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Wha’ wrong with Philip J Pierre as a leader for the SLP? Or even the next finance minister?
I carry no brief for Philip J Pierre. I feel compelled, however, to ask the question, what is so wrong about Philip J Pierre that he cannot be Kenny Anthony’s replacement? To listen to a few Labour Party apologists you would think their current leader is beyond reproach. In what I consider utter contempt for Philip J, Robert Lewis and Alva Baptiste asked dismissively, “If not Kenny Anthony, then who?”
I recall it was Philip J Pierre who as chairman kept a near moribund Labour Party in the early nineties alive long enough, for Kenny Anthony to lead and soon after become the prime minister of St Lucia. It was the same Philip J Pierre who cleared the way that made it possible for Kenny Anthony to enter the party at the top. At the time Pierre’s judgment proved to be correct, because Labour went on to win the 1997 general election. Back in 1997 a well packaged Kenny Anthony captured the imagination of the voting public and swept the Labour Party into power.
Of course, over time, the public gradually realized that the purchased product was a Beijing bootleg. His image makers at the time, through seductive advertising, had done an excellent job of selling a second-rate product. It is one thing to persuade a consumer to buy a new product. But having sampled the goods, no amount of persuasion can secure repeat business for bogus merchandise. That is why by 11th December 2006 the voters registered their distaste and spewed out the Kenny-led Labour Party in disappointment. People have come to know the real thing and no amount of repackaging could now disguise it.
In such circumstances the sensible response would be to change the product for something that is at least different. The now well known rejected product continues to be progressively poorer in quality. So why are they persisting with Kenny Anthony? Even to suggest that there is no alternative.
The high-earning- commission salesmen who refused to accept that their Kenny-labeled product has passed its sell-by-date should be stopped. They care more about the anticipated commissions from the sale than the health of the nation.
I want, dear reader, to consider Philip Pierre as the product change. Yes, Philip J Pierre is not as fluent as Kenny Anthony. But what good is fluency if what is said cannot be trusted. And then there is a perception that Kenny Anthony is intellectually superior to Philip J Pierre. But what is the value of perceived intellectual superiority if its fruits are political gaffes and miscalculations? Regarding the most important portfolio held traditionally by the Prime Minister, Pierre with a far better grasp (enabled by his economics background) of the workings of the St Luian economy, will make a better minister of finance than his leader. Sadly, but not surprisingly, Kenny Anthony has no intention of stepping down to allow the man who once made it possible for him to lead the party back in 1997.
Whatever you may say about Philip J Pierre he is not a polarizing figure in the politics of the country. But about his leader it is the one issue everyone agrees on: Kenny is the most polarizing politician in the country. The need for less corruption in government requires a new type of leadership and Pierre’s record is compatible with this need for change. There is nothing in Pierre’s long political career to arouse any suspicion that he may be corrupt or corruptible—a rear quality among our current crop of politicians. To his credit he played his part as the previous tourism minister, in laying the platform for the development of a nascent high-end tourism product. This high-end tourism strategic approach initiated under his watch is now paying dividends at a time when the Caribbean Tourism Market is in decline. Never mind the sometimes disingenuous suggestive claims of the current tourism minister that he has made the difference to an otherwise flat performing local tourism sector.
Now that Stephenson King is the most likely person to lead the UWP in the next general election, Philip J Pierre is perhaps the best candidate to neutralize King’s endearing strength of humility—an arrogant Kenny Anthony on the other hand would only succeed in accentuating King’s main strength. Let us face it Kenny Anthony has no better chance of winning a general election against King than Pierre. In fact he is more likely to lose against King than Pierre. So why is the Labour Party sticking with Kenny Anthony? The inconvenient truth is that the Labour party has little choice. Its rules governing the election of its leader make it almost impossible to change the current leader—and Kenny Anthony is well aware of it. In such circumstances the support from his parliamentary colleagues can best be described as pragmatic: they recognize the daunting challenge to effect leadership change and for peace sake they appear supportive. At the next general election which is likely to be a bruising- bare-fist fight, I predict with Kenny Anthony as leader, the tenuous support among his parliamentary colleagues will fall apart. The consequence of this is likely to lead Labour candidates to abandon any plan of a united front during the election campaign and cost the Labour Party another election defeat.
It remains a mystery why a politician who has served his party well in difficult and favourable times continues to be overlooked as a party leader. With enough personal baggage to sink the the Labour Party ship Kenny Anthony would be doing his colleagues a big favour if he vacated the leadership position for Philip Pierre. Failure to do so would speak loudly about his selfishness and desperate need for electoral redemption. He should therefore not expect unwavering support from Pierre nor be surprised that his parliamentary colleagues are waiting for his next banana- skin. Pierre now needs to show overtly that he is interested in the top job and let his feelings be known: that Kenny should make way for a new leader.
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For once I agree with you. Philip J. Pierre is a viable candidate to replace Dr Kenny Anthony as the leader of the SLP… and he will! But at this time, in this dire need the SLP feels that Dr Anthony is the best leader to steer the country out of this dilemma that it faces.
I have spoken to Philip J Pierre and he’s ready to take over the fold…but he is willing to wait until the time comes. Popular belief is that this will be Dr Anthony’s last stint as the Political Leader, in an effort to wrestle the UWP from power. After this he’ll still be an executive of the SLP and maintain his constituence.
I know that many naysayers are oblivious to the fact, but Dr Anthony has the full support of the SLP and theybelieve strongly in his leadership despite all the negative press and accusations aimed at him, from people like you, Marianna. And, the fact is that the inept UWP government supported by the Taiwanese will be faced with a fomidable battle to remain in power.
Let’s us wait until the UWP calls it overdue Convention before we start believing in POLLS.
Good article, but Maryianna, u missed one key point in the Labour’s argument to keep Kenny as leader. The labour party has deluded itself in believing that they lost the election because and only because of Sir John. Since the Ole G is no longer, they believe that little needs to be done but to shake the building as little as possible and they will win. However, I never believed that it was Sir john who put the nail in that previous labour party Government’s Coffin, but rather a myriad of Happenings and instances which colluded masterfully, almost like fate. These include, The Roach ah Mielle Affair, A growing dislike and hatred of Kenny (which he himself alluded to), Sarahgate, Sarah’s resignation, the By election in Central castries (which the UWP did not contest), The emergence of Richard Frederick (who i can only describe as not being a looser), the mere mentioning of Richard la Corbiniere to run any sit (the man has absolutely no appeal to either supporters of any party), The Concept of a Bi-election (the fight between demaque and lansiquot in canaries may have paved the way for Mondesir), the notion that labour could win continuous elections in constituencies typically Flambouyant, the underestimation of the opposition, George Odlum Gate, and labour’s decision to call the election after the opposition was ready. and oh yeah…..letting kenny contest that election as leader iinstead of PhILIP J. PIERE!!!!!!
A man with honest eyes and a compassionate heart would be a great leader.
It is a breath of fresh air to be greeted with the public perception that a serving politician in this day and age has maintained and is maintaining his integrity in public office, is compassionate and selfless. Not since the late E O Le Blanc of Dominica has a politician of such qualities grace the stage of public office .
The question that immediately comes to mind and which has not been asked or answered by the article is ‘ Is Phillip J. Pierre willing to lead his party and his country ?’
It is obvious that the purpose of this article is to attempt to divide the St. Lucia Labour Party. I admire Mr. Pierre because he is possibly the best politician St. Lucia has ever seen. And being the best means he is not stupid. Without unity, party politics would be pointless. You have to be a team player. You cannot put yourself above your team in any team activitiy. Party politics is a team activity. And Mr. Pierre has been an excellent team player. If Mr. Pierre is to be the polictical leader of the St. Lucia Labour Party, the party will decide so when the party wants. Stop attempting to divide the SLP please! It will not work. Thank you!
Because the SLP imports it’s leaders and Pip is here, little do they know that Kenny’s contract has expired and it’s time to import a brand new one.
It’s either high-class stupidity or they will surprise us by changing the leadership just before election, the whole thing is very illogical to me.
I’m with Jean-Baptise on this one.
I do not often dable in the politics of my home away from homeland but for once I have seen a strong and well written article about someone and their political party. I hold no affiliation to any party but only to a properly done job of running the affairs of this fair Island will call St Lucia and as a result stand behind the article above and the way it brings itself accross. Honest no thrills and does what it say’s on the tin. What good is a ferrari if the engine within belongs to a lawnmower?
Lets be honest, Dr.Anthony and all those close to him knows he not only cost his party the election he can not win the next election. What have we as a party done in the lasts three years to convince the people to let us goven again with Dr.Anthony ?
Labour candidates who support KA publicly will also loose Labour votes in their area. They know it. At the right time they will do the right thing.
They are not deaf and dumb, they have friends who tell them like it is.
What we have to recgonize is that KA controls the party, like its his, to do as he pleases. The evidence from changing the rules to not letting PJP speak at the convention beggers belief. Ferguson John wanted to be Chair of the Party. Not even over KA’s dead body. Instead Hunte a man who lives and works overseas is the Chair. Should he not be here to organize things on the ground? What are we doing in engaging the people? Please do tell. Every body knows that those who hold office in the party are KA’s people, he looks after his people they are loyal to him. We understand that. However the last time I checked it did read the St.Lucia Labour Party. Not the Kenny Anthony People’s Party. Those who are not part of the solution, as you stand by and say nothing, you become part of the problem. The voters will remind you.
Labour man
I for one believe that a repackaged, re-labelled Kenny Anthony should step aside and make room for Phillip Jay Pierre; in my opinion, he is the one to rescue the labour party from its near collapse. Kenny is a good man, this is all you hear people say, but it’s time for him to step aside and make way for new and fresh leadership. I see nothing wrong in Phillip Jay Pierre as leader and Prime Minister of the country. Mariana, for once I agree with you - this is a strong piece and I agree with all of it. Theoperatives of the labour party it seems, are more than willing to sacrifice the survival of the party for one man whom the electorates rejected at the poles - what then are the logics to rebranding a fellow and keeping him in the lead when there are more than one abled laders in that very same party? Call me a fool but this issue seemsa tiny bit suspicious and leaves one with no choice but to predicate their thoughts on the premises of, “personal agenda!” I beg the question, why not PJP?
it is appalling to witness the obsession that Maryanna williams have of Kenny anthony. she/he sounds like a broken record who will stop at nothing to bring down the opposition leader. when a journalist’s articles projects feelings rather than substance, it shows a lack of objectivity and biased reporting. i have waited in anticipation to hear maryanna/rick/jeff comment on the seaaaaaaaa of red which engulfed vieux fort ecently but to this date, i am still waiting.
my dear journalist, you need to present facts and not your opinion. your attempt to have Kenny replaced as party leader to give King and his cronies a better shot at the next election failed this past weekend. the Labour party is mounting a defensive team, full of talent, charisma, and need i say………political savvy.as the months go by, i can not help but question once again the competence of the guy who is in charge right now. King is a reactionist, he waits for when the situation is bad to comment but what is really worse is that he comes to tell the st lucian public things that they already know.
so my dear bloggers above,remove the wax from your eyes and come to grips with grim situation that lies before us as a nation. we are in trouble and the quicker we get people who are not about their own pockets, the better it would be fo us as a nation to rise from the ruins that we are embedded or should i say sleeping in.
a nation is only as good as its people, if the people speak filth, then then are simply relaying what they are accustom of engaging in. politcal rivalry is certain not the answer, degrading your opponent will certainly not make you feel any better as you are now required to live above the level you criticize…be careful who and how you criticize yet you fall into the same crap that you speak againt
lord, only in st lucia does politics go on even while the birrds are sleeping at nights
st lucians watch your own bread because the politicians ain’t gonna do it for you…
Hopefully Pip will not fall prey to the machinations of the UWP hired guns and mischief makers who are hell bent on sowing dissention among the rank and file of the Labor party in their pitiful efforts to destabilize the party.
They are attacking on two fronts create a situation to precipitate a leadership struggle and secondly, to relentlessly malign Kenny Anthony in the press.
These tactics should be seen for what they are, nothing more but gestapo tactics. They will stoop to the lowest level in their quest to enable the clueless, opportunistic regime to retain power in St. Lucia.
St. Lucians should be very vigilant of these wolves in sheep clothing, masquarading as people who care about our country, but whose sole objective is to meet their self-serving objectives. Punishing Kenny for transgressions, real or imagined, he committed against them.
There is also an undercurrent of a lack of confidence in King’s leadership ability in this article. The acknowledgement that this motley crew who is currently controlling the corridors of power in St. Lucia is lethal to the developmental prospects of the country, is also evident in the article. One should ask oneself why is serial brutal critic of Kenny advocating for supposed better leadership for the Labour party? What is his/her motivation?
I must say that in the face of the relentless attack, Kenny has not assumed the fetal position and given up to his detractors. He has now begin to gain that thickened skin that was seen to be lacking in him. He has proven that he is no shrinking violet as he has stood up to his detractors at the appropriate time and forum.
I have every hope that when he has survived this crucible he will evolve as a tried and tested leader, more aware and wiser. This will no doubt redound to the benefit of the country as a whole. If there ever was a time that our country needed strong, visionary, empathic, and perspicuous leadership it is now.
We cannot wait any longer.
The only way i may support labour is if mario comes to the fold and i know this will not happen so my vote is with the king pin. Kenny will never get my vote even if i was drugged.
IT IS TIME FOR PHILLIP J PIERRE TO BE LEADER. KENNY, WE ARE TIREDDDDDDDDDD OF YOU, LET FRESH LEADERSHIP REIGN. PHILLIP J PIERRE IS LOYAL TO HIS PARTY BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT HIS LOYALTY OR SILENCE ON THE ISSUE AUTOMATICALLY MEANS “I AGREE” THIS MAN HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR THE PARTY SINCE 1984, I MEAN, LET’S FACE IT, IF YOU’VE BEEN A TEACHER FOR MORE THAN A DECADE, WOULDN’T YOUR GOAL AND ASPIRATION BE TO ONE DAY BECOME THE PRINCIPAL? OR A SUPERVISOR TO ONE DAY BECOME A MANAGER, OR A POLICE OFFICER TO ONE DAY BECOME THE POLICE COMMISSIONER? OR A LAWYOR TO ONE DAY BECOME A JUDGE? WHY SHOULN’T PJP ASPIRE TO BECOME THE POLITICAL LEADER OR PRIME MINISTER FROM PARLIAMENTARY REP AND FIRST DEPUTY LEADER??? I ADMIT I DON’T KNOW THE CHAP, BUT ACHIEVING A BACHELLOR’S DEGREE AND A MASRERS DEGREE, SEEM JUSA “little bit” AMBITIOUS TO ME! GIVE THE GUY A BREAK KENNY, HE TOO CAN LEAD - LOOK WHAT WE HAVE AS PRIME MINISTER TODAY! PJP IS FAR MORE ACADEMICALLY QUALIFIED AND BEYOND!
Muahhhhh…What a handsome chap! he has presence, charm, good looks and charisma - a must have for any successful Prime Minister.Philip, you’re the man!
gud article however i disagree on the point about the ppl voting labour out of power because of kennys false packaging/bootleg beijing coming 2 light in what was it 97 uwp only got back in power den cause Compton realised what a huge mistake he made in giving lewis control of the party so he came out of retirement or was it a short hiatus took control of the party and swept them into power on his mythic and legendary status as the ppls politician
Pip be patient your time will come infact your time is coming. The SLP may be enamoured by Kenny , but the nation is not.. When Labour wins the next election and Kenny looses his seat Pip will be PM and a good one at that furthermore even UWPs will be more comfortable with Pip a natural son of Lucia loved across the party divide.
Trust everyone, there is noting wrong with feeling like a fool when your expectations are dashed, this simply allows you to know truth. When Benny Ban Tony first came on the scene he displayed all the charms and image of a great leader, he spoke in a manner of caring for the nation and having a vision of change. I still like him as a person and feel that we never came to know his true potential. His undoing was brought about by his stubborn attitude of always being right coupled with a thin skin of low tolerance towards any authoritative challenge to his leadership, this gave the impression of ultra arrogance. A mortal sin in politics.
While I believe that Philip J Pierre has the ability to be prime minister, I do not think that Kenny Anthony should step down as leader of the SLP. It appears to me that many of the advocates of this are individuals who have shown deep resentment towards, and a bias against Kenny for one reason or another.
Based on his two terms in government and his now three years as opposition leader I still see Dr. Anthony as a strong leader. He has brought the issues on this government in the public domain and has been a strong opposition force.
That is not to give the impression that he has not made any blunders, but when compared to our own prime minister who has made his fair share of political blunders, Dr. Anthony has shown that he still has the ability to lead.
The argument that Kenny Anthony is a polarizing figure in politics is weak in my view. I think he has been at the forefront , for obvious reasons, in aggressively attacking the issues, and highlighting the weakness of the government in the very same way that others sought to highlight Rochamel and NCA. If Kenny is bad for the SLP then so be it. Another defeat at the polls lead by Kenny will make that crystal clear and Maryanna will have that fact to say I told you so.
Maryanna you have an unhealthy obsession with Kenny Anthony. Granted that the very mortal, very flawed Kenny has made some mistakes, and lets allow that he has made some serious mistakes -blunders even, and paid dearly for them with his party’s defeat in the 2006 elections, and that reams and reams of opinion pieces have been produced in the press and in talk shows on that matter can we not devote a little more time to other equally important matters? Like the performance of the present administration, like the escalating problem of violent crime, or the unemployment situation. It would be refreshing to see an article by someone like you on juvenile delinquency in St Lucia or the failure of the family, the school system and trhe marginalisation of our your males. Your unrelenting preoccupation with kenny Anthony has a very serious opportunity cost attached. There is much talk in the plebeian media (street talk) that most of our warring young men are mere pawns of clean-shaven, pin-stripe suited denizens of suburban terraces. That’s something to talk about, surely. Another possible one would be about what new initiatives for combatting crime have emerged in the past three years. There is nothing that you can tell us about Kenny now that you have not said many times before. And not all of us share your all-consuming hatred of the man. So please Maryanna - jilted lover that you are - can we please move to another topic?