A few things I am thinking about

22.AUG.08

Editor: Following the death of Bertram Stapleton in St Vincent, along with that of an English couple in Antigua, both these countries are now suddenly talking about the death penalty like if it’s a long lost cousin who has won the lottery and planning a visit back home. The brutal murders of a number of women in this nation, and the increasing murder rate in Antigua did not apparently warrant this discussion taking place.{{more}} At least, it’s good to see that the discussion has started, albeit late. Cannot wait for the day when the death penalty would be instituted for rape and buggery.

$118 a barrel

The Minibus Association finally has its wish: a price hike in the cost of transportation. Part of me thinks that they deserve it; after all, they have improved the service that the minibus operators offer. The profanity laden music they play has gone. The suicidal tendency evident in their driving has gone and they are once again obeying the speed limit. And no longer do I feel that I am reliving the middle passage my black African ancestors took when I am travelling in a mini van. At least I can dream.

JOHN SMITH

John, I see that we cannot see eye to eye or as one would say, you could lead a four legged animal to water but you cannot make it drink that water. Maybe when we are at the Bounty we could at least agree on the excellent lemonade and sumptuous desserts. The carrot cake is my favourite. Mandela was more of a political opportunist than a political giant; he started a movement that transcended the political structure that existed. Let’s try and forget his Marxist and Communist leanings. But Mandela is a movement. Look at what happened when the euphoria of his presidency wore thin and the realities of life sank in. It was Mbeki who looked to the fine details of government. Mandela’s place in history lies in his charisma, and struggle and ability to avoid civil war and aid in the reconciliation of the races. Look at what the structure called the A.N.C. has descended to. Martin L. King and Gandhi all started movements. Barack Obama is a movement within a structure that will ultimately consume the movement. I believe in movements. They cannot be contained, and like Toussaint L’Overture said,” the roots are…. numerous and deep”. It seems, then, John, that you are a structure person and I a movement person. That much we agree to, I hope (I thank my good friend Mr. C for helping me to clarify this point).

RACE AND CHILDREN

It was with deep sadness and a bit of apprehension that I read of Chief Charles Williams’ comment encouraging Caribs to marry within their race. I will try to understand the need for the preservation of a race and its culture, but I cannot help but think that taking this to its natural end leads to no good. The theory of the rainbow country, though flawed in some ways, does at least promote harmony amongst the races. Let’s say that we ask all those of African, Indian, Portuguese and Caucasian descent to marry within their races for the sole reason of cultural identity and preservation. What we have is a segregated and racist state. I do believe that there are other and better means for the continuation of a races’ cultural identity than asking people to marry within their race.

Kenyatta Lewis