All eyes are on us!

18.SEP.09

Editor: To try to convince Vincentians to vote ‘yes’ in the November Referendum, Senator Rochelle Forde sought to remind Vincentians that ‘All eyes are on us’. Her presentation on September 2 in the House was simply a campaign for her party. I don’t think the Senator and her party understand the great responsibility that is on their shoulders in fulfilling their role and living up to the good expectations of the ‘eyes that are on us’.{{more}} So, Senator Forde, and other parliamentarians, WE HAVE TO GET THIS THING RIGHT!

1. Let all eyes be on us because we have a constitution that is excellent.

2. Let us have a constitution that they (the eyes) desire to imitate.

3. Let’s have structures in place that strengthen the fundamental Rights and Freedoms of all citizens.

4. Let those who head the process regard the good voices and meaningful recommendations of the people.

5. Let it be known everywhere that the Creator-God is the Giver of all Rights and Freedoms.

6. Let all know that the constitution – the Highest Law of the land should be taught to the citizens for their education and empowerment.

7. Let all know that we are a country of justice-loving laws

Consider how and why the Creator of the universe tells His people to stand out and let all eyes be on them. They were told ‘Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation Is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great that that hath statutes and judgements so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?’ Deut.4:6-8

In this constitution reform, the Caribbean and the world over should look at us as a people who are wise and understanding in constitutional issues to the point where they hurry on to follow our good example.

It is more than evident to the opened eyes and ears that many Vincentians are not pleased with the proposed Constitution. I am not satisfied with the way the concerns of the people (stated in consultations) have been treated. We are not given what we asked for and we are given what we did not ask for! In some cases we are given half-way, less than dramatic ‘innovations’. Concerned citizens dare to question and they are branded as anti-progress, unqualified and uninitiated in the law. Some ‘yes vote supporters, no matter what’ have even gone as far as to belittle the importance of seeking perfection. As if something is wrong with that! Don’t we tell the children/youth all the time to ‘aim for perfection?’ As adults, we must lead by example in everything thing we do, including the framing of a new constitution. Let us not settle for half-way mediocrity. Let the eyes be on us for something good, very good…no… EXCELLENT.

Ann-Marie John
svgpatriot@hotmail.com