successful on November 25th -- I believe you will go down in history as a genius staging a 'coup d'etat with the only weapon being a 'pen' -- a written constitution with all power given to a prime minister and a president not elected by the people. If you are successful, Dr Gonsalves, I suggest that you become the first President of St Vincent and the Grenadines -- so you can be in the same league as other members of ALBA -- President Raul Castro of Cuba, President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, President Rafael Correa Delgado of Ecuador, President Manuel Zelaya of Honduras, President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua and President Evo Morales of Boliva. The prime ministers of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica will have to decide if they want to be in the big league of 'Presidents'. (oh, oh, the only two black members of ALBA). Long live a free St Vincent and the Grenadines! Vincentians vote 'no' on November 25, 2009. Amory Lashley Vancouver, Canada   Reads : 984   Prev    Next

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