Mr. Eustace, the people have spoken

by Wade Kojo Williams Sr 05.APR.11

On November 25, 2009, the “Yes Side” in the Constitutional Referendum (essentially the ULP Government) suffered a

crushing blow at the hands of the “No Side” (the NDP Opposition). The results showed the “No Side” winning in 13 of the 15 Parliamentary constituencies, capturing 57% of the votes.{{more}}

With a general election taking place exactly a year and three weeks later, observers expected the NDP momentum to carry over into the elections. They proclaimed that the NDP would secure at least 10 seats. But the referendum was the referendum and the general elections were the general elections. At least that was the verdict of the Vincentian electorate. They seem to have voted based on the performance of the ULP Government, the magnificent leadership of Hon. Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves and the poor performance of Arnhim Eustace and the NDP.

As I see it, the ballot issues in the election campaign were leadership, the Education Revolution, the housing programme, home help for the elderly and the Argyle International Airport. On every single one of these issues, the ULP was miles ahead of the NDP…. “Better by far”.

The ULP made an outstanding come back to win the December 13, 2010, elections – eight seats to seven – and in the process, secured over 32, 000 votes. Some 2, 000 more than the NDP.

As has been the case since the 2001 General Elections, the NDP cried foul, but failed to file a single election petition. Weeks later, apparently on the advice of SCL and their in-house female lawyers, Arnhim Eustace and NDP had a few candidates file election matters under the RPA.

At the same time, the party set out on a mission to destabilise St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Eustace knows that time has run out on him. At age 67 plus, he cannot wait for the next time – five years from now. Like many of us of his generation, he has aged so quickly in the last five years or so, it is unfathomable that Eustace can start a job leading our country at age 73.

The NDP has held so-called “national protests” and pickets with such frequency, since the middle of December, casual observers would conclude that Eustace and SCL are fit for the mad house at Glen.

Following the first three failed attempts to mobilise their supporters to “close down Kingstown”, under instructions of the white boys from overseas, Eustace and his half-idiots on the Opposition, moved to “close down the House of Assembly”. Again they failed. The rest is a sad chapter in our political history.

It seems on the advice of NDP MP, Godwin Friday; the learned Parnel Campbell, QC and members of Gonsalves’ party, the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2011, was sent to a Select Committee of the House. The other Bill – Private Criminal Complaint Amendment – has already passed and received Royal Assent. It became law on March 01.

While ULP public meetings were attracting several thousands, not once was Eustace and the NDP able to bring out 500 party faithfuls at their demonstrations. Even a picket organised by the West Kingstown party group in support of their representative Daniel Cummings drew no more than 45 persons. Bear in mind, Cummings was supposed to have sustained foot, back and brain damage at the hands of the police during the NDP’s shameful conduct inside and outside the House of Assembly. The Financial Complex where my former school mate and friend, Patches Knights – Constituency Group Chairman – led the pick, is within walking distance of the farthest point of the West Kingstown constituency boundary. So why did the NDP again fail to attract supporters? Is it that they have already abandoned Cummings or are they are not satisfied with the antics of Eustace and the NDP? It could be the NDP supporters have confidence in Gonsalves and the ULP Government.

The last “Forum on the Bills” at Democrat House told a similar story. The NDP succeeded in attracting less than 50 persons, including journalists and on-lookers. And Eustace took the opportunity to show the world his “kinder and gentler” side when he publicly embarrassed his supporter Kingsley DeFreitas. According to reports, Kingsley was evicted from Democrat House.

Less than a week after the Democrat House Forum, the ULP held a National Council Meeting, a rally at Rabacca and a march and rally in Kingstown. All part of their 10th anniversary celebration (since coming to office in 2001). Each event was hugely successful. The rally and the march each drew in excess of 10,000 persons. From the videos and photographs posted on Facebook, red Tsunamis washed Rabacca and Heritage Square.

These events, including those put on by the NDP, should now send a clear message to Eustace, SCL and the NDP. Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP has the support of the vast majority of the Vincentian population. “The people” are daily showing their confidence in the ULP government. It`s time for Eustace and his elected members to get on with the business of the people.

Each time Eustace and the NDP make fools of themselves in Kingstown, police manpower is taken away from crime fighting and other duties policing our towns and villages. This nonsense must stop… and stop NOW. Eustace should put the nation ahead of his own personal ambition to become Prime Minister. It will not happen Arnhim. Let`s get on with national reconciliation and uniting our country to build a better future for the generations to come.

The people have spoken and continue to speak.