The ‘Greatest’ may yet succeed

10.OCT.08

Editor: During my long life, I have had the privilege of listening to, analysing and working with and for Political Leaders Messrs. Joshua, Cato, Mitchell and Gonsalves, all of whom in my opinion have been good National Leaders with potently different styles and who in varying respects and on diverse topics have impressed me enduringly.{{more}}

Many of your readers, too, must surely remember the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali who in the 1960s and 70s declared himself “the greatest”. His book bearing the same title has been read some five (5) times by me. I continue to love and respect Ali as he proved himself by intellect and performance – “The greatest” in boxing history.

On Friday last, I sat in the gallery of Parliament and witnessed a very disturbing scenario at Question time. Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves single-handedly destroyed, demoralized and humiliated the Opposition Members to the extent that they to a man looked and acted totally dejected. It was like a School Master giving a Lecture to Freshmen Students in Politics.

I felt disgusted and ashamed, since the NDP leaders had no answers. Here was the Master Politician on top of his subject, very well prepared, displaying the depth, breath and Geography of his humongous intellect.

I am now convinced that Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is now in my considered judgment unquestionably “the Greatest” Leader of our times.

On another note, with the U.L.P possibly losing veteran stalwarts Sir Louis, Mike Brown, Baptiste and Miguel the next time around, the good Doctor has sought to regenerate his party by making the intellectual Soboto Caesar a Senator. He still has a reservoir of talent, notably my favourite Mr. Selmon Walters, an astute, deep thinker, and better Minister of Government, recently wrongfully abused by the media. With men of high caliber like Dr. Thompson, Messrs. Beache, Slater, Francis and other young Senators, prospects augur well for the U.L.P. in the future.

The above results from my own observations over the years and my longstanding view that in a Democracy one can be against the basic philosophy of a Political party yet applaud its good points.

Since December 2007, Mr. Eustace has risen politically in my estimation. He seems to have a better grasp of the issues, and his political skills have improved. During the debate on the estimates, I told the Prime Minister this and he laughed.

As the current Leader of a Major Political Party with the rising high cost of living after VAT, the rape allegation etc., the N.D.P, should rate more highly in the Polls. Unfortunately for Mr. Eustace and the N.D.P, they are up against the most skilful, charismatic and smart leader this country has ever seen. Somewhat controversial at times, Dr. Gonsalves has been able to turn the tables and use the wrongful accusation of sexual assault to his and his party’s benefit.

To be competitive, Mr. Eustace has to be assertive and act now. He needs, in my view, to showcase the young talents in the party by appointing new Senators from among Dr. Lewis, Patel and “Nature.” Senators Leacock and Cummings have well established credentials.

In addition, he must select N.D.P Political Strategists, knowledgeable persons able to analyse, talk to the Press, and advise him politically. I am sure a Parnel Campbell, Sir James or Frank DaSilva would not have advised the poorly formulated written questions for question time on the 3rd October, 2008.

Editor, I am no pundit and may be accused of varying things. To this day I remain an N.D.P supporter who has resolved to keep an independent posture since I am not appreciated. My late Father John Dougan embedded in his children three (3) major things: Honesty, Principle and Conscience.

I am not happy with the U.L.P on the prevention of crime issue, for example. Convicted Murderers must be hung.

In addition, those convicted of more serious crimes should lose certain civic rights. In terms of the crusade against crime, the new Chief Magistrate is doing a terrific job and must be applauded, and the return of Justice Joseph, a proven tough, competent and compassionate Jurist, will, in my opinion, be of immense benefit to this country in its fight against crime and allaying the enormous strain on our present Judges.

Further, the Government must be more prudent in its Foreign Policy. In my view, other friends and allies yes, but we just cannot afford to annoy “Uncle Sam” unnecessarily. Too much is at stake.

Finally, I implore the entire country to support the Prime Minister and his Government in the quest for an International Airport. As the spectacle unfolds, I continue to feel and see St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the new world. The “Greatest” may yet succeed, although of course Muhammad Ali was eventually defeated by Joe Frazier and others.

Carlyle D. Dougan QC.