By Raw Philosophy
Many of us disagree on a multiplicity of things — how to best discipline our children; how to best manage personal finances; which religious denomination best reflects the true interpretation of the Bible; what constitutes moral/immoral behaviour; which political party best suits our needs, inter alia.
Undoubtedly, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, our political ideology has inspired us to be aligned with one political party or the other for decades, despite the actions or inactions of the ruling party at any given time.
I postulate that most people who align more with socialist policies will continue to support the Unity Labour Party (ULP) until thy kingdom come. Admittedly, the hand-outs to the poor and needy; the investments in the youth and youth programmes; the investments in education (numerous scholarships, bursaries, EC$500 incentive to CSEC and CAPE students etc.); the assistance to farmers and young entrepreneurs are all praiseworthy.
However, given that most people are self-centred, it would matter little to them that their neighbours, co-workers, brothers and sisters are being victimised, punished for having an opposing voice; a different political philosophy that is too often expressed on social media or elsewhere. We have close relatives, family and friends who are in great jobs primarily because of their political affiliations. We, thus, cannot risk being concerned about our politically victimised neighbours for fear that we be seen as supporting the New Democratic Party (NDP), even though we see the injustice.
One need not be a deep thinker to understand why supporters of the ULP would defend their personal interests, the above-mentioned socialist policies and the interests of their families, relatives and friends even if it means turning a blind eye to cases of political victimisation. I am certain that desperate supporters would even employ the tu quoque fallacy to argue that there was also victimisation under the NDP, as if that makes victimisation under the incumbent government more palatable.
Like a skilful barrister who can win a case whether or not his client is guilty, there are equally competent supporters of the ULP who can successfully make any wrongdoing seem right in the eyes of the public, either by highlighting all the good the party has done, by discrediting the person making the claims or by simply not addressing the claims.
I would consider myself to be more aligned with the socialist policies of the ULP but as a follower of Christ, I cannot condone victimisation nor any violations of freedom of speech simply because the hand-outs are enticing. I am afraid that if I support such violations, one day my family, relatives or friends may fall victim to the same political victimisation and it would then be too late to control the beast. I can’t take that risk; I can’t just think about myself because of the socio-political benefits. God can easily take whatever benefits I derive from doing so away, so it’s pointless for me to turn a blind eye. God sees all and he does not like ugly. He knows how to keep evildoers and upholders in check.
I have seen well-reasoned opposition supporters seeking to appeal to the reason of long-time ULP devotees but I believe that such an attempt will be futile — their selfish interests must be protected at all costs. Your only hope is to appeal to the educated voters and the true Christians who are more oriented towards reason and righteousness respectively.
There are those socialist-oriented persons who refuse to vote for the NDP. They also see the victimization and plight of their neighbours and refuse to vote for the ULP, but such decisions only see the perpetuation of the victimisation when the same party is re-elected. What then shall they do? I am sorry for you my brothers and sisters but I only have one vote. I can only shed light on political victimisation, police brutality, nepotism and the other ills of the Vincentian society; the choice is yours to make as the electorate.
I am committed to neither ULP nor NPD. I simply like the ULP’s policies. Can another political party continue or improve these policies without the victimisation and violations of freedom of speech? I think four terms is more than enough time to prove yourself… It would be absurd of me to have any high expectations of any change in attitude from the ULP if they are given a fifth term. We desperately need a change and the only obstacle is our selfishness — the political benefits are too enticing.
Unfortunately, the victimisation did not stop with Otto Sam, even following the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of the government’s appeal of the 2014 High Court ruling that “his transfer out of the education system in 2010 was irrational and illegal”. I love facts, so I had to point to that fact as documented. Are there others? Of course, the political zealots will deny even the facts. Let’s do the right and honourable thing.
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Amen! I am confident more Vincentians can see what this writer sees.
20 years is enough for one (1) political project. Look beyond the boundary and see what are the moral & economic returns on your support of the incumbent political party.
To wit I ask the following:
1. Where is the National Performing Arts Center. Any discussion.
2. Where is the Indoor Sports Gymnasium.
3. Where is the National Sports Stadium.
The above mentioned are but a few of the broken promises of the incumbent party from their 2001 manifesto.
Some supporters of the ULP would say the aforementioned infrastructural projects should not have precedence over the Educational Revolution, Infrastructural Development; including the Argyle International Airport, and other Community Micro Projects, etc. But I would proffer, like in the Economics theory of Monetarism and Keynesian, after 20 years of supporting the ruling party method of economic growth; minimal as it has performed, it’s time to take another view. That is, it’s time for my countrymen to support an alternative method of Governing this blessed land.
And for bonus, you would not have the issue of criticizing an NDP Government for the Political Victimization of my fellow Vincentians. Instead you can begin this process by taking another look at the NDP’s manifestos of 2010 & 2015. I am optimistic you can view the projects and programs as a favorable alternative to what has rolled out over the last two(2) decades by our government.
So join with me and give great consideration to an alternative political project. Step up my people and through your support behind this country’s political alternative;- that is the NDP.
Sub ‘through’ with ‘throw’ in last paragraph.
“The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones.” Quote of William Shakespeare. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment”, Hebrews 9:27 New King James Version (NKJV).
Would our good deeds cancel out for all eternity the wrongs of our bad deeds and earn for us the needed righteousness? With these things in mind, how are we to live?
Oh’ the memory of the Soul! This we do know. That all men eventually dies. Their control of things ends, their good and their bad and the sure judgement and eternity will commence. Nothing in this world would matter anymore. https://www.metropolitantabernacle.org/Sermons-on-Hebrews/The-Memory-of-the-Soul
The NDP HAS BEEN IN POWER FOR 18 LONG LONG LONG YEARS. AND I WAS VICTIMIZED WHERE I WAS ROBBED OF SITTING THE COMMON ENTRANCE EXAM. AND ALL THE NDP HAS DONE IS CLOSE DOWN ALL OF OUR FACTORIES. IF YOU ARE A VINCENTIAN PLEASE OPEN YOUR EYES OR ASK GOD FOR GUIDANCE. PEOPLE HAVE THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS TO VOTE OR SUPPORT ANY PARTY. JUST REMEMBER ST.VINCENT OWNLY HAS TO PARTY. SO THE PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHICH EVER ONE THEY DESIRE.
It is the first time that am hearing such a thing. I cannot comprehend that a student was vctimised by preventing them from writing Common Entrance. How did the NDP do that? On the other hand, after almost 20 years why have the ulp not bring into operation any factories? That must tell you something. The closing of the factories has nothing tons with any government policy. On the other jand closing down Bigger Biggs 11 milllion dollars business had the mark of partisan political discrimination written all over it. Wise up!!!
Very nicely written
Taking the heading “Political victimisation and its perpetuation in SVG” we again have needs to notice some enduring facts of life;
John Stewart Mill in 1867 stated the following “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Or “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.”
https://www.metropolitantabernacle.org/Sermons-on-Isaiah/Threefold-Repentance-and-Reformation
Therefore would we as Vincentians agree with John Philpot Curran who said in 1813 that “The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance.”? From the headline our vigilance so far has been grossly shockingly poor. Extremely very poor indeed.
My thoughts exactly
In 18 years [he] could have rebuilt K’town twice and repave all the national roads. The nation’s living room. Our business card to welcome visitors. Currently, hurricane season has started again and the only thing left now is for Soufriere to blow. And, they want to hold the election before Christmas after the hurricane season and Corvid19. We got to mobilize because we know where we stand and we will give no quarter. Include our young people in the process. Engage them and find out what they want or what they need. A lot of work to do still. It is politics and social activism both. Don’t give up your value for peanuts. You can make a difference with your vote. Take advantage of that.
Kenton, take a good photograph of the public library in K’town before it is destroyed in a hurricane or further desecrated by evil men.
N.B. I don’t understand Ralph Gonsalves.
Old people words, our dying days will tell on us.