I am with the Comrade on his progressive foreign policy

Fri, Jul 09, 2010

Editor: I refer to the article “Nothing wrong with genuine assistance from ALBA’” in your midweek edition of June 29. Sir Ronald is on the money in this article. His are exactly my sentiments on this issue.{{more}}

This has been the policy of every SVG government, as I recall – from Joshua to Cato to Mitchell to Gonsalves.

SVG has had diplomatic relations with Cuba and Venezuela for many years before Gonsalves came to office. Of all SVG governments since adult suffrage, the NDP has had the longest stretch of relations with both Cuba and Venezuela.

Indeed, the founder of the NDP, Sir James Mitchell, received a national award from Cuba. But today, the NDP is

of the view that it is awful do do business with Cuba and Venezuala.

Cuba has provided us with doctors and other health professionals for many years. Castro has never asked us for anything in return. Why this concern all of a sudden.

Says Sir Ronald: “… “I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as we do not tie ourselves to having to follow an ALBA position; as long as we are independent to say we bring a certain perspective to ALBA. This is what the perspective is; we want you to respect what our perspective is; we don’t want you to force your perspective down our throats…”

Again, I believe that most Vincentians agree with Sir Ronald’s view.

Sir Ronald also states: “… St.Vincent and the Grenadines was right not to sign on to the military arrangements of ALBA or the SUCRE…”

Those who scaremonger about ALBA for political mileage are never honest enough to state this fact: St.Vincent and the Grenadines did not to sign on to the military arrangements of ALBA or the SUCRE.

This must be divine intervention. Most commentators now appear to be seeing the vision of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

If my country can receive an international airport; assistance through PertoCaribe and ALBA; a national Eye Programme; a state-of-the-art health facility in Georgetown; improved health facilities throughout the country; scholarships to train doctors and other health professionals, with no strings attached, I am with the Comrade on his progressive foreign policy… call me “socialist” if you want… come kick me in mi face!!!

Wade Kojo Williams Sr.