What’s good for the goose . . .
That part of my mind that grows angry, and often needs the ego or the superego to bring it to reason, was aroused when I read page six of last Saturday’s STAR: “What’s good for the goose . . .” As you can see, the individuals mentioned and the political parties they represent are merely coincidental. In this place and at this time we need more intelligent, honest and disciplined persons to actively participate in the political process. Unfortunately, there are still backward and archaic rules which impede some persons from contesting political honours. This to my mind is a clear injustice in a society still struggling to make sense of itself.
To accentuate the hypocrisy of the political system in general, and the staff orders of the Civil Service Establishment in particular, let me first ask a question I think relevant: What are the relative merits of Jeana Corneille, a young woman who first came to attention reading the nightly television weather news some six years ago, and of Jerome Gideon a school teacher, as reported? What else do we know of these two?
At this stage in the island’s development when it seems clear to all concerned that more women, not fewer, ought to be encouraged to participate in public life, why should the archaic rules of an institution which has been abused and bastardized by so many political leaders (representing government) stand in the way of such as Jeana Corneille? I think that it is the rules rather than the personalities or their professions that need to be amended to encourage women to participate in the political process.
Surely, teachers, nurses as well as certain civil servants, ought to be free to participate in the political process and to join a political party of their choice. At the moment there is a dearth of political talent on the island and it would be in the public’s interest if we were to encourage competent and well-spoken teachers, nurses and civil servants to participate in order to help educate the electorate and elevate the political debate on the island to a higher, more acceptable international standard.
The rules of the Public Service and the system as practiced should not discriminate against anyone and should certainly not be seen to benefit a specific political party or those who manipulate politics for personal gain.
– Peter Josie
Road repairs
My name is Jordan Rosenblum and I am currently visiting Soufriere from New York City. I am staying at the Calabash Mountain Villa on Esperance Road. We have very much enjoyed our stay but have noticed that Esperance Road is in very bad shape and cannot be traveled by car. It is especially misleading because Google Maps recognizes the road as a major road into Soufriere from Moca. I have also learned that it is one of the oldest roads in St. Lucia and has been decommissioned for over 30 years due to normal deterioration and the lack of maintenance from the St. Lucia government. As a result of this, the detour into Soufriere takes an additional 20 minutes each way.
From what I understand, the government has been promising to fix this road for 30 years. I do love the area but, as a tourist, the fact that this road is on Google Maps and is one of the oldest on the island but not accessible to tourists like myself, is frustrating and confusing. Next time I return to the beautiful island of St. Lucia, I hope that this road will be fixed for the many residents who rely on it on a daily basis and for tourists like myself who enjoy the rainforest.
Democracy demands Bonds of Trust between Citizens
Are there any expectations in this run up to elections in St Lucia? Seems there’s a prevailing attitude at the highest levels of ‘don’t care, don’t care, don’t care. I’m all right Jack.’
– Anne Pearson
Reading Rick Wayne’s articles about the US president’s State of the Union address and then the EU’s concern about Saint Lucia’s criminal justice system highlights that our prime minister does not have a bone of true statesmanship in his body. The Obama quotes serve to emphasise that Kenny Anthony does not envisage a united country playing its part on the world stage; rather, he puts himself and the SLP before the needs of the nation. This island is no longer famous for just its beauty but is on international lips for embarrassing reasons, the latest being IMPACS and the Juffali affair, on top of our shameful history of Grynberg, Rochamel, Ollie Gobat’s murder . . . I hope that the average person here is not pacified by the tempered diplomatic language used by the US and the EU; they are extremely displeased with the direction in which our country is heading and the diplomatic mess that Kenny Anthony has created. Good on you, Rick, for your tenacity in persistently highlighting issues.
– Kitty Joseph
