[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hat was the core message delivered at the many political meetings on the Castries market steps during the mid-70s to early 80s? Answer: To encourage citizens to rise and shine. During these lectures (the market steps were dubbed the ‘university of the people’), the now Lord Mayor of Castries, Mr Peterson Francis, occupied a front row seat on the veranda of his parents’ CDC apartment, opposite. That may explain why he has taken to his current job like a duck to water. He seems to have been preparing all his life for the job of mayor.
There is no smooth and easy transition from private business to public office. Those who replaced the public speakers of the 70s and 80s appear to have diverted their attention from the rise and shine slogan to a more self-serving agenda. Mayor Francis is attempting to return the rise and shine idea in the way he handles his job. Those who know him well say he was an asset to the city long before his appointment. But, rather than compliment him, some have chosen to stand aside and criticize. A few, who clearly know not that they know not, have taken to spinning news that even a blind child could see is fake!
Recently Mayor Francis had to rush to the Martinique media to correct a vicious lie that had been circulated on that island. The sick story had originated locally (the mayor knows the original prevaricator!): that the city was overwhelmed by murders and other serious crime. The liar suggested our Martinique friends had better stay home. (Remember when a certain former prime minister spoke similarly with reference to overseas investors?) Mayor Francis convinced concerned citizens of Martinique that there was no cause for alarm. My question is: Who are these local bad-news bears trying to harm? The lie reminded me of the presumed mad person who not so long ago had taken it into his or her head to spread a skin irritant around the lounges at Hewanorra airport. Who loses when visitors decide to give our country a wide berth on the basis of fake news? Not the would-be tourists, for sure!
Not satisfied with the bad mouthing, others took to the local newspapers to report more lies and false news. They fabricated stories about the relationship between the mayor and the minister for local government. The experienced permanent secretary in the ministry of social affairs explained the reason for the audit at the CCC. Some party hacks, posing as reporters, disregarded the official explanation. They preferred to focus instead on a fabricated conflicts.
Mayor Francis is just getting started. The new mayor is about to introduce parking meters that will greatly enhance visits to Castries. Already Saint Lucians are asking him to take a look at Vieux Fort, Soufriere, Gros Islet, even Laborie and Dennery.
