Most Vincentians make decisions based on facts

27.JUL.07

Editor: I read an article ‘March against Terrorism’. I became puzzled and bewildered at the way ‘big men’ reason.

Terrorism by definition is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. Terror is defined as violent or destructive acts committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or Government into granting their demands (Merriam-Webster online dictionary).{{more}}

A crisis in governance is a perception and not a fact. If one admits to this, it is then foolish to chastise a person for not agreeing with your perception or opinion. The author of the article has been Ralph’s right-hand man and buddy for years. How could we be sure that you are genuine? The USA has relationships with China and Vietnam and has an ambassador in Venezuela.

Constant reference is made of the PM’s statement of a ‘minority being unschooled and untutored’. The very nature and content of a march against terrorism shows that the author does support the PM’s view. I will justify that.

We were supposed to march because Lynch, Cummings and Thomas were terrorized in the form of libel suits. It is elementary; you cannot be successfully sued for statements of fact. These people write and say anything they feel, yet cry like babies over a libel suit.

I wish the author could explain in a manner that does not defy logic and commonsense:

(1) How can Government remove money from the bank accounts of businesses in Kingstown? Could any Government simply say to a bank, ‘We need money from a certain business account?’ So then we should have marched based on rumours!

(2) Is it honest and reasonable to say: Farmers at Belle Isle and families at Argyle were victims of unwarranted dispossession and eviction in preference to rich white foreigners?

(3) Is the voluntary negotiation for the lands at Argyle for an International Airport a form of terrorism?

(4) Why would the Government want to acquire O.T. Mayers Furniture Factory?

(5) Is the plight of Mini Bus Operators more significant than that of Commuters? The Government must be terrorizing the commuters with loud music and reckless driving.

The Marcus De Freitas saga started under the NDP Government. It must be fair to have homeowners in that area constantly breathing cement dust.

The ‘departure tax’ at the Grenadines Wharf was tried and tested in a competent court of law. It was found to be baseless and without merit. The disgusting thing is that ‘big men’ have made it look like only people who live in the Grenadines will pay the one dollar. It is a worldwide phenomenon to pay tolls for various causes. It is embarrassing to hear the petty issues highlighted about this issue. When travelling we pay various security fees at different airports without uttering a word. Anyone remember how the cruise ship berth is being paid for?

Public Servants of varying levels of competence and experience were sidelined by the NDP Government for several reasons, genuine or not. This may not be right, however it is presently happening and will reoccur under a NDP Government. We remember the GHS issue with Mrs. Thomas and Ms Browne.

My concern is not necessarily to defend ULP Government, but to apply logic (rational analysis) and commonsense. There is a group of ‘big men’ who do not give all the facts on issues but want people to march. They have been decidedly one-sided. So if the PM’s statement of a ‘minority being unschooled and untutored’, is bad, you support him in a worst manner. Take warning! The majority of Vincentians make decisions based on facts not because a group of men talk half-truths on radio or write in newspapers.



GB