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THE ETHICS OF DEMOCRATIC DECEIT

By in Print

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago recently had their elections, which as I predicted resulted in a change of Prime Minister. The election rhetoric has once more raised the issue of the ethics of democratic deceit and about our democracies in the Caribbean. On August 31st 1962 as the new independent country of Trinidad and Tobago was being addressed by their Prime Minister, a most interesting statement was given. Williams speaking about democracy said: “The first responsibility that devolves upon you is the protection and promotion of your democracy. Democracy means more, much more, than the right to vote and one vote for every man and every woman of the prescribed age. Democracy means recognition of the rights of others.” Democracy means equality of opportunity for all in education, in the public service, and in private employment–I repeat, and in private...

ST LUCIA’S ECONOMY

By in Print

I recently read a report which suggested that Antigua has the fastest growing economy in the Caribbean. It was based on an ECLAC report which was projecting a growth of 5.4 % for Antigua and Barbuda. The IMF had their projection set at 2.1%. Every morning I spend some time reading all the regional newspapers, so I am fairly acquainted with the happenings in most Caribbean States. My reading of that statement by ECLAC only confirmed my suspicion that we have economists at these institutions that are completely out of touch with reality. I met a good friend of mine who commented on this report and juxtaposed the economic growth of St Lucia to make the point that we have slipped along the way. I vehemently disagreed and advised the individual that the projections by these economists are based on projects that have not started. While Prime Minister Gaston Browne has to be commended for his...

LESSONS FROM DOMINICA

By in Print

The tragedy caused by Tropical Storm Ericka in Dominica caught many in Saint Lucia by surprise, as the forecast was showing that the storm would not have been a direct hit to that country. Viewing some of the footage of the devastation was indeed painful and one can only extend sympathy to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. However there are lessons for every Caribbean country to draw from this event. Over the last 25 years, I have witnessed firsthand, the devastation caused by these weather events. From seeing twenty foot waves in the Castries harbor, to the landslide and floods of Tropical Storm Debby, the devastation of Hurricane Tomas, the Christmas Through, all these events have left pain and suffering to St Lucians. We are situated in a Hurricane Belt and we have to deal as a nation with these weather systems. The combined cost to Saint Lucia’s economy by these...