The Independence exam

Round Table is sitting an Independence examination. ‘National Sovereignty’ 101 is what the test paper calls it, and there are three parts in the question paper. It is a half hour exam, so it should be easy.{{more}}

Paper 1: multiple choice on consumption. Tick the correct answer.

1. An average breakfast in SVG consists of:

60%+ imports, ( ) 60%+ local items, ( ) tea and bread, ( ) cornflakes ( )

2. Most of the vehicles used in SVG are:

Made in the OECS, ( ) made in CARICOM, ( ) new, ( ) extra regional ( )

3. The press, ‘e’ news and radio houses that Vincentians prefer are:

Locally owned, ( ), regional ( ), international

( ), of mixed ownership ( ).

4. The news and entertainment that Vincentians follow most are:

OECS ( ), Jamaican ( ), USA ( ), Trinidad + Tobago ( ), Vincy ( ).

Paper 2, Write a 400 word paragraph on “Since 1979, the owning of productive Vincentian assets has been shifting noticeably”, and refer either to hospitality assets, commercial/distributive, or to agricultural assets.

Please prepare your own answer to this essay question. You may wish to share it with others in the Round Table.

Paper 3. This paper deals with your observation of national governance and requires simple “Yes” or “No” responses.

1. Having more FM radio stations with opportunities for listeners to engage in interactive discussions has enriched the citizens input into democratic government. Yes, No.

2. Regular press conferences held by members of Cabinet and Opposition representatives provide useful political education for Vincentians. Yes, No.

3. Vincentians now have a greater sense of ownership and authority in the affairs and policies of the nation. Yes, No.

4. The differences in plans, policy and ideology between the four political parties in SVG have been clearly presented to and understood by citizens. Yes, No.

5. The Eastern Caribbean dollar should carry the pictures of national heroes of the ECCU states as the mark of our regional sovereignty.

Yes No.

6. The citizens of the OECS are ready to vote in a referendum on forming one OECS nation. Yes, No.

7. 37 years of ‘Independence’ has taught our citizens the basic facts and features of the nations with which we have diplomatic relations, making us literate global citizens. Yes, No.

8. Members of Parliament hold semi-annual constituency assemblies to report to and receive commentaries and feedback from voters in the constituencies. Yes, No.

9. Citizen protests are treated with respect and consultation, leading to genuine attempts at consent. Yes, No.

10. Vincentians have many incentives to meet as one national community and put aside political party competition in carrying out nation-building projects such as the causes of crime, decent work codes, integrity in political office, and food sovereignty. Yes, No.

Compare your scores of Yes and No with another person and discuss quietly what you discover about our national sovereignty. What do you both think can bring about any forward movement?