This is what it boils down to?

The battle faced by ethnic and gender minorities within the last century so as to gain access to the ballot box is nothing short of historic yet it seems that little regard is given to the prize - the democratic right to vote in a general election.

The exercise of my vote has been reduced to the following:

(1) Misrepresentation by the ULP on their project achievements by omitting the fact that mu ch of the funding came from the negotiating work of the NDP (e.g. the Ottley Hall debt relief or the EU funding for many of the new schools within the last 10 years.)
(2) The absence of a future planning outline by the NDP, despite their clarion calls for reinstatement.
(3) The ad by Eloise Gonsalves, in which the same amount of expression that is used to state how much she loved her husband was also seen when she stated how disgusted she was by the NDP's vicious lies against dear Ralph not to mention the eyes following the blown-up script behind the camera. (Hope she cut a cheque for that).
(4) A Green Party representative for East St. George, who could not remember the name of her constituency.
(5) The I-hate-Ralph Gonsalves tirade - there is a limit as to how far negative energy will propel you.
(6) The laptop per school child fallacy - the only way I can describe the selling of the idea that laptops brought in for primary students would also be suitable for tertiary level students. (By the way - do we have 2000 children in the school system or am I that clueless?)
(7) The uncertainty as to whether Arnhim is always tired or he genuinely believes that his consistently depressed tone of voice does any good for his campaign.
(8) The personal belief that the ULP mounting/painting/staining/plastering etc of their party colours was done in a way to ensure no/little space to the NDP (or maybe conveniently rejected planning permission).
(9) The throwing around of legality in a seemingly concerted effort to continue ruining the public perception of law and justice in the country.
(10) The NDP ads that encourage us to "accept their (the ULP) bribes but vote them out". What the hell happened to the Representation of the People's Act and the criminal offences?
(11) SVG TV and their blatant bias in favour of the ULP regarding campaign coverage.
(12) The stories of alleged illegal voter registration and the apparent need to mount independent vigils at polling stations on election day to ensure fairness.
(13) The new roads that are being excavated in my neighbourhood - which will not be complete by December 13th 2010 but are being vigourously pursued despite existing roads being in a terrible state.
(14) The obsession with dialect in the campaigns - that is supposed to appeal to who exactly - the uneducated, ignorant, unwashed footed masses who understand nothing but bad english?
(15) The easy entry of ULP candidates into the primary school system, whipping them into childish frenzy chanting "Labour now" or playing tennis with Luke Browne.
(16) The soft openings throughout the nation of projects that happen to be completed in time for elections. Has it been over a year and I ain't reach in the new Library yet?
(17) The obvious lack of proper campaign management of the NDP - which could be their demise.
(18) The fact that a few selected individuals are going to have a financially rich Christmas, regardless how the vote turns out - I can think of a comedian and a cartoonist, what about you?
(19) The possible reality that the ULP has used their power to refuse permission for the NDP to use any Kingstown venues (but yet was able to suddenly relocate their manifesto launch to the Victoria Park after the rain turned Argyle into a slushy mess.)
(20) The lack of investigative, analytical reporting by the media leaving the comparative work to the social commentators.
(21) NDP's criticism of the padded electoral list - despite their failure over 17 years to put a system in place to avoid this.
(22) The vehemence of a particular party and their supporters and despite the media coverage, it is not the NDP.
(23) Anthony Astaphan. I will say no more.

This is what our X, our stained finger (ruining manicures nationwide), our right to vote has been reduced to.

Are you genuinely willing?

We voting, Abeni says it well enough for all of us in our lil blogging community.

But allow me to tackle an issue that existed as a "wonder if" thought frame prior to Sunday night which has now been transformed into a current reality. Last year, our PM marched up and down the country's byways and highways asking for a yes vote in support of the Constitution Bill 2009. One of the major features of the Bill that he pushed was the lessening of the powers of the PM (I am not entering into a debate as to the substance of those provisions) but I must make reference to the power of the PM to call elections at anytime, during the constitutional tenure of that governing party.

Dr. Gonsalves once said (if memory serves me correct) and I agree, that any politician worth his weight should function in a state of readiness for several months prior to the constitutionally due date. But he insisted that he believed that this ability to call elections at the whim and fancy of any PM to be excessive - Vincentians were pleaded with to lessen that power (was there a feeling that his leadership was not dependent on such 'mere' tactical moves?)

About a week or so ago, the PM sat in a press conference and declared that he offered up this power as one of the elements of the 2009 Bill, but "they said no" - insisting that he had already set the date for the elections but it was not time for it to be revealed.

Was this a realigning or re-embracing of this limbo environment - where everyone sits in poised anticipation, alert to every hint, suggestion, breach of confidentiality or slip of the tongue (or wrongly inserted date LOL)? Or was this simply a statement of how 'insignificant' that provision was to him?

So there we have it - less than a month in which full-fledged campaigns can take place - sweeping the nation in red and yellow, with hints of green - overwhelming us with their voices that shall surely be louder because the time is shorter.

So I must ask and I wish I could get an answer - Was the Honourable Prime Minister ever serious about limiting that power and effectively setting a constitutional date as to when elections would be held? Was he genuinely willing to relinquish it?

It would seem to me that if he was indeed desirous about limiting that power, he would not await the inclusion of such provisions in a Constitutional Bill - but would rather conduct himself in a manner that would imbue the 'spirit' of that limitation that he purported to 'desire' last year, around this exact time. But maybe that desire was for a season - one that has faded away - one that the majority of Vincentians said no to - one that has only a similarity in calender dates.

Even though, strategy-wise calling quickie elections makes sense, I hoped the exercise of our civic duties, would meet us at a more settled state as a nation rather than having such pertinent issues pending - like the NCB sale, the Argyle airport, or even a return to some semblance of normalcy for the persons displaced by Hurricane Tomas. (I am sure you can add to the list ) Is this my treasured naivete speaking or am I realistic in wishing that our PM acted in a more statesmanlike manner by adopting one of last year's highlights?

But here is my hope, my epiphany:

We have been hearing, listening, learning and analyzing for the last couple years -

we have become aware of many things, essential, trivial and in-between, seeing the change in our nation, our leaders and ourselves -

may we take these lessons, remain firm in our stand to better beautiful Uromai, make the decision that is reasonable in our own minds and prepare to embark on a continuation of our independence journey, while respecting each other.

ARE YOU GENUINELY WILLING?

Dream on

I am a couple years away from 30 and I have found myself settling into a routine that is comfortable but pulsing in my sub-conscious (with occasional thrusts forward) is that desire for thrill -because like many persons, my life is spent doing what I love but sometimes don't like.

I recently created a list in my mind of the things I want to do - maybe perfect them or just try once. Some are feasible, while others border on shaky ground. Most are possible and a couple may cause a questioning of my sanity.

So rather than wait until I am approaching 60 and creating a bucket list of regrets, I thought I would dub this "the list of the evolving me".

1. Bungee jumping.
2. Learn how to play the classical violin/cello/piano.
3. Write a novel.
4. Play mas in Brazilian Carnival, with just body paint.
5. Backpack through Europe.
6. Ride a Harley-Davidson across the US.
7. Meet Oprah Winfrey.
8. Go to the Amirita Spa in Canouan and soak in a hot tub - facing only the ocean.
9. Eat sushi in Toyko - low couches, sake, chopsticks, wasabi, soy sauce all of it.
10. Visit the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
11. Live in Greece for an entire year ((preferably while doing 3).
12. Own a wardrobe of Michael Kors clothing only.
13. Dive on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
14. Surf in Chile (but I have to learn how first).
15. Host a social commentary interactive programme in SVG.
16. Visit every jazz festival in the Caribbean.
17. Create a regional organ donor programme.
18. Reach a place of spiritual fulfillment.
19. Design and own my dream home.
20. Host bi-monthly dinner parties for friends and family.
21. Have a mural wall by my fave Vincy artist, of course in the dream home.
22. Own and manage my consultancy firm.
23. Retire before 50.
24. Learn to belly dance.
25. Experience genuine, intimate love with a beautiful man - however brief or long.

I know I am missing some stuff but this is my way of reminding myself and hopefully you to continue dreaming - never fails to be a fun experience.

I received a message from a colleague of mine, asking for a boycott of Trinidadian products since the PM of Trinidad and Tobago has stated that any assistance offered to CARICOM must involve benefits to Trinis. I would honestly say that I am not surprised. Persaud-Bissesar is the product of circumstance rather than experienced merit.

So before I began a Kingstown Tea Party, I had check out the media coverage of the comment - first to ensure that it was even made and second to comprehend the context in which it was made.

[check out the Trinidadian Express and the Guardian newspapers].

So, she made the statement. But Rowley, the Opposition Leader is faulty for refusing to participate in discussions relating to determining what aid should be given to CARICOM. The basis of his refusal is that the condition attached to the yet-to-be determined aid is "backward", "colonial" and basically an attempt to thwart any relationship favoured by his party - formerly led by Patrick Manning.

I was saddened by her words - the second such statement by her within recent times but I am in two minds or should I say seeing both sides of the coin.

The reality is any diplomatic offering, whether it be humanitarian aid, regional investment or otherwise always comes with strings attached, whether it comes from a developed country or developing nation. Maybe Kamala has simply not realised that such declarations are better not made in the public forum, limited only to confidential discourse among regional peers. After all her rise to leadership involved a battle within her own party and nation, the lack of interaction among CARICOM leaders now showing face.

The other aspect of this is the callousness of the statement. How dare she rank the desire to ensure the benefit of her nationals in the same category of the families, villages and communities that have been ravaged by Tomas? Has she seen or was she even cognizant of the dire needs not trivial wants of St. Lucia, Barbados and our very own Hairouna? I spoke to a close Trinidadian friend of mine and she had seen pictures that I had not even seen of my own country and that was on Monday.

As I sit here, uncertain if my internet connection would even allow this to be posted, our own PM must be applauded for his response to the comments - stating that he does not respond to comments made by PMs that are communicated to him via the media. I wish we could see that level of reasonable logic from him and others on a consistent basis.

I wonder what were the conditions that Haiti (earthquake 2010), Grenada (Ivan 2005), or South-east Asia(tsunami 2004) had to agree to so as to ensure that food, water, tents, medical aid, and clothing could be received. Indonesia is currently experiencing a volcanic eruptions - what will they have to promise to get masks to prevent inhalation of ash and smoke?

I am tempted to blog on the possible effects of this Hurricane on the political landscape but I shall refrain while I pray and do my best to bring our nation back on its feet.

March 20th 2010 - read it

March 20th, 2010 I wrote a blog about the whole Anesia Baptiste position - I just discovered the last comment - read it. It completely justifies my perspective on these people. Religious fervour at its best and hilarious too. Apparently, I will fail and fall and all other horrible things for speaking out against the prophecies that Anesia will become the first female PM.

Maybe I should be worried because I am not certain as to how far their passion will carry them but I am cracking up in my porch. These people are outrageous - if you are going to battle me with words - come good baby. I got a dictionary and an appreciation for Shakespeare. I got a sermon - all that was missing was the Scripture but of course there is no Biblical foundation for their energy apart from carefully selected verses and their ordained interpretation thereof.

By the way for the Thusians reading this, I respect that you have a firm belief in God but I do not appreciate your disdain for other beliefs. I may not be the holiest person out there and God knows I fall short many a time but I do believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit so say what you have to say - Isaiah 54:17 - "No weapon formed against me shall prosper" despite my non-traditional ways of self-expression.

This bitch is out....Peace and freedom y'll.

Dare to debate

I have come to the sad realisation that there is no or little appreciation in this beautiful nation of ours for the opinions and thoughts of others.

Once we have a perspective (turgid or flaccid) on an issue, any variation from that requires one to rise up with gasping bewilderment or contemptuous disgust at the intellectual incapacity of the person(s) who dared to challenge us or even merely seek clarification on the position.

It would seem to me that if our leaders truly believed in what they say, and that could be contrasted with the opines of a contender, one should not have a problem engaging in discourse - and by that I mean, a debate.

A battle of words - not the "you begged me for money when you were doing your studies" kind, rather I envision a more eloquent, graceful speeches with non-antagonistic approach.

There is no doubt that our politicians have voices - their performances of wit, wisdom and wasted energy on the political platforms dotting our community corners of recent allude to that fact. But where are their "inside voices" - the same message of "vote me, vote me" with your mother's best manners and etiquette lessons on display.

Is it that there is no true message, no unique propositions to challenge today's issues or a genuine fear of being reminded of the failures of our past or even present existences?

Frankly with the ULP we all know who runs the show - the Comrade's cronies/constituency contenders are rehearsed (some better than others), with little or no self-understanding of what they have been schooled in saying. Granted I don't think he actually conducts weekend seminars but any discerning individual would notice his uncanny ability to speak about anyone not aligned with him, with an limitless incredulity. His constantly raised eyebrows and chuckle in almost every conversation and press conference is geared to make one think "how could they ever come up with this idea" or "how dare they?".

With the NDP, the Son is on a seeming verbal rampage and apparently no one in the party is aware of the fact that he is not contending a seat, is officially retired from public office and has a solid resume of statesmanship behind him. Everyone else in the yellow hues only have voices for complaining and identifying to the Vincentian public the follies of the reds. I was relieved to read of their ideas for home health care provisions for the elderly in one constituency with the hope of making this a national project - how refreshing. But my cynical nature asks, if implemented is its longevity dependent on success at the polls?

I would think that the true passion that everyone presumably has for this nation would cause to build up a desire to meet opponents across a table, with a well-placed moderator in the center. I would always give Ken Boyea some respect for the fact that he showed up in the only known (to my knowledge) attempt to debate around 2001, if memory serves me well.

But let me be the philosophical shrink - our society has taught us to be dependent on what we have to determine what measure of respect we have for ourselves -the family names, lands and companies, the titles and the spouses - the house in this or that neighbourhood and the social association factors. My generation has added to that the degrees, the cars, the "it places" to be on Friday and Saturday nights, the bling and the sugar daddy element - these are the THINGS that define us.

Once mankind allows the material elements in life to become a determination factor, the elements of true humanity are shelved in the recesses of our minds - and if it were ever to face a revival, one would have to contend with the reminders of when we first dismissed it.

When one shrugs off the seeking of knowledge, wisdom and experience through life lessons and drape on the pride of what we have and who we know - we lose confidence in ourselves, we stop believing in who we are and stop dreaming of what we can be.

We cling to coloured flags for self-determination, we chose to believe in only what favours us and we wallow in speculations of today. We fear the opportunity to shine under spotlights not created by our 'own' - forgetting that we all have blood running through our veins. We fear that our childhood speech impediment may make a comeback when faced with unrehearsed answers to unexpected questions - we fear that the other person may use a word we don't understand, since we tout paper knowledge but not comprehension.

In essence, we fear ourselves because we know that we are not whole, we are impure creatures with decomposing bodies in the closet.

And the response to the rare calls for a debate is full of denial in the ability to find an objective personality to moderate - uncertainty as to its structure - a blatant refusal to seat oneself across a desk from a person that could challenge us in ways known and unknown.

AH HAH - now I understand why talk radio is so popular - here and elsewhere -challenges and undesired responses can be so well disregarded. The control principle along with the perceived anonymity factor are essential in allowing hosts/moderators and callers alike to run amok on the airwaves.

Sigh, I think that my blogs of late and of future are and shall be reflective of a cry for what we can do, who we can be - simply because I firmly believe that I have a duty as a citizen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to vote, not merely in ode to the achievements of blacks and women, but as an individual who wants to be a part of the formulation of my government. In my mind, it would seem to be hypocritical to continue this blog if I refuse to stain my finger on general elections day simply because I am sadly unimpressed with the Parliamentary buffet line. But is it wrong for me to desire a Sara Palin attitude when she shook Joe Biden's hand and said "Can I call you Joe?" - she may have been poorly prepared but she made up with enthusiasm.

(P.S.) I always seek a graphic element that encapsulates the underlining theme of my blog - hence the cartoons (no credit to me, except to my googling capabilities) but like this chosen one - we all want what is best for the country, the same way we all want to be able to wipe our asses.

Quality assurance

I am leaning more and more towards not voting at all whenever elections are announced. I have looked and listened and all have been found wanting.

It is not to say that I seek perfection but standards of some decent level are a reasonable expectation. What the hell is being fed to us by the persons driving after political governance of this country? The utter drivel that flows from the mouths of men and women that we all know are intelligent, socially aware but maybe not wise, or fully cognizant of the effects of their conduct, their words, their omissions.

I am tired of the stories and the fairy tales of tracking, following, creeping, cheating, suspecting and depositing. I want someone who has the ovarian or testicular fortitude to handle the issues, offer a realistic perspective, propose to find the truth, or adopt the phenomena of fairness.

But as I said in a previous blog, the means by which our limited Westminster system operates demands that we sell our voices and consciences to achieve Parliamentary milestones. How many retired (whether forced out by scandal, loss of constituency seat, or voluntary exit) politicians have track sheets of their acts or omissions in the name of party loyalty that would have spun the lives of Vincentians amiss?

So it comes back to the title, where is the monitoring system in this country? We have the Chamber of Commerce and the Bureau of Standards that theoretically are in existence to maintain certain levels of fairness and representation on behalf of certain entities and consumers alike. Even though we all know the misnomers that can arise from believing that these systems are the sure fire way of addressing the concerns of their relevant stakeholders - at least they do exist.

So where is our truth regulator? Where is the person or the persons concerned with demanding the maintenance of some standard of quality among our leaders? The irony is that a government may have to be the one to formulate, fund and facilitate the creation of this dire need.

And then that entity would be subject to criticisms of unfairness or unwarranted suspicion, like J F Mitchell's indictment of the Supervisor of Elections, according the media coverage this week.

And then where are the masses in this whole fiasco? Sitting back nonchalant, cussing, quarreling, defending, rinsing of our brains, requiring nothing further than a hype, a momentary flash of angry at the unjustly actions of the reds and yellows. We have not determined within ourselves the need to be treated better, found the ability to demand a higher level of discourse.

Why? Maybe we are fearful of our own voices, our minds? Do we think ourselves unable to express our concerns for ourselves, families and country? Are we so intimidated by the titles, the flash and the misconceived notions of 'me-reach-high-above-u' that we silence our cries for our communities?

So here we are, stuck in the maze of confusion, filled with endless communiques of useless information that accomplishes the flushing of our mental cheeks, making us undertake a temporary indignation but not a righteous one.