I am not afraid to ‘Vote No’

Last Saturday night’s turnout at Victoria Park for the No Vote campaign, was one of the party’s biggest.{{more}}

Not only did the several speakers entertain the crowd of approximately 12,000, but it was the melodious voice of Jamaican songbird Etana, that brought the NDP faithful and No Vote supporters out of their homes on November 21, 2009.

Belting out some of her hit songs, including Warrior Love, I Am Not Afraid and Wrong Address, Etana had the titanic crowd in a frenzy. Her songs, filled with positive messages, appeared to be just what he audience wanted as they swayed side to side and hand in hand.

The night was buzzing with activity for both the Yes and No Vote campaigns as significant portions of the Vincentian population divided themselves between Diamond, to see Jamaican dancehall superstars Busy Signal and Konshens take the stage for the YES Vote campaign, while throngs remained in West Kingstown to sing along with Etana.

Before Etana took control of the stage, chants of “Vote No, Vote No” echoed throughout the park as each speaker urged supporters to go out and vote “no”.

Speaker, Senator St Clair Leacock said that the New Democratic Party would ensure that the economic development of the country is constituency based and that constituent representatives are empowered to serve the people.

He added that once the NDP returned to power they would end the drought of jobs and make sure there is prosperity for people in St Vincent.

Public Relations Officer, Vynette Frederick stressed that progress under the Unity Labour Party route was “more concept than reality”.

“You, young people, are the ones bearing the brunt of the ULP’s political mismanagement for the past eight years,” Frederick said.

Perhaps the most vibrant of all the speakers, senior civil servant Annesia Baptiste said the Government did not recognise the God-given right by humans, which still was not recognised by the Government in the proposed Constitution.

Among the other speakers were Burton Williams, representative for Northern Grenadines, Godwin Friday and Dr Linton Lewis.

Entertainment was also provided by Papa-Iston with his song Vote No, Poorsah, and the band, Hottsand.