Gary Fevrier

Judge not lest yea be Judged

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:34:00 +0000

Society is separated into groups along easily discernable boundaries, like languages, race or class, but there are other demarcations like geographical origin and religious beliefs also. These are some of the social aspects which helps determine how people perceive each other and ultimately how we judge each other. Commonly asked questions are. Who are you? Where are you from? Although decisions based on skin color, status, physical appearance or age may not be easy to spot, not to mention being politically incorrect, they probably happen on a regular basis. Judging people based on stereotypes is a common practice. It is an intrinsic albeit, an underlying part of the way we judge our peers. The structures of society and more often than not our pervading human psyche perpetuate it. It is part of every day human relations.

The Economics of rich and poor, the differentiation of religious teachings and practices and political norms, perpetuate and foster differentiation among people. This separation of individuals into groups makes it easy to develop stereotypes. These stereotypes are reflected when stigmatization and general statements are made about individuals. Religions preach adherence to one belief, creed and doctrine and in so doing encourages differentiation. Take for example the idea of one true religion, following one true god, yet most religions fight against each other.

Individuals are judged based on wealth and status and the political structure is primarily based on which party you support. People are either with you or against you. Associating people by groups therefore comes natural, and people use it on an everyday basis to judge people. Stereotypes affect how we judge others and ultimately influence how we interact with people.

A housewife, a civil servant or a teenager are groupings which a familiar and prevalant in all socities and there are common stereotypes which are associated to these groups off the bat. Civil servants get an easy ride and one would probably believe that, all teenagers are troublemakers and that all senior citizens are terrible drivers. Society upholds and practices the status quo of using a flawed but intrinsic decision making process to judge other individuals. The structures within our of society and our daily practices and actions, facilitate and support this process.

Modern politics encourage definition of groups in an effort to gain political clout, take for example the abortion debate, which seeks to put people into two distinct groups, one is either pro life or a baby killer. It is wrong and divisive but it works. Economical separation is evident in class association where the richer individuals of society associate with each other in Golf clubs and private schools.
This separation of people into groups is most visible along racial lines, people are grouped black, white, red and yellow skin complexions however it is part of a greater societal norm of grouping and stereotyping. This creates an atmosphere of them and us have and have not’s, Christian and Islamic, upper-class and underclass.

This need to group people seems to be a constant part of human relations. It is safe to say that the rat race is as much a pack race. Until individuals refrain from using gender, sexual orientation, class or race as a measure for making character judgments all forms of decisions will be prejudiced and probably based on a stereotype. People judging people based on race, income, ethnic or geographical related stereotypes.

The Cost of Free Trade

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:38:00 +0000

A free market and Free Trade may not be the way to the planet’s economic well-being because some nations have lost more than they have gained under the International Free Market system. Developed nations have benefited although some complain of loosing jobs from outsourcing to developing countries. Developed nations have registered considerable gains from trade but the majority of the worlds developing nations have lost under the agrigultural rules.

The General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs was modified into the free trade agreement in am effort to facilitate international free trade among the world’s nations. It was proposed that by breaking down barriers and stabilizing trade rules among nations, Economic Development for all participating nations would be assured. The first sector to be liberalized would be agricultural. The effects of the liberalization of agricultural trade have more drastically impacted developing countries as compared to developed nations.

The African, Caribbean and Asian countries, like the Eastern Caribbean Islands were heavily dependent on Agricultural For many like the Oecs States being Mono Cropping Economies were depedent mainly on Agrigulture as thier primary industry. On becoming signatories to the free trade agreement, many of these nations have complained of unfair practises by developed nations, such as agricultural subsidies and a i n general an uneven economic playing field.

Developed nations have an absolute advantage in almost all economic endeavours. Companies from developed nations invest a lot of resources on Trade Lobbyists. Some companies spend more money than some small nations GDP on lobbyists, resources which can not be matched by Developing Nations. This is a clear example or the uneven nature of the economic system.

The liberalization of agricultural trade has grossly negatively impacted the developing countries as compared to Developed Nations. Many nations are daunted by the economic hardships they suffer from the agriculture trade initiatives. The Developed nations are pressing to begin discussions on liberalizing financial services and other trade sectors and the promised gains from agicultural trade liberalization has not been realized as a matter of fact they have suffered.

Although there are many domestic hindrances, like government corruption which prevents Free Trade from being beneficial to many Developing Nations, outside influence on government also occurs. Proxy wars like that over the Suez Canal and Mercantilist escapades have now become defunct strategies, ounce utilized by developed nations but the thrust to realize economic gains by Developed Nations are now camouflaged in the form of capital imperialism.

Economic Growth should translate into Economic Development and into Gains that impact a wide cross section of a countries National Economy. Although the Frazier Institute, Two Thousand and Three report states, “that Globalizing developing countries recorded grater economic growth than rich countries”, however the gap between rich and poor nations are rising and in the year two thousand the developing countries had three fourths of the worlds population and only one quarter of the worlds income.

A free market system has been proven to be the best way to achieve economic growth and development, however those gains seem to be benifitting the developed nations of the world at the expense of the poor nations. The countries of Western Europe, Japan, Canada, The United States and Australia have traditionally been considered the epitome of Developed Countries.And while Free trade initiatives were touted as the great equalizer , which woul;d enable poorer nations to elevate thier status the results have not supported this. The systems employed to ensure economic prosperity, does not take into account equity within and across nations. A few benefit while the majority do not get a fair shake from international economic trade.

Human Rights and The big Economic Stick

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:17:00 +0000

Upholding basic human rights is considered an important criterion for having diplomatic relations with other sovereign states. Although a prerequisite such as that is a favourable requirement when carrying out diplomatic relations, trade embargoes or sanctions against countries for human rights abuses is however not a proficient practice. Stifling the economic flows of a country has its proven merits in affecting commerce but it disproportionately hurts the victims of so human right abuse as comapored to the effects they have on the perpetuators.

There are clear parameters contained within human rights charters and declarations such as that adopted on December tenth nineteen forty eight by the United Nations general assembly. The right to life and self determination are consider to be two of the basic and universals human rights but these are still considered to be ideals and countries are free to perceive and administer them differently.

Judging cultures based on western criteria may in itself present problems. The remedies geare towards solving a problem in a certain society must be compatible to the cultural zeitgeist of the particular society. Human rights ideals are aligned to the western concept of capitalist goals of freedom of choice. There are many positive capitalist ideals that are universally beneficial in terms of human rights. The western concept of human rights may clash with non western ideologies and cultures, sometimes considered inhumane when being judged from a western perspective of right and wrong. This ethnocentric view impairs judgement of the cultural practices and may lead to alien solutions which are not compatible to the local situation.

Sovereign states may differ in their judgements on what constitutes human rights abuse. South Africa maintained an apartheid system until nineteen ninety. Nelson Mandela after being released from jail became the first person of African decent to be the head of government in the country. Trade sanctions were placed against South Africa. But it took a while before the apartheid system crumbled probably more from internal resistance as was from international pressure.

The actions of certain states may appear to be breaching human rights themselves, and yet they sit in judgement of other states cultures and practices and governments. Powerful countries with hegemonic sway may use economic and other forms of leverage against other countries while they are defiling human rights ideals themselves. The United States admonishes the Cuban government for human rights and the its former UN Ambassador Mr Bolton objected to the inclusion of Cuba and certain other nations on the human rights committee, according to a human rights watch report the United States was at the same time grossly negligent of prisoner’s human right,taking place on Cuban soil at the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba.

The people who are exposed to human rights abuses are usually the poorest and most destitute of societies, by using economic leverages like sanctions it is usually the poorest people of the state who are harmed. Human rights should be governed by principles based on social goals. The economic logic of efficiency over equity should not determine human rights ideals and policy. Nor does economic sanctions, help in bringing human rights to the people.

The Cold War is Over but The Frost Remains

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:30:00 +0000

As a child I never liked playing chess, I found it boring and I could not sit still long enough to play a whole game. However I have come to enjoy playing and chess is a great game that teaches strategy. At first chess like politics can appear haphazard and confusing but it is a game of pure strategy that forces you to plan and project possible scenarios. In International relations like chess it requires a lot of strategic resourcefulness. A good strategist must be able to change with the tide. The relationship that Cuba and America have shared has not been amicable. With President Obama in the white house America and Cuba have a unique opportunity at present, a chance to engage in a new era of diplomatic and economic relations. Moving forward both America and Cuba will greatly benefit from such closer relations.

It will require goodwill from both sides for America and Cuba to develop such a relationship.Cuba sits directly on the doorstep of a vast and great market, an economical space that is the USA yet it does not benefit form such close proximity. To think that America will continue to maintain tough economic pressures on Cuba is saddening. Cuba belatedly awaits and needs the benefit that comes with having access to the powerful American market hopefully even being on the the proverbial preferred traders list. For its part America can make significant diplomatic waves in the region and afar if it lets go of the past and proceeds to win over those governments in South and Central America and Cuba.

In 1959 America was put on high alert while Soviet Union ships approached Cuba.It was suspected and feared that these ships were carrying missiles to be placed on Cuban soil. In many ways this crisis framed the present unfriendly relations between America and Cuba. While it was a strategically brilliant move by Fidel Castro,to align with the the former Soviet-Union,in a bid to prevent American invasion, it also cause an economical embargo which has lasted throughout the cold war and continues presently.

The threat of soviet missiles based within striking distance of America never materialized because of an American naval blockade, and frantic diplomatic maneuvering. However the Fidel Castro led revolution brought America to the cusp of war and sparked a dangerous situation of diplomatic brinkmanship. During the time that followed, Cuba was faced economic embargoes and faced an understandably irate neighbour not at all supportive of the government.

The Venezuelan president, a populist leader Hugo Chavez, follows in the footsteps of former Cuban president Fidel Castro, The former considers the later as an idol. President Chavez has on numerous occasions accused the US of trying to destabilize his duly elected government and thereby his country. He asserts the right to self determination and non interference in a sovereign states affair. In recent times he has began to bolster the Venezuelan military dramatically increasing spending.
Cuba, Guyana and Venezuela all have recently sought to develop ties with Iran a country that America is at odds with over its pursuit for nuclear technology and is contemplating imposing some economic pressure upon if it seeks to militarize this nuclear technology.

Recently the American president signed a deal with Russia that they may each cut by 33% their nuclear arsenals. This undertaking bringing into perspective the changes that have happen since the Cuban missile crisis. It seems appropriate that Cuba and America ratchets down the animosity and begin to work together.

In his famous speech entitled “History will absolve me” Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro referred to America as being run by gringos, who treats their own people of African descent differently, so why should America genuinely have theirs, the Cuban people’s best interest at heart. We are long past the Cuban revolution; past the cold war and America today has a proud president who has an African father.

With a President in the white house with a black father introduces the prospect that the people of the Caribbean, South and Central America will be more open even to the extent of expecting him to somehow be able to identify with them. The president of the United States and his government thus has a chance to capitalize on that and move the narrative forward. And lay the foundation for a new era in the 21st century of diplomatic relations with Cuba and the Caribbean and the Americas

Many populist governments have been able to capitalized on their peoples mistrust of American intentions in the region. With the Cuban revolution being used as a beacon for self determination, governments such as Venezuela and Cuba continue to allude to American has imperialist intentions.

The Cuban government and the Venezuelan government have been accused of heavy handedness towards certain media. I can see why governments may be weary of those who may be against their points of views aptly labelled American propaganda. Or stating that outside influence is trying to trying to destabilize them for their selfish gains. I am sure that there are many who would rather Cuban American relations remain rocky and would try to influence such outcomes, I don’t think that the media should be interfered with by the government however. Governments should try to stay away from censoring those who oppose their points of view or policies.

Cuba should take the first step and initiate the change,what would happen if the Cuban government suddenly started to release political prisoners, it would definitely change the game. The leadership of Cuba made a bold and strategic move, when it engaged with the former Soviet Union during the revolution. Cuba now needs to change with the times and make a move towards the United States that shows it is ready to fully engage the US. Strategic maneuvering that America cannot denied or ignored. A bold and an open gesture towards engagement. A gestures of goodwill that precipitates reciprocate actions by America.

So while there may be Cuban inmates on hunger hunger strikes and accusations that some opinions are being stifled by government censorship, there exists a wonderful opportunity, in that hopefully the President of the United States of American the son of a European woman and an African man, named Barack Hussein Obama, who Grew up in Hawaii and lived in the Philippines for about four years, can somehow spark a new era of Cuban American relationship. if it does happen it is sure to have a redounding effect on the region and in international relations worldwide. This would be an instance where international relations strike a blow for diplomacy and the use of the carrot over the stick. If everyone were realist and placed their faith in the superiority of power and might over all else,then it would be a world that finds solace in perpetual anarchy.

Who Can Afoard To Run: Will Run

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:37:00 +0000

Humans have always moved around in search or resources to survive and it is evident all around us. If you live in the Americas and the Caribbean you are probably a descendent of an immigrant of are one yourself. African slaves, Europeans settlers were some of the first to what was then known as the new world. Of course we know that the native people were indigenous to the land. Modern immigration is however very the movement of people around the world is happening at a very fast rate and it on a wider scale than ever before. Over the ages people have been moving from place to place, while this is not a new occurrence it still tends to evoke negative reactions. There exist stereotypes that immigrants cause crime, terrorism and even take away jobs. Despite such attempts to paint immigrants in a negative light the necessity of Modern immigration is undeniable. In most instance immigration benefits both parties.

If a child grows up in St Lucia dreaming of becoming an aerospace engineer, when that individual becomes an engineer, it would be difficult to find employment in the field ,in St Lucia. Since there are limited opportunities in St Lucia, chances of securing a job in the aerospace field would be better served in another country, a country with aerospace industries, like Canada, Britain or America. Although he or she may be able to secure a great job, working on jet plane engines at one of the Airports in St Lucia.

St Lucia does not have certain industries to support certain job types and this forces some people to seek education, expertise and employment abroad. But this is not the real problem because not everyone is able to afford the cost of immigration. What is most problematic is what happens to the people who are unable to leave. And what may be even worse is that they may be unable to find work in certain sectors, such as agriculture or manufacturing. If such a large segment of the society is unable to find jobs there will be a labour gluts issue. If there is underemployment or unemployment I think people would migrate out of the country to find jobs, can you think of ways to prevent this?

When people migrate out because of employment issues their relive stress on government t and society, by not causing upheavals, you know what they say about “Idle hands”. Underemployment occurs when there is not enough work to do and unemployment happens when there are not enough jobs for everyone. In the case of St Lucia, Banana farming was a leading industry, with many households dependent upon agriculture. With the collapse of that industry those who were employed in agriculture struggled to find jobs. Some of these workers have for year’s sourced work out of country, at one point cutting sugar cane in the US. Workers who are struggling to find employment in their homelands may find themselves facing a position of unemployment or underemployment and in that case many people decide to emigrate to greener pastures, in so doing they relieve the social pressures on society and prevent revolution or upheaval.

The number one argument against outward immigration from Islands, like St Lucia is what is called “Brain Drain”. It is argued that those with the ability to migrate out of the country are essentially the young and those with the resources. In other words, those expected to be the core of the countries labour force. In theory such an outward movement of the countries labour resources, may drastically affect future economical growth.

While the “Brain Drain” theory holds considerable merit, we must also take into consideration that immigration also helps relives unemployment and underemployment if it exists. In many instances there are no jobs and the job market may be over-saturated with workers. If there are more lawyers, Accountants, Economists than there are jobs, mo work in manufacturing or agriculture, then there needs to be an outlet, such as immigration to relive the glut of workers. While the issue of brain drain can be identified in the outward movement of health care practitioners from the Caribbean, on the other hand this same outlet of immigration relives stress on local government, who are unable to provide jobs for all.

Countries such as Canada and America supplement their labour forces through immigration. These countries attract both the so called “cream of the crop” and those willing to work at minimum wage. Developed countries benefit from incoming workers, who are willing to be employed in part time, minimum wage jobs. These are jobs which established citizens may not be willing to do. Immigrants working at minimum wage jobs and in so doing, support the overall economic base. Through their working, paying rent, shopping and general economic activity in the country they are bolstering the country’s economic base.

Most developing countries are now facing an aging population. The baby boomer generation, or the world war two generation are about to retire from their jobs and will need their pensions. That means that they will be drawing monies from the country. It is feared that there may not be enough money to pay pensions to seniors. What is needed to offset this situation is a young working generation, or a tax payer’s base big enough to offset the outgoing pension payments.

Developing countries are now facing an aging population but they are also facing a low birth rate situation. People are having fewer children and women and men are having children later on in life. There now is a situation where, the citizens do not want to work in Minimum wage jobs and are having fewer children as well. That means that they are not replenishing the labour force and more people are retiring.

Countries need a stable, young, working, taxpaying base, to supplements and replenish their labour forces, faster than the elderly retire. Countries are faced with what is called a high dependency ratio, there are more people retiring than there are young workers joining the work force. If this situation persists it is uncertain how government will be able to maintain public funded initiatives such as pensions and senior medical programs. Immigration in this instance will help those developed countries offset that problem, by providing them with a young labour force that can be taxed.

Finally the work that immigrants are hired into in developed countries provides them with capital, some of which is forwarded to their countries of origins, to support families. These are direct foreign injections into the receiving countries’ economies. During Christmas the barrels and other goods sent by families also bolster the local economies. If goods and services are allowed easy access to flow seamlessly across borders, shouldn’t people be allowed too as well?

Immigration is an important policy issue which must be handled seriously. The movement of labour, just like service and goods, should be facilitated. Immigration policies that are sympathetic to the overlying economical benefits of migration are best. Retirees from developed countries own getaway mansions in less developed countries, they move across borders as well and contribute to a global economy. Immigration policies like free market policies should advocate a seamless movement of goods, services and labour across the globe. The ongoing facilitation of the movement of people across borders is potentially beneficial to all.

Of note:

Phylis Wilson wrote a thought provoking blog about the fallacies of immigrating to a new land. She hit the nail right on the head, when she explained the difficulties that immigrants face, while trying to get ahead in a new country. It is very difficult leaving ones homeland to struggle for years trying to assimilate into a new society, it is often times tougher than back in their homelands.

Water For Life

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:27:00 +0000

It is amazing, the thought of my mom raising six boys and two girls. When I contemplate such a feat of strength and resilience, I marvel at her ability to run a household. My mom is one of many St Lucian women who make daily survival, seem like everyday living. Most of us only realize in hindsight what it difficulties of raising children and running a household. When we grow up and have families of our own and we become fathers and mothers, we become quite enlightened however. Our women have shown an inspiring ability to overcome obstacles with grace. Just imagine having to run a household with so many children. Now for good measure throw in the occasional unforeseen circumstances, such as an illness, a school trip or a water shortage. Sometimes when there was a water shortage in my community moms planed a family trip to the river.

Whenever there was a water shortage, conservation measures were put into effect and the taps would be shut off intermittently. Until the reservoirs were replenished, we would have to find other ways of accommodating our water necessities which sometimes meant a trip to the river. That was usually the highlight of my weekend. Going to the river was the best fun a kid could have, and of course that meant a welcome respite from the heat, it is one childhood pastime that most kids growing up in rural St Lucia, have enjoyed at one time or another.

The present,” water woes”, though not a new occurrence, should remind us of the importance of water to our survival. Many of us are familiar with the statement “Water is Life”; I believe it was famously used in an advertisement for water conservation in St Lucia. It is catchy yet poignant. water is life it is essential to our survival,we take it for granted and may only realize it is a necessity, when it is to late.

The statement "Water is Life" aptly highlights the crux of the matter, the importance of water to our very existence. That very water which as kids seemed so abundant and plentiful is no longer. Although there have been times of droughts or even water shortages in time past,we must however acknowledge that, we are living unattainably. We have an unsustainable approach to our water management in St Lucia and it is reflective in the fact that Streams have begun to dry up and rivers have shrunk and now we are grappling with climate change. Soon we may not have those rivers to fall back on when the pipes run dry.

As a child we splashed and played in the rivers and streams in St Lucia. I remember we would make boats out of old coconut shell and watch them sail downstream. At rimes we would pretend to wage battles with sailing fleets of coconut shells and at times we just raced each other, running alongside the swift flowing streams following our boats. There was always more things do than there was time at the river.

The excitement of being outdoors and having fun had no bounds and it freed up our imaginations and sense of adventure. We would use the time to go hunting for crayfish. If you were brave and was willing to put your hand under a rock, after a few scrapes and cuts you might come out with a really nice, big fat crayfish. Sticking your hand under a rock, to catch a crayfish was not for the faint of heart and most people never tried it. A few of the older boys however sometimes, pulled out monsters from under the rocks, the size of a small lobster, mind you not without a fight.

There was one other way that the younger kids used and although you only caught smaller crayfish about the size of prawns it was fun too. You only needed to submerge a bucket into the water and using a piece of coconut flesh at the end of a stick, slowly coax the small crayfish into the bucket. When the crayfish was into the bucket you would simply, quickly lift the bucket out of the water. It may sound simple but it took some practice and crawfish are notoriously quick at darting backwards, getting out of your intended trap.

It is unfortunate however, because many of those tiny streams have dried up. Agriculture was a boon to St Lucia but it precipitated substantial deforestation, especially around rivers and streams. So in some way we a reaping the seeds we have sown. It is not however too late and we can start to redress the situation. A tree planting program is a compulsory measure, in order to line all streams and rivers with trees. But we require a fully comprehensive approach to Water sustainability in St Lucia.

We have gotten to this point over many years of callous mismanagement of our water resources. Having arrived at this juncture, we can approach the situation as if it were, the last trumpet heralding the call to arms. This is essentially our last opportunity to nurture, preserve and conserve our water resource, in order to secure, good clean water supplies for us all, in the near term and into the future.

Desalination plants, Artesian wells. Tree replanting programs, Mangrove rehabilitation projects, manufacturing regulations and a comprehensive water management strategy, a few ideas we could start with. But for sure we need workable solutions to a comprehensive problem. The good news is that we have an opportunity to make a green shift, a shift towards a more environmentally friendly future. The Copenhagen Hagen Conference, on Climate Change, even with no other concrete outcome should keep us focused on the dire consequences of environmental mismanagement; the drought only serves to further emphasize that fact.

Water conservation is one issue that conservationist have pointed to being, the most pertinent issue facing the survival of life on this planet. It is not unique to St Lucia, although at this present moment, we find ourselves facing a very difficult few months before the rains arrive. It is a well known fact that “Small Island States” are at the vanguard of the effects of climate change. We are experiencing that reality.

The time has arrived for us to leave a sustainably and consider our impact on the planet we live on. From that standpoint; we must take measures that will ensure our children enjoy the world as we have. Let us ensure that we conserve this precious resource “Water” which is so essential to life and in so doing let us focus on our ecological environment, “Mama Earth is hurting”. I would like my children to enjoy the heart warming feelings experienced, from a quaint trip to the river and I hope that it is enjoyed by many more generations to come. Each of us has an individual responsibility and must play our part to help the planet live.

Divide and Rule

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:02:00 +0000

I hated Monday mornings, not because of the hangover from enjoying the spirit of St Lucia, a little too much, but also because it was the day before banana day. That meant that I had to run around all day long, getting ready for another early Tuesday Banana harvest morning. Oh yes by the way I said “Banana Day”, yep it was literally a full day’s work which ended in an early morning ride back from the wharfs. But back to the day before banana day, Monday mornings, when I had to drive from Micoud to Praslin getting ready for the next day’s work, affectionately referred to by the workers as” La fetes de Bourick “. A Creole saying which when translated literally means “The feast of the donkey”. You may infer a great deal from that statement, least of which could be, that the grueling physical nature of the work, on harvest day, was not to pleasing to the workers’. But I digress because my original intention was to highlight what I saw on my drive to the Banana Boxing Plant and that is the entwined destiny of the individual communities which i passed on my way. And yet at the same time I marveled at their separateness’ and apparent individuality.

“Divide and rule” an age old strategy utilized by the Romans in their conquests and the Europeans conquering of Africa. It sometimes seems to me that there still exist marked divisions between communities in St Lucia and I sometimes wonder whether this is partly because of slavery. I have come to believe that such a tribal mentality has slowly changed for the better over time and we have evolved into more social beings, able to form consensus across divisions. So my morning ride would take me first to Micoud, where I would pick up card board frames, which would be made into boxes in which the bananas would be packed into for export. On my way to Micoud I would have to decide whether to put gas in the vehicle either in Mon Repos or in Micoud, a choice which illustrated the division between communities.

I had a choice between stopping at the intersection of Mon repos road and the highway or choices between four different gas stations in Micoud. Come to think of it the competition must have been fierce. On my way to Micoud I usually refuelled at the first stop which was usually the Mon Repos Gas station. After refuelling I would head out to get the material needed for harvest day. On my way back from the boxing plant in Micoud I would probably make a stop off in Micoud to pick up one of the famous Dahl Puris, with peas stuffing and wash it down with a local soft drink, champagne or cream soda flavoured.

Malgratoute was a must stop on the days when I could pick up some fresh fruit, mangoes, plantain, even some roast pork. It was difficult to stop for too long because I had to get back on the road there was work to be done. Back on the road again and at the intersection of St Marie and La Pointe road, one would have to slow down because it was a blind corner and many people used it as a crossing point. Thank goodness for the lovely lady who protected and ensured that the school children crossed safely on mornings and afternoons. I would turn right into La Pointe and go pick up a friend to help me glue and transport the boxes to the farm.
If I had the time and the road was good I could either go through St Marie or Knockay Avenue to get to Lumbard, but that would take more time although the route through St Marie is very beautiful. But since I had picked up all I needed in Micoud I would not have had to go up to Lumbard, which had a banana input depot too, unless I found some excuse to go up the hill, probably to say hi to a friend. Praslin was the last community that I would pass through on my way to the farm, I enjoyed stopping off here. I often times bought fresh fish for my Mom and if I was lucky and coaxed one of the fisher men to give me a few extra crabs, octopus or maybe some lobster, my day would be made.

Driving through Micoud north with its diverse community there was always so much to enjoy and appreciate. There is one thing that I have always found surprising and it is that there seems to be a strong polarization between communities. It is almost like they are competing against each other. It is quite ironic since we are all on this small rock and reside in even smaller communities. I do believe that with time things have changed, but yet the more they change the more they remain the same somehow.

It’s like, there ounce were seven sisters who could never agree. Individually they each were strong, beautiful and witty, but together they would be so much more. They always disagreed and because of their constant disagreement they never got anything done. Micoud, Malgratoute, Patience, La.Pointe, Lumbard, Mon Repos and Praslin. It seems that there is a constant infighting and bickering within communities and most definitely across communities. It is tribal, it is family, it is North, South, East West, yet we found a way to survive for so many years together on this land. Don’t be shackled to a mentality that prevents you from dealing amicably with your fellow men and women, to divide and rule is their only plan.

Flambeau on Crime

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:11:00 +0000

Have you ever gone out to “Flambeautae “, I have and I must say it was one of the most fun things that I have ever done. If you have not and you do not know what it means to go “Flambeauteaing”, then you may want to go someday. You will need a torch or a bright light to shine your way and to also illuminate the fish, crawfish and eels, as they lay at the water’s edge sleeping. You have to have your cutlass because we hunted by slicing the prey through the water with one deft stroke. That is exactly what happens when one goes out to“Flambeautae “,shining the light. Flambeautae is simply fishing using light. Let us shine some light on the drug and guns making their way into St Lucia. Remove such underground activities out of the darkness and make it as plain as day. In so doing, we can make the situation seem as approachable as a home cooked meal. Let’s go fishing.

You needed to be well equipped to go haunting for the bounties we would find while we snaked our way down the Patience River. We would choose a spot somewhere up stream and make our way downstream to where the river met the bay. All along the way torches and cutlasses in hand, we caught whatever our light shone on, providing it was edible. We made sure we kept an eye out for other predators that might be out hunting that night too, a la fer-de-lance. We can use this same concept here when it come to patrolling our coastal waters, pursuing and bagging those criminal who attempt to enter our sovereign waters with illegal contraband.

A couple of unmanned aerial plane with mounted cameras or a hot air balloons deployed high into the atmosphere, somewhat like a satellites would provide eyes in the sky. We need logistical support for our coast guards so that they can effectively carry out their job. Letting them know when something is coming in with some eyes in the sky patrolling the length of the coast or would stop this influx of drugs and guns into St Lucia.

Let us shift some resources, source American expertise, training and funding to set up a drag net around St Lucia. We can set up a surveillance system that is as blinding to criminals as the fog lamps mounted on top of the coast guard patrol boats. Let’s get some surveillance going that will intercept the illegal narcotics and guns coming into our borders. Let’s make it unsavoury and even scary for criminals to approach St Lucia. With effective search and capture initiatives we can deters criminals from entering our waters, thus preventing guns and drug s from entering our borders.

Since we are on the topic of shining light on to things, the establishment of an internal investigation unit to investigate officers would help weed out corruption within the police force. Corrupt elements within the police force must be held accountable by an investigations unit which is separate from the existing Royal St Lucia Police Force (RSPL). The police should not be policing themselves.

With that said it may sound contradictory when i also suggest the establishment of a covert unit of officers trained in counter narcotics expertise, one that fly’s under the radar. I ounce had an officer friend of mine, who was an avid runner, he always used to tell me don’t let the criminals train harder than you and be more prepared than you, never let that happen. We need a team of officer that are trained to do the things people want but are afraid to face head on. They prefer to stick their heads and the sand and hope it is better in the morning.

All those found committing a crime associated to a firearm should be prosecuted, convicted and given a strict sentence with no leniency. Let’s take a different approach maybe we should pursue the gun manufactures. Let as rightfully place some of the responsibility of gun crime unto the gun manufacturers. The caveat here is that we should sue them and use the money to fund our counter narcotics operations. The cost of such undertakings should be placed squarely on the manufacturers’ shoulders. We need to get the gun manufactures to take responsibility for the negative externalities and effects that their weapons are intimately attached to.

While we continue to invest in a well trained core of coast guards, with reliable equipment, and training. Increase the number and frequency of patrols and build linkages with other islands. They are combating the same problems. We can share tools, expertise human resources. Drug runners like the fact that the Caribbean is an archipelago and is teeming with islands and hidden coves and bays.

The scourge affecting St Lucia is for the most part being imported in. The problem is not found at the top of a lush green mountain but rather on our white sand Beaches, it may manifest itself in the ghetto but it is the influx of powder and guns that is seeding this crime situation in St Lucia. These illegal underground imports to our shores, needs the bright light of justice shone on them. Shine our light all over our borders and land. Let’s take a page from an old tried and tested method, people let’s go “Flambeauteaing” for traffickers and we will see a marked improvement in the crime situation in St Lucia. Let’s go fishing, all aboard.

Papa Syndrome , Daddy Polictics

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:12:00 +0000

On a Sunday morning Catholic Church goers would have to travel to Micoud to attend sermon. That was before the St Ann’s church was built in Mon repos. For many years Micoud had the only secondary school on the east coast as well. Progresses have been made over the last fifty years on the east coast, but arguably it can be describe as simply the provision of basic necessities. Overall it can be summed up as Pipe borne water, electricity and the access to primary and secondary education. St Lucia’s legacy of community based political representation, leaves a lot to be desired. It is therefore understandable that people do not have faith in their representatives.
Mentioning that a politician is interested in the welfare of the everyday person is usually met with apathy and scorn. What have they really done for us is usually the question. Yes to be fair we have playing fields, the few major projects such as, the fishing complex in Denerry must definitely be mentioned. But really let us stop beating around the bush and asses political representation objectively. Of course we should not expect politicians to do everything for us but we must also remember the person applied for a job and is getting paid.

Our politics has rightfully been labeled chicken and rum politics because politicians are likely to socialize with the constituents at the rum shop, buy a shot for the patrons and maybe a few pieces of BBQ chicken for the people. An occasional “drop in” on the weekends and maybe more heavily during campaign season, should get the vote in. How often do you hear politicians express ideas that he or she is willing to undertake on behalf of the communities. It is mostly a patriarchal relationship characterized by the “Daddy X” syndrome. Daddy helps his supporters find jobs, go to school, travel, and deal with legal issues.

Well if the relationship woks why should we change it. The problem is it is not working because we can do better and of course by doing better both the people and their pappy benefit more in the end. Pappy needs to do something for the people so he can boast about it and the people need avenues to get ahead.

Rather than the relationship between voter and candidate being one, whereby the candidate sees his job as a privilege he understands it is a duty handed to him by the voters. He or she is not” Daddy”, but rather here to serve as the collectively elected representative. In essence the objective of the candidate is to seek out ways of bettering their constituents and the lives of the people therein. The candidate is getting paid to do a job and it is not charity on their part.

This is precisely why I am supposed to shock everyone when I say, we can build a wind energy grid on the east coast of St Lucia. People are supposed to say, how that will be done and why is that such a good idea. Because the east coast is the windward coast, and yes a proposal sourcing funding for a green initiative, would have a great chance of being successful. Not to mention the grid if it is owned by the Micoud north community , will be selling electricity and thus making an income and thereby pay off itself.

When the person you vote for is expected to conceptualize, create and implement projects that will better the communities they represent. Then the people benefit and the candidate benefits as well. The politics is elevated and the people’s standard of living is elevated. And providing that you can actually achieve some effective compressive change, you can be asked to be called pappy. Although one might want to keep that for home. Oh, and definitely do not post the video of you being called pappy on the net either, you’ll soon be on YouTube, talk or even TMZ.

Papa Syndrome: Daddy X

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:59:00 +0000

On a Sunday morning Catholic Church goers would have to travel to Micoud to attend sermon. That was before the St Ann’s church was built in Mon Repos. For many years Micoud had the only secondary school on the east coast as well. Progresses have been made over the last fifty years on the east coast, but arguably it can be describe as simply the provision of basic necessities. Overall it can be summed up as Pipe borne water, electricity and the access to primary and secondary education. St Lucia’s legacy of community based political representation, leaves a lot to be desired. It is therefore understandable that people do not have faith in their representatives.

Mentioning that a politician is interested in the welfare of the everyday person is usually met with apathy and scorn. What have they really done for us is usually the question. Yes to be fair we have playing fields, the few major projects such as, the fishing complex in Denerry must definitely be mentioned. But really let us stop beating around the bush and asses political representation objectively. Of course we should not expect politicians to do everything for us but we must also remember the person applied for a job and is getting paid.

Our politics has rightfully been labeled chicken and rum politics because politicians are likely to socialize with the constituents at the rum shop, buy a shot for the patrons and maybe a few pieces of BBQ chicken for the people. An occasional “drop in” on the weekends and maybe more heavily during campaign season, should get the vote in. How often do you hear politicians express ideas that he or she is willing to undertake on behalf of the communities. It is mostly a patriarchal relationship characterized by the “Daddy X” syndrome. Daddy helps his supporters find jobs, go to school, travel, and deal with legal issues.

Well if the relationship woks why should we change it. The problem is it is not working because we can do better and of course by doing better both the people and their pappy benefit more in the end. Pappy needs to do something for the people so he can boast about it and the people need avenues to get ahead.

Rather than the relationship between voter and candidate being one, whereby the candidate sees his job as a privilege he understands it is a duty handed to him by the voters. He or she is not” Daddy”, but rather here to serve as the collectively elected representative. In essence the objective of the candidate is to seek out ways of bettering their constituents and the lives of the people therein. The candidate is getting paid to do a job and it is not charity on their part.

This is precisely why I am supposed to shock everyone when I say, we can build a wind energy grid on the east coast of St Lucia. People are supposed to say, how that will be done and why is that such a good idea. Because the east coast is the windward coast, and yes a proposal sourcing funding for a green initiative, would have a great chance of being successful. Not to mention the grid if it is owned by the Micoud north community , will be selling electricity and thus making an income and thereby pay off itself.

When the person you vote for is expected to conceptualize, create and implement projects that will better the communities they represent. Then the people benefit and the candidate benefits as well. The politics is elevated and the people’s standard of living is elevated. And providing that you can actually achieve some effective compressive change, you can be asked to be called pappy. Although one might want to keep that for home. Oh, and definitely do not post the video of you being called pappy on the net either, you’ll soon be on YouTube and TMZ.

What We Do Best

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:55:00 +0000

An uncle of mine ounce told me about a time, when the community undertook a, “coup de main”. They hacked and slashed their way through the rain-forest to the Patience River’s source. This was done in other to lay the pipes that would bring water to houses, from Micoud to Praslin. Some of us may also remember how in an instant a flash storm brought tree trunks the size of cars, down the same Patience River. Consider how, change is constantly happening, sometimes like flash storms it happens unexpectedly and at times we are able to anticipate them. St Lucia must place itself at the cutting edge of innovation and therefore invest in research and development.Such measures will help better adjust to the constant economical changes.

One might ask what type of research initiatives should we invest in, when we do not have that much capital to spend in the first place. Investment in Research and Development Initiatives compliments the banking sectors perfectly. It is a win, win situation that provides the government with a chance to invest in its people and the country’s infrastructure and also provide Banking clients the opportunity to make greater returns on their investment, rather than if they had simply placed their monies in a savings account.

We can undertake research into, Malaria, Dengue, and Sickle Cell Anemia. We are already quite involved in food services, we should extend our commitment by investing into food research. For example a traditional food such as arrowroot, the plant which we call “Toloman”, has been proven to be a versatile and effective starch product. The starch said to be superior to thann that from other plant sources.

Another idea would be to,completely making St Lucia’s electricity grid run on clean fuels such, solar, wind and or wave action, thereby directly investing into green technology, and future innovations simultaneously. And one final example,the beauty and fashion industries utilize extracts from plants such as the hibiscus, aloe Vera and cocoa,the use tropical flavors such as passion fruit and tangerine,here is an opportunity for investment.

We have year round summers, arguably with our exposure, we should be dictating summer fashion. In these areas where we have an advantage we should be pushing the envelope and reach for the forefront of innovation and technology. The only way however to achieve this is to invest in Research and Development.

This quote was taken from the Star Newspaper of St Lucia “Those countries that do very well spend at least three percent or more of GDP on R&D (research and development)”. It was attributed to Mr Peter Adrien. The article was in reference to Sir Arthur Lewis’s theory on Economic development. Here is another statement gleaned from an online article of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB America Magazine) “South Korea invests more in research and development (R&D) than all Latin American nations combined”. South Korea like Taiwan is one of the few countries that has been able to foster economic success sine the end of world war two. These observations reinforce the importance of investing in Research and Development.

In the not so distant past, St Lucia could have easily been derogatorily referred to as a banana republic. At present a major part of our economy is dependent on tourism. It is also a fact that we are vulnerable to changes in the global economy. The recent global recession has once again proven that. In order to cope with such unavoidable problems, policy makers must be prudent, in that they must have responsive, yet innovative approaches to development. One proven approach has been investments in Research and Development. We are easily susceptible to the adverse effects of change and therefore we must make the fullest use of our economical comparative advantages.

Is There a Captain on Board

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:21:00 +0000

The leader of the opposition now has the opportunity to unify his party and use that momentum to gather the people behind a new vision for St Lucia. After the last election the ruling United Workers Party and their leader Sir John Compton were given a mandate by the people. Prime Minister Compton and his party were expected to govern, however the unfortunate and untimely passing away of Sir John changed everything.Providing that the leader of the opposition and his party can project a unified front, then they can tap into St Lucian’s desire for change.

The opposition have not portrayed a strong unified front over the last few years, that may benefit them in the long run. Because they did not muster up much opposition to the ruling party, the ruling party have had the opportunity to govern the ship of State with minimal interference. As a matter of fact the ruling party have spent resources and time trying, for want of a better term, "shedding light on the opposition’s leader activities during his time in office". St Lucian's have weighed and measured both parties and it is left to the people to deliver the verdict, on their abilities to govern.

When the St Lucia Labour Party found themselves facing a United Workers Party leadership change, they could have easily used the situation as an excuse to force another election. The opposition could have said that the people deserve an opportunity to vote in a Prime minister of their choice, since the New Prime Minister was not voted in as leader of the country. As time has passed and prudently, no real effort was made to replace the ruling party, the overall outcome has made it favorable for the opposition to now contest the ruling party.

The leader of the opposition has been prudent in his actions or rather lack of, over the last few years. He has not forced the issue of another election. The situation is commendable, as we are experiencing a recession and it would have cost the State money and would have engaged our political leaders in campaigning, when they could have otherwise been involved in public service work, on behalf of the citizens.

I now look forward to this election cycle, specifically the narrative associated to it. Hopefully there will be a healthy robust debate on issues affecting the citizens. With so many pertinent issues such as,a spike in the crime rate, youth violence, unemployment in a recessionary cycle, VAT, and leadership,it should be a lively debate.

Hopefully also we have constructive debates centered on the ruling party's achievements during their time in office. I also am interested in learning the opposition expressed vision and mandate as it pertains to these few broad topics. Law and Order, Employment and Economic Development and Good Governance, Accountability and Transparency.

On our little island, we have learned to coexist and live with each other peacefully. We have even managed to thrive creating a language and nurturing two Nobel laureates. We are a resilient people and we continue to prove it. We continue to strive for a better tomorrow everyday that we live. We can make St Lucia better and we should accept no less.

Socialism or Socialy Concious Capitalism

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:11:00 +0000

Twentieth-century British economist John Maynard Keynes proposed a theory in the hopes of finding a balance between interference and non-interference in the free market system. Oftentimes governments talk about helping small and big business cope with economic downturn. More often than not however households are left to whether economic recessions on their own, while business are helped by the government. The average citizen is left to worry about their own household expenses. They are left to figure out how they are going to pay for their children’s school expenses, healthcare and keeping them young engaged in constructive after school activities. Governments should, rather than focusing investment on business, channel their investment towards households.

Governments usually try to keep away from spending on public programs opting rather to privatise. Governments are usually kinder to businesses than households in that they are more prone to provide subsidies and tax breaks to businesses instead of households. During recessionary times in order to increase output or stimulate their economies governments may inject moneys into the economy. The phrase “Stimulus package” simply means that governments are injecting monies into their economies in the hopes of getting it to grow faster and bigger. Businesses are the ones that usually receive the help, but these funds should be channelled towards providing health care, government sponsored education and robust youth programs.

Providing health care for citizens would mean that citizens would have to be taxed to receive it. There can also be partnerships between the public and private sectors to provide health care to citizens. Business can pay some of the premiums for their workers, the government can subsidises some and the worker will pays the rest. Such policies would ultimately benefit both the public and the private sector because having a healthy society means a healthy work force, one that is stable and productive. While providing public health care to every citizen may require a considerable amount of investment and expertise and is a long term goal, government will ultimately reaps the long-lasting rewards that comes with having a healthy society.

Guarantying education for citizens, up to the level of college or university is a policy that would be a wise investment for a government. A system that provides government guaranteed students’ loans would benefit the society. An educated society is a step towards ensuring sustainable development. The funds invested in educating the citizens of a society would be recouped. Through international banking graduates can repay their loans from any country. And apart from the monetary benefit that will be received, the country will also gain, when their citizens acquire skills and expertise from a more developed country.

Youth programs are especially important because programs that invest in the youth helps to develop adults that contribute to society. Instead of spending monies on treating addictions, incarcerations, juvenile detentions, homelessness, vagrancy, alcoholism, obesity and such problems, it is better to prevent them. It is more efficient, effective and ultimately more beneficial for governments to spend tax payers’ money on programs that help households shape upstanding productive citizens. Or it can be spent on rehabilitation programs. Governments should invest in sports, the arts and entertainment. In general invest heavily in programs that will keep youth gainfully occupied.

Rather than spending monies on households through social programs, most government policies direct government spending towards helping business. During recessions many businesses, private companies and certain industries may be helped out to avoid failure. You would expect that they would pass on the same generosity to households, but the usually do not. This is what happened with some banks in America after getting monies from the government. They took the monies, saved themselves from bankruptcy and did not pass on any financial relief to the American home owner.

Governments find it difficult to justify spending on social programs but if they are willing to spend to ensure business and commercial establishments’ thrive, they should be willing to spend to ensure that households survive. Business and civil society derive their human resources from households, the labour force and the tax payers are the young people of today. The next generation of entrepreneurs, all come from households. Investments that are made to ensure that society generates healthy and productive citizens generate exponentially better returns than spending monies on fixing the problems.

Oftentimes governments talk about helping small and big business cope with economic downturns and more often than not households are left to whether these same economic recessions on their own. There should be more spending on social programs, especially those aimed at preventing future social ills. Spending on education, addiction prevention, health care, housing, and youth programs are prudent investments by governments. Investing in the citizens today will reduce the prospects that governments will ultimately have to pay more tomorrow. One can either prevent negative consequences or deal with them after they have occurred.

Gun Man Town

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:15:00 +0000

I said that I would make a concerted effort to focus on more positively oriented topics this year, but when you think that it cannot get any worse it appears that the other shoe has dropped, what’s next one may be tempted to ask. It is disconcerting reading news of an attack on a police officer in Marchand and the tragic incident resulting in the death of young Miss La Corbiniere further accentuates the need for a real concerted effort to bolster Law and Order within the State.
Previously I expressed the idea that the overall atmosphere in St Lucia was one of a ship astray with no concerted direction or focus. I also expressed trepidations that we were spiralling into a state of anarchy; I can admit in hindsight that I may have been overzealous. I may have also been premature in my diagnoses thinking that we had hit bottom and things could not get any worse. Making the allusion to anarchy may have may have been a little harsh but at the time it appeared that St Lucia was experiencing a crime spurt. One can only hope and pray that the rash of incidents that have occurred at the start of this year’s cycle are only anomalies and are hopefully not harbingers of far worse to come.
The current powers that be have expressed concerns and have formulated a plan to attack, the spike in crime rate. I believe that there is an expressed intent to reducing the crime rate by 50%, this objective should be lauded. We all, every one of us should play our part in ensuring that we contribute to the reduction of any and all unlawful and criminal activity in St Lucia. Whatever we can do to aid in the protection and perpetuation of out great State is our obligation.
When it comes to the expressed plan to reduce the crime rate what would have been refreshing however that was an actual plan of action was unveiled instead of semantics with numbers, a plan not just outlining intentions but actual strategies and barometers to measure the success of these objectives. In my opinion I am an advocate a more community base approach to policing, in my opinion these were very effective approaches previously utilized, as I can clearly remember how policing more community oriented in the not too distant past was.
The rash of incidents that are being reported as the year begins is quite saddening and what is even more alarming is the fact that young people are engaging in violence to solve their disputes. It is alarming that criminals are attacking the foundation of law and order in the State. The proof however is in the pudding and what is left to be seen is what the responses to these issues are.
The death of Miss La Corbiniere should bring with it changes that help make emergency services better. How to we bolster our patient air transport services, do we introduce mobile response units, must we train emergency medical response units to not only be in ambulance and also be based within communities.
The young lady who allegedly committed the crime, while justice needs to be served we must also look into the prospect of saving a life, it is tragic enough that we have senselessly lost one young promising life, we must see that we ensure we mitigate any chance of recidivism after rehabilitation for this young lady.
The response of the law enforcement establishment will be noteworthy and thoroughly scrutinized in many ways. It should be the objective of the law enforcement establishment to make it clear that the rule of law exits within the State, it is by no means however a carte blanche to engage in heavy handedness by the police. Which in this case can only serve to breed a culture of hate and resentment towards the law and perpetuate a circle or retaliatory incidents?

Mon Repos Youth and Sports A Model Community

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:43:00 +0000

As the year came to an end in St Lucia, we saw a mental hospital and a forensic lab made available for the benefit of St Lucians. These were positive strides for all St Lucians as both these facilities are note worthy additions in the pursuit of continuous development. It is my goal to start of the year on a positive note and to highlight more of the positive while also attempting to nurture dreams of a more utopian future.
Mental illness is a serious affliction and unfortunately traditionally in our society like in many others a negative stigma is attached to victims. Hopefully the advent of the mental hospital is a stride towards treating people with mental disease as a victim and not a pariah on society. Such negativity towards the mentally ill must be purged from our society. The forensic lab is an important tool in law enforcement’s arsenal, which will enable our justice system to function more effectively and allow for the more effective hunting down, apprehension and bringing to justice of criminals.
Two thousand and nine is over and in it we saw a year in which the real effect of the global economic down turn were felt by most. It was also the year that households began to pay attention to their purses and everyone looked to see what their governments were doing about this unwanted misfortune. Now that we are into this New Year, having gone through economic boot camp in 2009 we are better trained and prepared for the economic instability.
As 2010 gets out of the blocks I have held unto the overwhelming sense of community, charity, togetherness and the sense of pride that has been disseminated and which continues to emanate through the Mon Repos youth and sports online community. The strength of the people of, Malgratoute, La Pointe, Praslin, Lumbard, Mon Repos and Praslin is inspiring in it’s resilience.
Through a strong sense of community the area has continued to flourish. The people of Micoud North continue to prove that we are the stewards of our own destinies. It appears that historically while they do not partake in political vacillation for favours nor have they received bountiful favours for their loyalty. The internal community strength has allowed us as individuals and as a community to continue to exemplify progressiveness. A model of success that can be held as a beacon for the whole of St Lucia, the Caribbean and the wider world.
The Grass roots organization that is the Mon Repos Youth and Sports Organization finds its strength in the dynamism of its founders, its organizers, it’s sports men and women, fans , community members and the volunteers who have and continue to contribute their time and money.
Of course special mention must be made of Nicholas Jn Baptiste for his vision, dedication and sacrifice to his community. Along the way many have contributed and made their mark on this organization but as it stands today the website is a medium that binds a community together, a community which spans many Diasporas, ages and interests.
So for this year let us continue to dream big and resolve to continue striving for our goals. Let us remember that those who have traveled this road before us have left us with countless examples of what is possible with dedication. They have shown us how to hustle, struggle and come out victorious. How by our own sweat we can and shall advance. We are the stewards of our own destinies. We are the descendants of survivors who have forged ahead and created our utopia in paradise.
Let us continue to represent our selves and community and continue to reach for the stars.

God Bless us all

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:26:00 +0000

Heartfelt condolences to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones this year, 2009. Hope strength is sought in God, in moving forward. Keep the wonderful memories that you have with your loved ones in life alive in your hearts. Let their memories continue to live through you and let us remember that they contributed to our lives immensely by sharing their lives with us.

All our friends and families.

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:11:00 +0000

Heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones this year, 2009. Hope strength is sought in God, in moving forward. Keep the wonderful memories that you have with your loved ones in life alive in your hearts. Let their memories continue to live through you and let us remember that they contributed to our lives immensely by sharing their lives with us.

Don't Get Fooled Again

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:27:00 +0000

We Won’t Get Fooled Again
Part 1
Developed countries are making all the efforts to have Caribbean countries sign financial and banking agreements or have them black listed. These efforts are all geared towards securing their interests to the detriment of these countries. They are only seeking to undermine the advantage that these jurisdictions may have in the banking sector.
It has been framed as trying to prevent illegal tax havens from proliferating. Countries have been black listed. Ironically countries with even less transparent banking rules have not been black listed. Essentially developed countries are trying to entrench ways and means of gaining unfettered access to these jurisdictions banking information while not reciprocating.
The ratification of the agricultural protocol has forced countries to move towards the financial sector since they have failed in agriculture. Considering the theory of comparative advantage these are efforts to undermine the distinct advantage that these countries have due to their autonomy.
In an effort to curb the out flow of finances from their economies developed countries are framing the issue as negatively as possible, describing them as tax haven problems, necessary for tracking illegal drug financing and terrorism financing. In the process they are trying to track and control the flow of the finances into these regions.
They are essentially gaining access to our banking information and not reciprocating. If Europe wants access to information the same rules should apply to Switzerland and in the US the same rules should apply to Nevada.

We Won’t Get Fooled Again
Part 2
There is a song that says we won’t get fooled again, and I think it is apt when it comes to discussing the climate change situation also. All Industries are heavily dependent on Carbon fossil fuels, those making profits from it are responsible for fighting against the idea that that the earth’s atmosphere is increasing in temperature.
Imagine if roughly about nine years ago that All Gore had won the US election and then imagine that instead of a concerted push to secure new sources of fossil fuels, there was a movement towards green and cleaner energy sources. This would probably be the age we all would already be leaving in instead of a fight to determine whether we should cut down on the amount of pollution that we are spewing into the earth’s atmosphere.
Providing that the nay Sayers are correct and that the evidence is not conclusive enough to prove that the earth’s atmosphere is actually increasing in temperature, then I would propose that we go on ahead with business as usual continuing to burn as much and if not more fossil fuels than we have done over the last decade or two. Assuming that they are correct and there is no discernable increase in the earth’s atmospheric temperature, what harm could possibly come to us.
As it stands the majority of the earth’s population have not achieved the same levels of development as OECD countries. Imagine that all the able citizens of India, China and Africa all want to and will achieved the so called American dream and are living in a two car household with two children. With increase in development there would also come a corresponding increased negative impact on the global environment. Our movement towards more and more development only means that there will be a greater impact by humankind on the environment.
I challenge anyone to say that there is not any negative effect on the environment, whether it is an increase or decrease in atmospheric or the earth’s surface temperature. It is a fact that we are having an impact on the earths environment, weather we are unable to definitely ascertain the exact effects that are being manifested what we are aware of is that our use of fossil fuels greatly contribute to changing the balance of the global ecosystem.
The argument to do nothing is mute; those trying to stall any immediate and comprehensive action are doing so at the peril of future generations because they are banking on the fact that the lifeline of the world’s economy is tethered to big oil. And maybe politicians are banking on the fact that their political careers will probably be over by then and probably they will have moved on from this earths as well.
Anything that would jeopardize the energy sector is not likely to be pushed through, agreed upon and ratified by the global community in a timely fashion. A global environmental conscience appears in vogue to most people living on earth, as overwhelmingly the global community appears to show concern for the environment, but any progress on stopping climate change is being fought against by a select few namely Big Oil.
It was only after the fall of Gm and billions of American and Canadian tax payers’ money did the auto industry realize that gas guzzlers were unsustainable. By then consumers were making more prudent choices and had switched to more fuel efficient vehicles, forcing the company into problems.
Vulnerable States susceptible to increased occurrences of natural disasters are making overtures to Developed States asking for promises of support to harbour the expected environmentally caused negative impacts. Our global dependence on fossil fuels however mitigates the prospects of any concerted effort in the immediate future to stop climate change. I am certain that the Copenhagen talks will get sabotaged. The undercurrents of which will probably be coming from the energy sector. Supported and championed by a select group of powerful States, who are reluctant to change in the current global economic environment.

A Time to Heal

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:46:00 +0000

The acceptance of Rwanda into the Commonwealth is a topic that I must admit being personally attached to, as I have a few friends from Rwanda and also Burundi. I have a few friends from the Congo as well. In my discussions with them about the atrocities that took place in the region it is evident that it is a very painful topic for all. The whole region harbours the pain of countless number of lives lost, from all groups. After such a harrowing experience what is obvious is that all have come to realize that at the end of the day a life is a life whether it is Hutu or Tutsi or Batwa.

It turns my stomach when I hear that some feel that Rwanda should not be allowed into the Commonwealth because of their history. By their reasoning Belgium should not be allowed into the European Union for their involvement in nurturing the situation that precipitated the problem and by such same reasoning, Germany one might argue should not have been welcomed back into NATO after the terrible war.

Here is a quintessential example of a situation where dominant States have created problems within autonomous countries for their own selfish benefit. Woven into the tapestry of Rwandans lives is a colonial history that is replete with colonial wrongdoings and the negative results continue to reverberate as time passes. To ensure that they maintained political control of the region he Belgians essentially pitted one group against another by throwing their political power from one group to the next.

The acceptance of Rwanda into the Commonwealth should be an easy decision and they should whole heartedly be welcomed into the fray. Opposition to their entry point to human rights atrocities as reason for denying this struggling State entry. Providing that they are correct and Rwanda has a way to go in fostering democratic principles and human rights in their tiny nation, then I would propose that they be given at least conditional acceptance and aided in fostering and entrenching these desired attributes throughout their civil society. Exclusion can in no way be helpful in this instance as it would be better to have positive reinforcement and reward the fledgling democracy for the strides that has been made in addressing such a terrible genocide, rather than punishing them for the past.

Would the commonwealth not be better positioned to help Rwanda by acknowledging them as a partner rather than chastising and excluding a nation that is struggling to let go of the past. Where was the world community when all these atrocities were taking place, no one rushed to their aid then but it pains me to realize there are those who are ready to exclude them from a grouping that could possible help them foster future development, push their past into memory and foster a new legacy, of inclusion and human rights.

Finally the word commonwealth connate an idea of a unified destiny, as it stands there are the well to dos and the struggling in this group. Let not the well to dos appear to be collaborating to exclude a struggling State. One would assume they would have a mandate of inclusion and do all in their powers to help the struggling countries in the group achieve self sufficiency and to also help developing States with identical colonial histories such as Mozambique which are interested in joining the Commonwealth because they want to grow. Those States who are seeking better for their people such as Rwanda should be aided in their goals.

We are in a position to share knowledge skills and show empathy to Rwanda and help them through an outstretched hand to achieve a stable democratic and human rights track record. Rwanda can know that there are States with people of African descent that have been able to achieve stability and foster democratic and human rights principles. Rwanda provides us an opportunity to reengage Africa, willingly and openly.

When Farmers were King

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:43:00 +0000

When Farmers were King

Many of my summer vacations were spent on my father’s banana farm and apart from instilling a strong work ethic in me it also allowed me a firsthand look into banana farming. I looked forward to the adventures I would have in the banana fields when I could escape having to do any work. As a boy i was sometime assigned to placing fruit stickers on the bananas some said Geest and some said five isles. Banana days were long and tiring for the workers but the rewards was evident with the vibrancy that existed on Fridays at the local rum shops, barbeques and dances.

The demise of the banana industry in St Lucia can be attributed to the ratification of the agricultural free trade round of agreements which in essence mandated the dissolution of all barriers to international trade. No taxing, no subsidizing and definitely no preferential treatment were allowed. While St Lucia and many other countries have been squeezed because they were forced to adhere to the new agricultural trade rules countries continue to subsidize whole industries such as the beef industry and the pork industry. Compounding the problem further it is expected that small island States with peons in annual earnings when compared to billion dollar mega conglomerates such as Chiquita foods and Dole foods. it is ridiculous if such small fledgling economies are expected to compete with private industries which are solely aimed at generating profit and are destroying poor farming households in the process.

St Lucia like many other countries was guaranteed markets for its banana produce under The Lome Convention, being that it was a newly independent former colonial wards of old Europe. The Lome Convention was an international aid and trade agreement between the ACP (African Caribbean and Pacific Countries) group and the European Union, aimed at supporting the "ACP states' efforts to achieve comprehensive ,self reliant and self-sustained development. US companies such as Chiquita and Dole wanted Europe to strike down all preferential arrangements which was in terms with the united nation sanctioned free trade rules.

The banana industry was vibrant in St Lucia and I remember the heydays of banana farming and how money was being spread around the island making its way into the hands of the everyday St Lucian. Banana farming really allowed monies to spread throughout the island because most farms were small family holdings and many farmers employed workers. While I am nostalgic and reminisce about the good old days of banana money I am also weary of the environmental damage from the blue plastics which take forever to decompose and the harmful chemicals from those numerous pesticides, nematicides, herbicides and fungicides many of which have been banned in the countries that their parent companies exists.

While I do believe that there are possibilities to revive the banana industry by primarily rebranding and targeting new markets namely the American market with our unique exotic product. I also think that it may have been a blessing in disguise having to have been forced to diversify and move away from agriculture as St Lucia’s primary industry. The truth is that if we are to revive our bananas industry we must be solely responsible for our product from market to point of sale. By that I mean we must have a branded recognizable product grown, shipped and sold by us for us.

There are also radical measures that need to be taken and like the Chinese we need to protect our fledgling industries, we cannot compete with companies that are able to pay their CEOs more money than some countries make annually. It is futile trying to compete against multinationals. They can afford to pay lawyers and lobbyist insane amounts of money to plead to governments and The World Trade organization on their behalf. Until the principle of free trade are more fair reflect more equality in the distribution of wealth and power and is not solely premised on market forces, small island states and fledgling economies will never fair well in a globally integrated economy. If they want to survive they must be self determinant and make every effort to control, protect and market their own industries and be weary of outside intentions.

With power comes responsibility. PART 1

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:18:00 +0000

With power comes responsibility. PART 1

Barbadian singer Rihanna had a recent interview on 20/20 with Diane Sawyer in which she proceeded to explain the situation pertaining to singer Chris Brown. The two of them have found themselves as poster children for domestic violence against women, the fact is both entertainers are real stars and therefore role models to many and since the incident there lives have been played out in public.

Chris Brown and Rihanna are now responsible to the public who in part are responsible for making them famous for her part Rihanna has now beholden to young women, mothers and fathers. Young women need role models who appear to make the right relationship choices, mothers want their children to be safe, and fathers want to send the right message.

Chris Brown for his part is beholden to all men and also to himself, he has to know that he is responsible for his action and only through humility will the lesson of the situation make him wiser and thus a better person. Secondly to all men, he can positively contribute to the undertaking of stopping domestic abuse against women. Since it’s not the women’s fault shouldn’t the focus be on trying to stop this practice by helping the abuser(s) change?
Society has responsibilities

As we know, the onus of responsibility is not on the person being abused so maybe we should try to help those men change and not throw rocks at them. Society has to make it possible for those who are abusers to come out, sick help and not hide or get worst.One point to consider is that educational statistics in most developed countries points at women at all level outperforming men.

Being in the media spotlight these two stars now give exposure to an issue highlighted in the United Nations MDG ideals of increasing women’s right and freedom globally. Women make up 50% of all societies, if there were no barriers to their full participation in society the benefit to society would be tremendous. When women elevate their welfare the collateral impact is greater than when men are elevated because they are nurturers and they fend and feed their families.

With all this said it is also important to note that men’s welfare impacts women welfare as well, so since men have been socialized to use power, strength, and aggression as domineering and admired male attributes towards women and themselves, They appear to use them as primary tools in conflict resolution and maybe society should be focusing on the re-engineering of the socialization of men towards women and also themselves.

At the end of the day some men need help and if the focus is directed towards them it in no means removes the focal point of the matter away from solving violence against women and is not at the expense of women or to the detriment of their ideal of eradicating violence against them, but rather to their benefit.

WE Can Agree To Disagree

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:45:00 +0000

Saint Lucia has been ranked 14th for press freedom on the World Press Freedom Index. It is an annual list compiled by noted journalist watchdog group – Reporters without Borders.
St Lucia has achieved such a ranking because there are a number of different newspapers publications, radio stations and television stations on the island and therefore there is access to varying opinions in the media.
In many countries there has been a consolidation of media into the hands of a few. This has helped in stifling access to diversity of opinions in the media.
Extemporisation by calypsonians in their songs about the ills that affects society acts as a voice to the public and ensures that they are engaged as watch dogs in society. It is because of this ability to voice an opinion that there are checks and balances in the overall society, so we can feel secure in our decision to enter into an agreement with our fellow men bestowing our collective unto the state and know that our power we have bestowed unto the State is just to us and our fellow men who have reciprocated in good faith.
The ability of the people to keep watch over their interests makes the concept of the fifth estate actually works. It is because there is diversity of opinions that there exists debate and through discourse we can achieve solutions.

Fix the Roads

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Fix the Roads
As the sun rises from the Atlantic Ocean and smiles on the communities dotting the east coast of St Lucia, this awesome image illustrates the vast potential within these communities, from Dennery to Derisieux. Our wonderful communities are deserving of the best political representation possible.
When people go to the poles to vote they do so hoping that the people they elect to represent them are going to work towards bettering their welfare. And it expected that the elected representative has a vision for making their communities and constituents better. Finally if they are elected they will set in motion initiatives that would accomplish the desires of their constituents.
Usually when an election draws near the roads in communities are repaired. Fixing community roads are necessary measure but not sufficient to ensure a candidate election. The roads island wide should be constantly maintained, especially since they are essential for commuting and for the easy flow of goods and services. Suffice to say a robust economic strategy would entail reinjection of moneys into the economy through the maintenance and repair of the country’s infrastructure. This should be done throughout the year.
The strategy of repairing roads prior to election may have been a useful political ploy during the heyday of farming on the east coast, when these communities were rife with banana farmers, however considering the extinction of the farming industry and the lack of FAR licence plates on the roads, I don’t think that fixing the roads before an election will hold as much political clout as it once did.
Apart from just fixing roads before an election what can our representatives in the east work towards here are some ideas, that they may consider addressing, the Fisheries industry. The fishing communities of Dennery , Praslin , Micoud would like to see a comprehensive fishing policy one that takes into account strategies for marketing their catch, domestically and internationally. The farmers of Derisieux, Digaurd , Micoud , Mon Repos, Patience, La pointe , Lumbard Praslin and Dennery all want to see a comprehensive Agricultural policy that addresses the need for a viable agricultural sector.
The elderly of these communities need some form of social safety net that works in enabling them to age with dignity. Their needs to be some form of support for the aging because I don’t think the NIS scheme works for the aging. The young people graduating from secondary schools want opportunity. They need services that give them options and choices. They want to get a job work on going to university or college and they need services that offer career development opportunities. Sports men and women need support to develop their skill and so do the arts and entertainment fields.
The professionals in our society needs the country to invest in its human capital, the teachers , policemen, firemen, doctors and bus drivers to name a few wants there to be avenues for professional development and to better their overall societal welfare.
So instead of three and a half years of nothing and a few month of road fixing before election day we want people who outline visions for our communities while vying for our votes and if they a elected on our behalf , begin to work for the betterment of our communities from their first day in office.

From Banana Wars To Off Shore Banking

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:17:00 +0000

From Banana wars to International Banking
We have transitioned predominantly from a mono cropping agricultural society to a society heavily reliant on tourism. Hopefully we will continue to explore offshore banking and explore every possible avenue to bolster the service sector. It was a difficult transition for a country that had so many families reliant on banana farming. Overseas remittances helped to sooth some of the pain and there was also a great exodus of labour. The country had to let go of the heady days of banana money and we must now focus on the future
It may be said that St Lucia has transitioned from an agricultural economy to a service based economy. Nobel laureate Sir Arthur Lewis and other noted economists hypothesized that economies transition from a predominantly agricultural based society towards more service oriented industries. The United States for example has Wall Street the epitome of a service based society.
The tourism industry is the biggest contributor to per capita GDP for St Lucia consequently the St Lucian economy is heavily service sector oriented. It is not to say that Manufacturing and Agriculture do not contribute to the economy, but the tourism industry contributes the biggest slice of the pie. It is important to recognize however that both manufacturing and agriculture are both essential contributors to the growth and stability of a vibrant economy as the saying goes you do not put all your eggs in one basket.
The Banana Industry, The Manufacturing Industry and the Service sector are three important parts of an economy. It is like the three legs of the stool which an economy stands upon. How do we revive the banana industry or should we abandon banana as a cash crop. Should we encourage manufacturing companies like the garment factories to set up shop in St Lucia? Are we fully committed to transitioning into an economy characterized by service oriented industries?
There are many topics that we can be debating and trying to find answers and solutions to. Whether we like it or not we are integrated into the global economy and we must adjust as the global economy changes.

UWP or SLP

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:00:00 +0000

On the matter of Good governance.
How do we go about ensuring that our islands economy is properly managed? I think that the matter lies with good governance. Elected officials and the Prime Minister are charged with the proper management of the countries collective resources and since we the people are an integral part of the St Lucian economy, we must be fully committed to exercising our right to choose the managers of our economy.

I remember the days growing up as a youngster in St Lucia. Politics in those days seemed to be very partisan. On the pronouncement of an election winner there would be island wide motor rally's in which the elected parties supporters would be chanting ti croix , often times effigies were made and burnt, of the loosing parties leader. This was done to symbolize the death of the opposition parties leader.
In my idealism I would like to believe that times have changed and that our politics are not marred in partisianism. By that I mean we do not vote for a party because of habit.

It should be a habit to vote but it should by no means be a habit to vote for a particular party.Even politicians change allegiance and sometimes cross the floor. There is really no reason for being a staunch UWP or SLP supporter because there is really no difference in their political views, it is not as if one party has liberal views and the other party is conservative in their political philosophy. Where there appears to be a differentiation in representation is in the Leaders. The difference in the two parties is in the political personalities of the leaders.

That is what people are voting for the person they like the most.
The politics of personalities is what sways voters to the party. Although those representing the constituents should be judged on their merit, however in the final analysis the political leader decides the outcome. Former Prime Minister John Compton was a strong political personality. Kenny Anthony won his first term arguably on account of his new youthful persona (at the time).

Our goal is to ensure proper governance of our country, we are a small ship in a vast ocean our margin for error is thin. We must always seek to make the best choice in every situation. If we are prudent in our choices we may end up with proficient leadership. Our electoral process would then not be dictated by partisianisim but rather circumspect voting.