People should stop criticizing House Speaker Jomo Thomas!

Editor: Before meeting Mr Jomo Thomas in 2004, I read his writings in one of our newspapers back then and to this day I still proudly read his writings. What little I knew about Jomo before I met him, I found out from my father, the late William De Freitas. My father spoke about Jomo being a caring person who looks out for others and has values that are unbendable.{{more}}

After meeting Mr Jomo Thomas in person, I quickly came to the conclusion that he is a wonderful human being; we became very good friends and we still are, but when he made the decision to join the ULP and become senator, our friendship strayed, but I continue to write and voice my opinion about Jomo taking his rightful place in our society.

Mr Thomas has a good character and displays high attributes of a leader; he also demonstrates a high level of independence, so when Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves suggested his appointment as Speaker of the House of Assembly, I profoundly supported Dr Gonsalves’ suggestion. So far, Mr Thomas is doing an excellent job and history will show that he displays the highest level of impartiality as the Speaker of the House.

I’m truly hopeful that Dr Gonsalves, who is the Leader of the House, will allow Jomo to do his job according to the rules of the House.

Mr Thomas should also be allowed to do his writing on issues he thinks need a voice and shouldn’t be hindered by a political party or because he is Speaker. We shouldn’t expect him to stifle his opinion because he is a part of a political party. Why should he degrade his values for a political party?

Mr Thomas has lately been on the receiving end of criticism from numerous members of the ULP because he voiced his opinion on the lands being sold to investors. Despite facing relentless criticism, Jomo will definitely stick to his values; that’s the man he is!

Numerous Vincentians and supporters of the ULP are of the belief that simply because Jomo is a member of the ULP he shouldn’t give criticism. Is that fair? Definitely not!

One of the main reasons why Jomo Thomas is so well placed in the ULP is because of the fact that he brings added value to the ULP and he is undoubtedly a very important asset to the ULP and it’s time that Frank Da Silva, Elson Crick, Senator Francis and the brother of Vincent Beache – Caddy King and “Ras I” cease and desist questioning Mr Thomas when he voices his opinions. We all know Jomo is the voice of the people! Those persons who question Jomo need to ask themselves who Dr Gonsalves trusts more, them or Jomo? Also who is more credible to the ULP as an institution?

I ask myself daily besides Mr Jomo Thomas and Mr Renwick Rose, who in or outside the ULP Dr Gonsalves trusts? Are there any other credible persons in the ULP? Sadly, my opinion is no. I consider Jomo to be the conscience of the ULP; without him the ULP will lack impartiality. Our country is where it is today because some persons only think about their own selfishness; they lack integrity, impartiality and fail to demonstrate any loyalty to this country. Many persons are degrading their values and telling Dr Gonsalves what they think he wants to hear, but Dr Gonsalves sees right through them and he realizes that they are all for self and they lack creditability.

The Jomo Thomas I’m seeing today is the same as I met in 2004 and that’s why I consider him to be my best friend. Jomo keeps putting this country first, standing firm in demonstrating class value, impartiality and integrity. Continue to voice your opinion; don’t be discouraged by Vincentians who have nothing to offer this country.

Sometimes when I hear some Vincentians and supporters of the ULP question Mr Jomo Thomas’s position, I honestly wonder if they simply feel threatened by him.

Jomo, my friend, you need to pay extremely close attention to what is taking place in front of you. Jomo Thomas, continue to be real, continue doing what you think is right. Jomo, my friend, you stand out as an independent person and for this Independence I’m celebrating with Jomo, because democracy is alive in St Vincent and the Grenadines because of persons like Mr Jomo Thomas. This country needs more independent thinkers; so, Vincentians and supporters of the ULP, I’m asking you to kindly let Jomo voice his opinion. “Oh gosh, let the man be”. Happy 37 years of independence to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

I gone!

Kingsley DeFreitas