Emancipation, Decolonisation and Independence

AS WE PROCEED after last month’s very “august” month, one gets the sense that as part of its build-up towards general elections, there is somewhat of a “feel good” factor running through the veins of those who lead the governing Unity Labour Party (ULP). Current events, particularly in the cultural field, have helped to strengthen this sense of ebullience.

Since the beginning of August, we have experienced the so-called “Emancipation Cricket Festival” spearheaded by the Prime Minister himself, our country’s favourable participation in Carifesta XV, the current high-level Caricom visit to Ethiopia and the public observation of Africa-Caricom Day. In addition, it has been announced that the Carnival Development Corporation (of all entities) has been given the responsibility to spearhead national activities to celebrate our National Independence and that the government’s current pet project, the Kingstown port, will have its formal opening during the independence month. As part of this favourable gamut of activities the incumbent regime has been attempting to reap political capital.

But these issues are far more serious than this or that vote-catching event.

They go right to the heart of an unfinished process of decolonisation and cultural self-respect and cannot be placed on the altar of political expediency. However, the cultural connection is useful politically and timely, tying together such significant aspects as Emancipation and our historical connections with Africa, the ancestral home of most Vincentians. For those who do not, or cannot go that deep,” bring out the cultural garbs and flam”. But these issues go far deeper than such an approach. If we step back and reflect, we will realise that our tiny country, under the leadership of Prime Minister Gonsalves, has earned itself a favourable reputation, not just regionally, but globally, on issues relating to decolonization. Tiny SVG is well-respected for its principled and bold positions which no doubt contributed to such achievements as membership of the United Nations Security Council and the presidency of the prestigious and very representative regional organization, CELAC. From all reports, we have acquitted ourselves well in such undertakings and taken on a regional leadership role in this regard. In fact, in some instances Caribbean citizens were openly urging their governments to follow in the footsteps of the bold “anti-colonial” SVG.

Among the bold steps which gained regional acclaim was an unprecedented process of democratic constitutional reform lasting more than six years.

This initiative, unfortunately ended in defeat by rejection handed out by the results of the constitutional referendum of 2009.

While the reaction of PM Gonsalves appeared to be a lot of personal pique at the time, which should pass for such a seasoned political figure, it appears that the PM has let his personal hurt and embarrassment obscure his better judgement on the issue.

He openly says, basically “never again”, on taking up the issue again, and from all his actions has virtually ceded leadership on several issues pertaining to the decolonization process to other Caribbean leaders, his juniors at that.

Even at home there has been backtracking. Dr.

Gonsalves has won admiration for his leadership in raising decolonization issues, educating our people on such issues. His promotion of the Garifuna cause including the acquisition of the historic Balliceau island, and the successful undertaking of an authentic history of our people and islands, written by our own qualified historians, are further examples of his leadership in this direction. He has also been, commendably, one of the leaders of the Caribbean Reparations Movement.

Yet, with such an impressive resume, behind him, in recent years the concrete actions have not been forthcoming. The Reparations Committee, certainly at the local level, seems to be more form than substance, and even some minor steps in decolonization, such as the renaming of places and institutions from the colonial past which require no referendum, have not been taken.

Neighbouring islands, especially Barbados, have taken the lead in this direction. What is going on?

These are serious issues with which we cannot play.

It may well be that given the apparent backwardness of the parliamentary Opposition on such issues, the ULP government may feel that there is no great political pressure to advance the decolonization process which we boldly began.

Cultural dress, promotion of relations with African countries and actions in this direction are surely along the right line, but why the stalling? If the 2009 referendum defeat was an embarrassment, surely, 16 years on, we must have learnt to put that behind us and seek alternative routes. We must have learnt a great deal from the process but significantly there is yet to be an official acknowledgement of this, or any indication of new approaches. Theses issues are too serious to be left like that, and pressure must bebrought on the government to continue the process it began, learning from our own mistakes and using them as a guide to more realistic approaches.

The current flim-flam will not do.

_ Renwick Rose is a Social and Political commentator.