Is SLP Caught Between a Nasty Place and its own History?

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hose who voted them out of office at the last general elections, and who continue to monitor the behaviour of the SLP, cannot help wondering about what manner of men are these. They seem to be caught between their own past deceits and the hard place where lies, innuendoes and deceit dwell. It’s as if they’re saying to the electorate: “You had no right to kick us out, so we’ll give you no rest.” Their latest lie is bordering on madness and desperation. I guess they believe, as did Adolph Hitler, that if you throw sufficient dirt, some will stick. The SLP behaves like  a spoiled brat who takes his cricket bat and ball, and heads home after he was run out. It is difficult to follow the studied conduct of the SLP since June 7, 2016 and not be thoroughly disgusted. Who gave these SLP politicians the right to think they are superior to the rest of us?
This pattern of arrogance and presumed superiority entered local politics only after the electorate handed them a 16-1 victory in1997. That victory went to their heads and permanently lodged itself there. A great pity! George Odlum should have warned them that the electorate hates politicians who always complain and bellyache instead of getting the job done. Since June 7, 2016 there has been one complaint after another by the SLP; still they have not apologized for the disaster they left behind. Prime Minister Chastanet has said on more than one occasion that he needs at least three years to clean the SLP mess before the country can see and feel progress again.

It’s now 67 years since the first vote was cast in Saint Lucia under the system of adult suffrage. The island has peacefully changed governments four times in the last twenty years, and six since Independence in 1979. At every change of government, prior to the advent of new Labour, the people have peacefully accepted the decision of the majority. No matter how rough the campaign, the verdict of the electorate has always been respected and accepted. At one point we said that the voice of the people is the voice of God. No more! Since the godless version of new Labour, the saying has been cast aside for reasons the party alone knows.

Since 1997, new Labour has behaved as if its supporters will do whatever they are ordered to do. How much longer will their game of lies and deceit continue? Take St. Jude Hospital for example: the SLP had the project for five years and did not complete it. They behave today as if it was the UWP that was in office for those five years and who messed-up the St. Jude Hospital reconstruction. We should remind them that they can fool some of the electorate some of the time, but they cannot fool the same electorate all of the time. As was proven on June 6, 2016.

Another matter which should annoy every decent Saint Lucian is the constant fakery and diversion and bluff! By their constant agitation, they hope to encourage the naïve to look in the wrong places for the plunderers of the nation’s coffers. Does the UWP lack the gonads to take those who unaccountably frittered away the St. Jude Hospital reconstruction funds to court? It’s beyond me that no one has faced the courts for the excesses at St. Jude. I strongly recommend that the prime minister and minister of finance invest in one or two top Caribbean lawyers to help prosecute uncovered corrupt culprits in the St. Jude hospital debacle. How much did the former government spend investigating Guy Joseph? Did they set a precedent in that matter? The long arm of justice must identify corrupt individuals and their accomplices. If the prime minister has a problem doing that, he must explain to the people what the problem is. The prime minister’s job calls for bold action. He must only consult with those whom he deems knowledgeable and experienced.

The SLP has no legitimacy. The people kicked them out as soon as they became aware the UWP was ready to govern again. The UWP must expose those corrupt politicians who are selfishly trying to re-emerge as saviours of the poor. Public relations are essential and necessary in modern politics. But no PR can make a feeble government into a roaring Lion of Judah. The government must actively pursue the twisted minds behind the Facebook and social media falsehoods. It must brook no nonsense in executing its action plan. See how Mayor Francis has taken the Castries City Corporation by its short hairs, transforming the city. Perhaps the PM needs another Guy Joseph and a Peterson Francis or two in his Cabinet.

The SLP has much experience in muddying the political waters for its own gain. The general crime situation appears under some control, thanks to our determined police and law-abiding citizens. We are nevertheless aware that whenever there is political turmoil and agitation, criminal elements lurk in search of opportunities. The opposition knows this. They go as far as dissuading people from investing in Saint Lucia and threatening those who wish to apply for citizenship through the CIP. They once openly encouraged investors not to come to invest in Saint Lucia while the SLP was in opposition. By the way, a prime minister or a regular minister of government never talks too much when sharing information with the citizenry. However, words alone cannot cut it; there must also be follow-up action. Let’s roll!