Speak out on issues

05.OCT.07

Editor: I held off writing for some time, but Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle made an appeal for persons to speak out on issues. I believe that I should continue to write, whether some persons think I make sense or not.{{more}}

There is a “climate of fear in this country!” Who created this fear? I don’t know! Our Prime Minister, Dr. Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, always says that we should get involved in meaningful discussions, but when we do, persons who support the Unity Labour Party (ULP) think one should shut up. It seems that when one criticizes the ULP, its supporters think you are evil. Only they, as ULP supporters, should speak. But one has to remember that this country is for all Vincentians, and the Constitution provides us with that right of freedom of speech, once it’s respectful.

There are persons who are willing to share, but they are afraid. When they are affected, they will find out how it feels that they just sat around and allowed issues in this country to fester.

Poverty, unemployment, victimization, inflation, high cost of living, police brutality, lack of rural health care etc. are just some of the issues that affect the poor people of this country.

Persons like Renrick Rose, Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams, Jomo Thomas and Dr. Adrian Fraser are the ones that are keeping us informed, but they need to do more. I am expecting nothing but honesty from them. Not every policy of the ULP we should accept. Is our foreign policy creating problems for our tourism sector? Is our legal and judicial service functioning adequately? Where are the Christian Council, Trade Union, Civil Society and the Organization in Defence of Democracy (ODD)? Don’t tell me since Glenn left us these organizations died. It’s a shame! Let’s remember what he fought for when he was alive. It was for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. So let us get up and do something meaningful. We should make sure that the governance of this country is done with transparency, honesty and integrity. This country will benefit from it. Remember it’s all about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, so don’t remain silent and compromise. We all have a moral authority to speak out; don’t be afraid of Doc. Once your conscience is clear, you are doing the right thing.

Kingsley DeFreitas