07.NOV.08

Editor: 2008 so far has been quite interesting. When we think of the international scene, the first thing that comes to mind is the power sharing between the President and the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai, respectively. I think that is good and I’m in support of that!{{more}} I also think of former South Africa President Thabo Mbeki leaving office under questionable circumstances; the world also has its eyes on Iran and Israel. The Russian and Venezuelan military exchange; Cuba refusing help from the USA. Some think because Obama is black he should be President, but my choice is McCain. The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) seems to be on some Caribbean countries’ agenda. What about the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME)? I’m supporting the President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo’s views about the EPA. Oil prices are killing poor people. What happened to the cheap oil from Venezuela? Should one be concerned about Chavez’s relationship with some countries in the Caribbean? It reminds me of Grenada, and to put the icing on the cake, our Prime Minister Gonsalves says every so often that he is going to continue the work of former prime minister of Grenada Maurice Bishop. For whatever that means, think about it.

In this country, events that stood out in my mind are: the man who goes around raping women; the high level of homicide; gun related crimes; the big wall which fell on a woman and killed her; allegations surrounding Prime Minister Gonsalves; VAT; the high cost of living; high oil prices; poor people just can’t make ends meet. Considering all that is happening, who should we turn to? Some say God, but He gives man wisdom to help each other. But they continue to fail. Is it because the password is the Unity Labour Party or RED? If you think differently you are against them. Who would make the difference? Would it be Eustace, Jomo or René? It is time for the old guard to change. He asked for two terms, and it is coming to an end. The more things change, the more they remain the same. Only what Prime Minister Gonsalves says must be considered. Some would say the system changed him. We have been hearing that for too long. It’s time for real change. It starts with us. I’m making an appeal to the people of this country. Look at what we are getting and tell me if you are satisfied. Is the ULP delivering? Are they touching poor people’s lives? Are we better off? Let’s try and make a difference, starting with ourselves, and get rid of these politicians. Failing is what they do best. Let’s consult with one another, so when the time comes we will determine which party should and could take us out of the hole that we are digging to fill another.

In passing, it’s good to hear from Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle that the security for Judges and Magistrates is at its best in SVG. Good going for security.

Kingsley De Freitas