Comrade, not so fast!

During his address to the recent national Convention of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), Party leader and current Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves solicited the cooperation of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in a joint effort to change the constitutional status of our country by removing the British monarch as our Head of State and replacing that monarch by a home-grown Republican President. Our country would then be following in the footsteps of neighbouring Barbados. Other CARICOM countries among them Jamaica and Antigua/Barbuda have also indicated a willingness to do so in the future.

In spite of the failure of the constitutional reform process in the ill-fated referendum of 2009, when the Opposition chose colonial ties over national sovereignty, it is clear that all Caribbean countries must at some time take this long overdue step in the decolonization process. It is only politicking which gives political parties the room to dance over such a vital step but the door is closing.

For my part, I would urge the Opposition to take up the offer but to warn the government not to append any other matter which, no matter how ridiculous, could be used as any excuse. In retrospect, the package put forward in the proposed new Constitution in 2009 was ill-advised; there were just too many issues behind which the dyed-in-the-wool conservatives could hide. Let us learn from our mistakes and stick to the crucial “single issue” as promised by the PM.

Following from this important step, is the one of replacing colonial honours, (of which many recipients are royally proud), by a system of National Honours. We have been dancing around this Maypole for years now but never able to conclude the dance successfully. It is a step which I support unequivocally, as I am sure most forward- thinking Vincentian and Caribbean people do as well.

While it is true that the wider recognition of the colonial honours, the knighthoods, MBEs and so-forth, will be missed by some of those so recognized and many aspiring in that direction, our national sovereignty must come first. It is a pity that we are a long way from being able to agree on a single system of Caribbean honours which would have helped in regional acceptance of accolades.

I made mention of the danger of “packaging” and in this vein, I am concerned by the revelation of the Prime Minister that in keeping with this move towards National Honours, he is to revive the Committee established some years ago towards that end. Further he intends to proceed with the recommendations of that Committee to add four more names to the exalted platform of National Hero now the sole domain of Paramount Chief Chatoyer.

The four, former Heads of Government Ebenezer Joshua and Milton Cato; anti-colonial fighter and pioneering trade unionist George McIntosh as well as educator Dr.J.P. Eustace, were recommended by the Committee for National Hero status. The PM has now said that he will proceed with that recommendation and has added that two prominent women, the late Sarah Baptiste of Sandy Bay, a prominent social activist, and educator Norma Keizer should be considered for the prestigious awards as such.

NOT SO FAST, Comrade Ralph! I have mentioned here the danger of “packaging”. Let us take it one step at a time. I am among a number of persons who have publicly expressed my opposition to the extension of National Hero status at this time.

First and foremost, we are yet to allow Chatoyer to revel in his hallowed status. Just this year a young calypsonian from Sandy Bay reminded us in song that “Ah can’t find Chatoyer”, because we are yet to honour him properly. If we can’t do that for one who has overwhelming consensual support, where we going with more?

In addition, there are those among us, myself included, who are still not convinced of the merits of all four cases. There is political opposition on one side or the other to both Cato and Joshua and while all four, plus the women now being added to the mix are all outstanding Vincentians, it does not automatically flow that National Hero status should be bestowed. In fact a young local historian, Sis Afi Martin, in an article in last Friday’s SEARCHLIGHT, made a strong argument for Ivy Joshua, the late wife of Ebenezer Joshua and female political pioneer. Long-standing class prejudice has always been employed against her.

So why should we repeat the packaging mistakes? Let us concentrate on giving Chatoyer his place in history and not allow our divisions on subsequent awardees to again divide us and arrest any forward movement.

Again Comrade, how could you tell us that if we disagree with your proposed action, we should “meet you at the polls in 2025”. Don’t we have a right to express an opinion without taking a partisan political stance? The overwhelming majority of our people will never contest elections, but we have the RIGHT to agree or disagree on any proposed action of national significance. Supporting you or the ULP on any issue is not a blanket support for you both, nor does it mean that disagreeing with you means opposition at the polls.

Let us learn from our mistakes and demonstrate maturity and tolerance. These are essential elements of our democratic process.

Renwick Rose is a community activist and social commentator.

Eye of the Needle