THAT MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE

My first reaction to the opposition arguments on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Allen Chastanet was to thank God for removing me from that SLP environment that so wickedly pervades and perverts the minds of the opposition. It’s an ill wind that blows no good.
My other reaction was to observe that almost everything that was said against the prime minister’s stewardship was more applicable to the former SLP prime minister. I understand a little better now why the opposition had earlier sought to make the last general elections a contest “between the SLP and the Chastanets”. The fear of the Chastanet family reached its zenith in the opposition benches during the recent debate. My third and perhaps most damning observation is that the opposition fully understood the social and economic mess with which it saddled the Allen Chastanet government, and which in the name of politics it unashamedly tried to transfer to poor Allen Chastanet. 

The most glaring Machiavellian touch was its last-minute budget in 2016 minus any policy guidelines, which it left behind for the incoming Allen Chastanet government to navigate. It was a vile and vicious move that could have emanated only from an evil, wicked and demented mind. That was neither politics nor cricket! The island’s uncared-for public buildings which the opposition left behind, stand in silent testimony to the neglect by a clueless SLP government. The words that kept popping-up in my mind as I listened to opposition speaker after opposition speaker is ‘shameless liars’.

I accurately read the tea leaves when I heard the impassioned and informed statement from the Minister of Education Hon. Gale Rigobert. I was surprised she did not get anyone from the opposition to vote No!  Throughout the early part of the debate the opposition kept asking the government side to examine their consciences and to render a yes vote. Unfortunately, during their long time at bat, no opposition member elected or selected had shown any compassion for the country or the common folks who voted them into office. They could not hide their naked lies even when debating a simple motion in the House. And walking off when the vote was going against him did the leader of the opposition no good. I suspect it was the last nail in a coffin; even Anthony and Hilaire would like to see a quick burial. We learned that genetic make-up and character will show, no matter how one tries to disguise it. My grandmother used to say, “Show me a liar and I will show you a thief.” A shameless person will amount to nothing, no matter how well he or she is dressed or clothed. 

I end by repeating something I have said and written about on several occasions. The arrogant SLP opposition never accepted the results of the June 2016 general elections which they had called and organised. The UWP as a party, and the Allen Chastanet government, must never stop reminding the people of Saint Lucia that the SLP has no respect for them. The UWP must therefore dedicate the next two and a half years to making Saint Lucians feel respected, valued and confident in their efforts at building a more united, better and stronger nation, socially, economically and spiritually under God.                                                                                                  –