A Word to St. Lucia’s Prime Minister From A Believer!

I write on behalf of the silent majority. I was thoroughly impressed with your rebuttal in the House on the evening of June 26. It did exactly the job it was supposed to, with efficiency, evident ease and even a sprinkling of humour here and there. More than that, you had given a masterful presentation in Parliament on the preceding Tuesday, 23 June which, without doubt, left the other side standing. You touched everyone and all sectors, and gave us the kind of hope and optimism of which we are in dire need in these days of COVID-19. As usual, you delivered the goods with confident humility. Or should I say humble confidence? You showed clearly, once again, that apart from being on top of things, you have a conscience, a heart —and a soul! I therefore determined to write you this letter, on behalf of the many who feel similarly.

To our mind, you continue to be an (albeit unsuspected) intelligent, some even say brilliant man, and you endear us to you with your usual calm, quiet, pleasant exterior, no matter what. That’s so admirable. To be truthful, we envy that attractive, outgoing, self-confident demeanour; it’s rare among politicians. That’s the kind of individual whom we want to represent us here at home as well as out there in this ever-complex, ever-perplexing world. In short, Prime Minister, we need you now more than ever. And just to make sure we are understood, we neither need nor ever want the existing alternatives, particularly at this disadvantageous time. Wouldn’t be surprised if they thought the same way themselves.

Does St Lucia want someone representing her who is guaranteed to be an embarrassment on so many levels? Can we afford to let such a person loose out there, being interviewed by international organizations, addressing important bodies, going cap in hand for Fair Helen? Do we want someone devoid of leadership skills, of vision, of gravitas? And on the home front, must we put up with clans of supporters rife with aggressiveness, flailing and shouting, their screwed-up faces depicting bitternes and desperation? So very off-putting! As my norther observer put it: “Ah true, dem jus’ cya ‘elp it, das jus’ how dem stay from time. We ‘ave dem like dat, same way.” Or do we prefer the demonstrated equanimity of our country’s leader, his always unruffled, pleasing countenance?

Don’t all shout at the same time. I hear you. And again, what of his fluency, his ability to deliver off-the-cuff, the clarity of his various communications to the nation. Whether or not all agree with their essence, together with his deliberate, expository style—surely both virtues a welcome strength—his mild dyslexia and sometime accompanying malapropism notwithstanding? We’ll take those anytime. Therefore, Prime Minister, as the late Saint Lucian singer Emile Ford advised, “just keep on doing what you’re doing.” It’s clear your heart’s in the right place. And, speaking of hearts, I did not hear first-hand, nor do I know the context of your statement that despite its evils, colonialism had a bit of a heart or a conscience, or whatever.

So, what’s all the fuss about from the incessantly offended and aggrieved? I thank the Almighty, and have to appreciate the fact that the more enlightened of the colonial species, whatever their motives, put structures in place to provide the same brands of laws, justice, religion, general social services and education in operation in their own countries. Think St Mary’s College, St Joseph’s Convent. It could have been a whole different story today. No Derek Walcott, no Arthur Lewis, no shouters, spitters or flailers—no you. Go on, try and let your educated imagination reflect for a moment on the only conceivable existential alternative present at the time. Would you have preferred that? I rather doubt it.

Again, from what I’ve heard, the PM did not say slavery had a heart or conscience. Now, that would have been a whole other statement. So, detractors, please check that inferiority complex which persists in getting the better of you. But you know the shouters could actually have a point about what was dished out to them, for there are those of us who are convinced that too much education or perhaps “a little learning” just might be a great part of the problem with much of the upheaval and turmoil in societies around the world. For instance, some see the overproduction of assembly-line PhDs, for the most part with their carbon copy philosophies, reactions and arrogance as counter-productive to societal progress.

Now, I certainly don’t think we can make a blanket statement about all such degree holders. After all, some of my best friends are PhDs! Why, I myself easily turned down that opportunity courtesy of my Alma Mater (which shall remain nameless in the current atmosphere) out of deference to my yen for setting out to see the world. So, I hope my friends will forgive me if I tell the story of the (surely nevertheless proud) mother who, on introducing her newly graduated son to some strangers, instinctively put it this way: “I’d like you to meet my son, So and So, who’s newly graduated as a Doctor.”

“Ah,” said one of her listeners, “you’re lucky. It’s always useful to have a Doctor in the family.”

“Um, yes” she agreed, “but I’m afraid he’s not the sort that helps people, you know. He’s the other kind.” And how true! Well, let’s take it from the top again, PM, just to say, we’re quite satisfied, indeed relieved, that you are not thus lettered. Who knows what might have resulted? We’re happy with you just the way you are. Before signing off, I wish to thank you, along with your efficient management team and all first responders and front liners, for taking care of every single one of us in Fair Helen, during this impossible time of COVID. Just look at what’s up in that great land mass to our north, and we are even more thankful. You, your ministers and chiefs have all done, and continue to do, a first-class job. Again, we thank the Almighty that we are blessed to have you. For considering the alternatives, and they’re popping up all over the place, we might all by now have perished. True, an exaggeration, but you catch my drift.

In my estimation, that alone should seal your mandate for the next five years. To my eyes, the anatomy of your management style was in full view, and so favourably displayed. And oh, there’s so much more that is to come, and we can’t wait. Please don’t get too swell-headed, though from all indications you don’t appear to be the type. You are focused on doing the job that has been put in your heart, soul and being, to do for the land you love. We all, the inveterate downers included, know what a hard worker you are, teeming with ideas, committed, a softie when touched by an unhappy circumstance, another person’s misfortune, or the country’s unfortunate conditions of longstanding. Do you ever switch off? When do you sleep?

As we progress, I will be looking to see the positive outcomes which ensue from your decided push and sensible strategic action regarding education, health and the general social service initiatives which you’ve taken. These are hopeful measures which I feel certain will bear fruit. I compliment you on what you’ve done with NTN. That was a good move and the standard of personnel and level of programming employed there is something to be proud of. Well-articulated, open-minded and balanced. On the whole, it appears that your senior civil servants, at least the ones who appear on television, have shot up in terms of competence and credibility. That must be heartening, given what we all know very well, that so many others are simply passengers, there for the ride—or to the leaks leaking.

Didn’t intend for this to be anywhere near as long, and must stop. But not before making this pithy point about the “R” word of the day, which the mimic men have ascribed to you. So, as regards racism, I want to warn you that if you are indeed racist, you’re doing an altogether lousy job of it. You’ll definitely have to up your game. But I bring this to an overdue end by declaring that I am clearly still a believer, in fact, more so than ever. And we believe that to be the case for the thoughtful, decent, silent majority as well.