The People’s Movement for Change on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, forwarded to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace, respectively, a Dec. 31, 2013 open letter to both gentlemen written by Junior “Soca” Jones’ and published on I-Witness News on Jan. 1, 2014.
(Read Jones’ Open letter to Ralph Gonsalves and Arnhim Eustace)
General-Secretary of the PMC, Ronnie Daniel, attached the following cover letter to Jones’ letter and forwarded it to Gonsalves and Eustace, respectively:
The People’s Movement for Change (PMC) extends best wishes to you in 2014.
We note that the trough system which poured up to 11 inches of rain during a few hours between 24th and 25th December 2013 has placed our country in a state of extraordinary need, requiring relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction resources and measures.
In these circumstances, when we read the open letter written by Mr. Junior “Soca” Jones and intended for the Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, sir, we were struck by its persuasive force. We write therefore to lend support to his call and to convey his attached letter formally to you both as he requested.
There is also the pressing need to depoliticize all work effort having to do with relief and rehabilitation following the serious humanitarian crisis that befell our nation. What we envisage goes beyond a handshake, a meeting between leaders or a smiley photograph opportunity. We hope that the relief and reconstruction programme can be governed through an inclusive bi-partisan partnership implemented transparently.
We are confident that our nation will benefit from, and be uplifted by, such a policy of unity. We urge you to seize this occasion of national pain to open a new page in our political pilgrimage.
At this time when the temptation is great to look for personal and temporary political advantage, we are reminded of the oft-repeated notion that ‘good policy is good politics.’ The time for politicking will come, but these are certainly not the time.
Let’s all act in the true Vincentian spirit and be our brothers’ keeper.
Ronnie Daniel,
General Secretary