Who Knew the Speaker Could Write so Well?

Never knew, never imagined, Claudius Francis was so clever. Or this broadminded. His republished article on the CCJ ticked all the right boxes. Which government was in office? Surely not the one he recently swore to defend with every weapon in his arsenal against critics, “giants and dwarfs.” Or was he—when he wrote why he supported the retention of the Privy Council as our final court—chasing after his own bone via any available means? Could he have been protecting his own famously thin skin from the possible consequences of some social or political faux pas that down the road may have landed before a CCJ yet to be established?

Anyway, I agree with every single word he laid down, something I never thought possible. Actually, I’ve never had reason in over two decades to agree with anything that issued from the mouth or pen of this self-satisfied commentator on every subject under the sun. Speaking of which, I am still not able to shake the feeling that the CCJ article that bears his name was his own work, that he did not receive more than “a little help from his friend” at the STAR (my apologies to Mr. Starr of the Beatles!).

All of that aside, if all he said in his article on first publication was true, thirty-something years later it has become truth on steroids! So, what was the inspiration for Mr. Francis’ about face? If his reasons for saying the Privy Council, back in the day, was our best bet for justice, why has he changed his mind? I need no reminder that he is free to do just that every other day. But surely, even the chameleonic Mr. Francis would agree his audience deserves an explanation for his latest change of mind, other than the silliness based on black culture and on our alleged ability to handle our own affairs. The state of justice on home turf is all the contrary evidence we need. For the especially wide-eyed among us, let me acknowledge, yes, I have little faith in the growing pool of opportunists who can hardly wait for their turn on the CCJ bench. If a miracle should occur on this road to Damascus, I’ll be certain to let you know how the scales (of justice?) fell out of mine eyes!

I take this opportunity to comment on another recent STAR republication, this time of George Odlum’s “bellelesh budget” speech in Parliament. When confronted by his mortality, he implored his then nemesis Kenny Anthony (I’ve always considered him divisive to his core), to recognize there must be “a new healing, a new spirituality.” Twenty-four years later, has anything changed? Yes, and much has. Alas, only for the worse! But would George, were alive today, have changed his mind, regardless—as did Claudius? The entrenched positions coming from the self-named “little black boy,” more concerned with his perceived coolness, come with obvious spite, his obvious need to remain in place till his earthly demise. This concern is at the heart of his desperate and divisive mantra “protect the victory!”

The neediest of us, the “poorest of the poor,” are clearly being driven backwards psychologically and economically. How far must we be pushed before we echo Claudius Francis and say “no more Mr. Nice Guy,” and “fight fire with fire!” Will we take seriously the barely disguised threat by a government minister to go for his critics in the worst way he chooses because he now has “the power” to do so? Bazookas, anyone?