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THE RECALCITRANT MINORITY

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‘’The ordinary politician has a very low estimate of human nature. In his daily life he comes into contact chiefly with persons who want to get something or to avoid something. Beyond this circle of seekers after privileges, individuals and organized minorities, he is aware of the large unorganized, indifferent mass of citizens who ask nothing in particular and rarely complain. The politician comes after a while to think that the art of politics is to satisfy the seekers after favours and to mollify the inchoate mass with noble sentiments and patriotic phrases’’ …… Walter Lippman The quotation is as relevant in the North American Democracy as it is in the Caribbean context. One has to decide whether to be a recalcitrant minority and be part of the circle of seekers or to rise into the inchoate mass, making declaratory pronouncement of one’s patriotism. Can small island states survive...

SIR GEORGE F.L. CHARLES – TI HACHE?

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Several years ago I bought a book written by George F.L. Charles entitled – The History of the Labour Movement in St. Lucia 1945-1974. I have probably read this book over twenty times since the purchase, as it gives so much insight into life in St Lucia in that period but more so it provides a profound explanation of the socio-political machinations of our country. I can say that Sir George F.L. Charles was no ‘small axe’, he was a giant, whose efforts in  pushing for better working conditions and the end to political isolation of the masses must be forever hailed as gallant. It is unimaginable that a mere  seventy years ago, men were working for one shilling per day and women earned  10 ½ pence. The work period was a twelve hour day including Sundays. There were  no rights to overtime and children as young as 8 yrs were forced into the fields just to help their parents complete a...

ON DESTINY (4)

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In your life you will encounter those whose sole purpose is to be a thief in your presence. Their intent is to steal your peace, kill your joy and destroy your destiny.

John Peters

BRIDGES BRIDGES BRIDGES

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The Government of St Lucia has pursued an extensive programme of bridge construction one that is unprecedented in the history of St. Lucia. The Minister of Infrastructure has rightfully determined that these bridges are part of the critical infrastructure of St Lucia and any disruption would have serious effect on the country. In my interface with the Minister, he has always readily admitted that he is not an engineer and always respects the view of his Technical Advisors. His role is the establishment of policy and the technical staff is to ensure that there is prudent use of funds in the execution of the policy. My view is that the Minister has pursued a very sound policy of moving the critical infrastructure we call bridges to a state of resilience. The loss of a bridge crossing can have a serious impact on the transportation network causing significant dislocation within...

IS SIR DWIGHT VENNER RIGHT ?

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“This crisis and its aftermath give us the opportunity to chart a new course which will ensure an increased standard of living and quality of life for our citizens if we chart a strategic and focused path to our goals”. These are the words of Sir Dwight Venner speaking recently at a National Consultation on the Economy in St Kitts. It is reported that Sir Dwight  went on to describe the core issues for OECS states  as follows a.  achieving sustainable growth over an extended period of time  achieve a doubling of per capita incomes by the year 2030 the reduction of unemployment to below four per cent substantial reduction and possible eradication of poverty improvement in the Human Development Indices of the United Nations attaining and surpassing the Millennium Development Goals a diversified and competitive economy. He further stated that “this will require a growth rate of three per...