Keep partisan politics out of discussion about Lewis

Fri, Oct 19, 2012

Editor: I would like to congratulate O’Reilly Lewis on his elevation to the post of president of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association. His election is an indication of the respect he has gained in his chosen profession.{{more}}

As a Vincentian, I am encouraged by his achievement and would like to wish him the best as he continues strive to contribute to the advancement of the profession of his choice.

I write to express my concern that what should be a positive development is being used to gain political mileage. This is unfortunate. As a close friend of Mr Lewis, I am aware that his decision to accept a regional post was based solely on what he assessed to be in the interest of his professional development and the interest of his family. To infer that his decision was somehow due to some disagreement with the government (as was done in an article in The News newspaper on October 12), is not only inaccurate, but it risks compromising his professional reputation by causing him to be viewed through a partisan political lens.

Mr Lewis is a proud Vincentian, committed to contributing to the development of St Vincent and the Grenadines in whatever capacity he can, and in whatever role he finds himself. If and when he returns home to practise, it will be as a more experienced and capable professional – better equipped to contribute more directly to our national development.

Please, let us keep partisan politics out of the discussion. Let us all simply show him our support and continue to encourage him as a Vincentian.

Concerned Citizen