Diary of an Ingrate (Chapter 2)
by Frank E da Silva Fri Jan 17, 2014
If this were a class room, the lesson plan would call for a review of the previous chapter to get an understanding of the lesson taught so far. Questions and answers and what conclusions were drawn.{{more}}
From chapter one, we have his [Arnhim Ulrick Eustace] forcefully stated non-ambition to be Prime Minister of SVG in 2005, we must, therefore, wonder whether that statement was truthful. Why is he after failing three times to assume that office still attempting a fourth? Is it because he wishes merely so much to say: âno thanksâ to someone so badly? Is it now about ones ego?
It is also safe to conclude that Arnhim Ulrick Eustace resents authority. Arnhim Ulrick Eustace in a celebration of his alma mater, his most vivid memories are of what he considers to be humiliation of authority figures. We observed further that he is possessed of an unforgiving nature – he clearly has not forgiven his long-dead Grammar School teacher. He passed his exam âno thanks to you,â he reminds with utter delight. It was his âMichael Findlay moment.â You must ask yourselves, whether it would be wise to put trust in a man who has so demonstrated his resentment of authority. What would be revealed if you were to look deeply into how he has so far utilized the little authority [Anesia Baptiste and Rishatta Nichols] he has been given?
You learn, too, that it is much easier for Arnhim Ulrick Eustace to blast those who toil [Matthew Thomas and Junior Bacchus], even if indirectly, on his behalf, than to say âgratisâ. Is it a measure of his arrogance that he could snub one of our most dependable allies, Taiwan, without giving us a reason for his rudeness?
To the diary: Entry October 2, 1944
Born, three women present: Midwife, James Fitz-Allan Mitchellâs mother and my mother.
Authorâs note: My mother had gone to high school with Arnhimâs mother and she was at hand next door in Edinboro when he was born [Beyond the Islands, Sir James Mitchell, pg 435].
Entry: 1971 – Appointed youngest permanent secretary, Ministry of Agriculture – leaping over many. All thanks to James Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture [see SVG Constitution appointment of PS].
Entry: 1976 – Resigns in a huff from Ministry of Agriculture. Becomes a fisherman.
Entry: 1977 – Appointment to Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). [Ask Luzette King and Andrew Simmons how you get those jobs].
Entry: 1985 – Seconded by the CDB to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), assigned to the New Democratic Party government led by James Fitz-Allan Mitchell. Assignment eighteen months.
Entry: 1994 – Back in SVG, appointed [February 21, 1994] Fiscal Advisor to the NDP government, led by James Fitz-Allan Mitchell. Remuneration over $100,000.00. Also chairman of National Insurance Scheme and WIBDECO.
Entry 1998 – Resigned to seek political office, becomes – for the first time – a member of the NDP and becomes its candidate for East Kingstown.
Authorâs note: He [Arnhim] was one of the economists on my team⦠a series of appointments at home and at the CDB had propelled him forward. I had brought him home to help me implement my plan to restructure the banana industry – [WIBDECO which was drawn up Carlyle Dougan – A deal was cut with John Compton of St Lucia – he got the offices, SVG got the chairmanship]. I had found him a seat in Parliament, by luring his predecessor Carlyle Dougan into being High Commissioner in London [Beyond the Islands, James F Mitchell, pg 435].
Entry: October 2000 – Again leapfrogging, handed Prime Minister-ship over longstanding members like Jerry Scott.
Authorâs note: âWell gentlemen, are you ready to choose my successor? Which of you are ready to come forward?â The long-serving Jerry Scott put forward his name. The newcomer [gravedigger], the economist I had brought in -Arnhim Eustace, my Finance Minister – timidly indicated his willingness. In popularity inside the party Jerry would win, but our constitution [NDP] confined choice to the parliamentarians and I was sure the capacity for economic management would prevail [Beyond the Island, James F Mitchell, pg 435].
What kind of economic management is spending $100,000 on balloons to dress up stage before the election of 2005? But Mitchell had no way of knowing that.
Entry: January 2001 – Cabinet convened, Mitchellâs salary up for discussion. Mitchell has already decided to forego all allowances, but that was not enough. I cannot pay two Prime Ministerâs salaries. Mitchellâs salary must be cut. Mitchell leaves the room. I am voted down. All who voted against me will pay.
Authorâs note: It is contrary to the Public Service Act to reduce the pay of any one covered by the Act, but maybe the man could argue that technically Sir James was not covered under the Act. Wait a minute; are ministers of government or duly elected opposition members of parliament not entitled to any salary increase granted to Public Servants? Ingratitude begins.
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