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Commentary: Political candidate in Belize disqualified because of dual citizenship
February 22, 2012
Last week the People’s United Party in Belize selected Yolanda Shakron, a political activist, to replace Honorable Cordel Hyde in the Lake Independence constituency, after he declined to seek a third term. Since she was selected, rumours began to surface...
Commentary: New government, no solutions, what's next?
February 22, 2012
The government of Saint Lucia will soon have to admit that the deficit and agreed stimulus packages have amounted to an enormous debt that will stunt projected growth. By all standards, the fiscal health of Saint Lucia has leisurely shifted from neutral to park.
Commentary: Law and Politics: What can the late budget provide?
February 21, 2012
Now that we have added another year to our period of independence from Great Britain – and if I may say so, with a whole lot of celebrations and activities and pomp, and expenses I thought we could ill-afford in these economic hard times – we now have to await the...
Commentary: Iran's informal ambassadors to Latin America
February 21, 2012
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in India and Georgia, the Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has pointed the finger at Iran. This marks the second time in two months that Israeli officials have publicly alluded to the fact that Iran is engaging in terrorist activity...
Commentary: Economic stability for Vincentian farmers in a crisis environment: A road map to success
February 20, 2012
Pessimism directs the thoughts of our prime minister, as he expects our economy to fail for the fourth consecutive year. His pessimism stems from the fact that the world over is experiencing declining economies and a shifts in the overall monetary systems.
Commentary: Are imported security models applicable to the Commonwealth Caribbean?
February 20, 2012
In recent months, there has been a plethora of international agencies crowding the regional scene with antiquated and ill-conceived models intended to contain crime and criminality in the Commonwealth Caribbean. However, it is necessary for me at this juncture...
Commentary: The Queen and Jamaica's journey to maturity - Part I
February 18, 2012
I approach this subject with great reluctance and only out of a deep sense of duty, for such matters as a change of the head of state in any country are by their very nature political, and any statement or action with a tincture of politics could be reason enough...
Commentary: Who is the modern Caribbean woman?
February 18, 2012
Although she is born and bred in steep tradition filled with a rich culture and heritage, there is much that the Caribbean woman carries on her platter. Should she be a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, modern day professional, and the defender of...
Commentary: Whitney dies... upstages Grammys
February 17, 2012
I’m embarrassed to say that when I heard the news that Whitney Houston had died, I was almost as shocked that she was still alive as I was that she had just died. Mind you, nobody was a bigger fan than I. It’s just that I’ve been commenting on her demise...
Commentary: Oil's well that ends well
February 17, 2012
Oil wells off the coast of South America’s only English-speaking country, Guyana, are now being drilled in earnest. Already Guyana’s economy is benefitting from millions of dollars being pumped by two companies into their operations.
Commentary: Falklands fever not likely to turn into war
February 16, 2012
In a speech on February 7 highlighting steadily escalating Anglo-Argentine tensions, the explosive issue of the Falkland Islands was the focus. Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner announced that her government was prepared to...
Commentary: The Grenada challenge for state power has begun
February 15, 2012
It is doubtful and early indications are that the electorate has lost confidence and they are urged to return to their chambers to continue the assault and beating of Grenadians. The cries and sounds of bawling will continue and maybe the New National Rescue Plan...
Commentary: A Caribbean Darwin Day: Why we must stop denying or not thinking about evolution
February 15, 2012
One afternoon in June of 1860, upon hearing Charles Darwin’s suggestion that humans may have descended from apes, the wife of the Bishop of Worcester is famously supposed to have exclaimed, “My dear, descended from the apes!...
Commentary: Law and Politics: 'All lies - we living good'!
February 14, 2012
In the same week the chairman of the ruling party in government tendered his resignation from the Ministry of Sports as advisor thereto – apparently because he is the subject of a police investigation for some manner of illegal activity inside the ministry.
Commentary: Mexico's democracy is abusing human rights
February 14, 2012
In recent months, the media has widely reported on the continuous human rights violations committed by members of the Mexican military. While news of these atrocities only recently surfaced on major news stations, Mexican authorities, in fact...
Commentary: Be forewarned - NGOs can kill your economy and compromise the health of your nation!
February 13, 2012
Dr Gary Conille, the prime minister of Haiti, in an address delivered in Varsovie, Poland, recently informed the world that 99 percent of the grants, gifts and help offered to Haiti after the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010, went to the NGOs.
Commentary: The Falklands shipping resolution is indeed a grave embarrassment
February 13, 2012
My frequent criticism and observation concerning the poor state of political leadership among CARICOM and OECS leaders is a further attestation of my constructive criticism given the recent ALBA meeting in Caracas and the ill-conceived resolution.
Commentary: The Liberal Party of Canada has started the rebuilding process
February 11, 2012
Four weekends ago, the nation witnessed a Liberal Party of Canada policy revival convention that brought some 3,000 delegates together. According to the mainstream media speculation, approximately 50 percent of the delegates were under 30-years-old.
Commentary: Rousseff strengthens Caribbean ties
February 11, 2012
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s recent visit to Havana could easily have been a tense one. On Thursday, January 19, jailed Cuban dissident Wilman Villar died in a prison hospital under murky circumstances, while Brazil recently granted a visa to...
Commentary: Haiti reconciles with 'Baby Doc' Duvalier
February 10, 2012
I made the observations above in an October 12, 2011, commentary, “New Haitian president seeks reconciliation”. Now comes this: Haiti’s judicial authorities have dealt yet another blow to the victims of former leader Jean-Claude Duvalier...
Commentary: Don't cry for Argentina
February 10, 2012
The national and regional interests of Commonwealth Caribbean countries would hardly be served by backing Argentina in its long-running dispute with Britain over the Falkland Islands. An Associated Press (AP) report of a meeting of some Latin American...
Commentary: Espat and Hyde should join UDP or form their own political party
February 9, 2012
I have said in several articles before that it will only be a matter of time before Honourable Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde both resign from the People’s United Party. It is clear that these two representatives have different philosophical views and vision as to what...
Commentary: Cause for concern: 'Unprecedented' access to EU markets?
February 9, 2012
Reports from the Caribbean indicate that one of the main factors hindering CARIFORUM’s private sector enterprises from taking full advantage of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is a lack of information about the export markets.
Commentary: Berthing of Falkland Islands merchant ships in Caribbean ports
February 8, 2012
The information on ALBA’s website is scanty and mostly written in Español. Under the membership component, I observed the pictures of Baldie, Comrade and Roosevelt prominently featured. There might be more Caribbean Commonwealth leaders...
Commentary: Taiwan or China - make the call
February 8, 2012
What looked like a straight forward decision that was formulated and sold as a blueprint for growth, has turned out to be a mind boggling collision. Is this what the majority of Saint Lucians read and purchased? Maybe not. Bear with me, as I quote David Rockwell...
Commentary: Law and Politics: Conflict - confusion - contradiction - now corruption!
February 7, 2012
A religious philosopher once wrote “that very few have accepted in principle or in practice that to rule is to serve. Power has turned men into beasts, patriots into fanatics, and saints into devils. Most men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character...
Commentary: Britain and ALBA: Another Falklands War?
February 7, 2012
Lights! Camera! Action! Yes! A new light is shining on the oil-bearing geological formations in the Falkland Islands’ waters. Light is immediately understood as ‘the true source of all things and the base on which the physicality of the material world is built.’
Commentary: Belize prime minister calls early elections
February 6, 2012
For months now, the people of Belize have been wondering when the prime minister of Belize, the Right Honourable Dean Barrow, was going to call general elections. In Belize the municipal elections for the city councils and the town boards are held every three...
Commentary: Can we really see a Peaceful Caribbean?
February 6, 2012
I stand true to my personal motto, which encourages me to work diligently in efforts to be able to camp in the areas of the dreams that I wish to pursue: ‘Without goals and plans to reach them you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination’.
Commentary: How the Left and (the Right) have helped destroy the soul and the spirit of the Haitian people
February 4, 2012
After the havoc created by the Right (Duvalier father and son) on the soul and the spirit of the Haitian people, the Left (Aristide and Preval) was supposed to bring about corrective measures to repair and to rebuild the soul and the spirit of the people.
Commentary: Youth development initiatives in the region require more bold and innovative action
February 4, 2012
The debate continues in the region about the growing challenges faced by young people (16-30) and the apparent inability of concerned sectors to build and sustain new strategies that will empower young people and increase their civic engagement.
Commentary: Don Cornelius, creator and host of 'Soul Train', is dead
February 3, 2012
And you can bet your money, it’s all gonna be a stone gas, honey! The above are the signature sign-off words Don Cornelius intoned in silky baritone to entice viewers to tune in to the next episode of Soul Train, the iconic music and dance show.
Commentary: The Caribbean: Not so gay
February 3, 2012
On the Caribbean island of Barbados, with a population of about 250,000 people, approximately 3,426 persons are living with HIV, and the Minister of Health, Stephen Lashley, has warned “that is not likely the exact figure”. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is particularly worrying for...
Commentary: Black history is great, but what about black future?
February 2, 2012
Over the past 30 years, I have always been involved in either planning or speaking at black history events in Canada, the USA and England. It is the time of the year when we look back at the intense struggles and challenges faced by our people...
Commentary: Am I hearing Prime Minister Kenny Anthony correctly?
February 2, 2012
Well, it is almost three months since Dame Louisy’s throne speech was given with the usual fanfare and promises expected from most heads of state. Prior to the head of state’s throne address, Saint Lucia’s prime minister, Dr Kenneth Anthony...
Commentary: The passing of a true pan Africanist, regionalist and defender of people's rights
February 1, 2012
Ambassador Dudley Thompson of Jamaica was a genuine and committed pan Africanist, a regionalist and one who always defended the poor and disempowered. Unfortunately, at 95 and one day after his birthday, Comrade Dudley Thompson succumbed to...
Commentary: Mexico's Drug War: Not another Colombia
February 1, 2012
The drug war in Mexico grows more brutal daily. It is practically impossible to read news from that country without exposure to a myriad of literal rolling heads, mass graves, shootouts, and grisly abductions. While addressing the Council on Foreign Relations...
Commentary: Law and Politics: Thirty-eight years of confused independence
January 31, 2012
As we come to the 7th February, which marks the so-called celebration of thirty-eight years since we severed the bond of colonialism from Great Britain and became an independent state, in looking back over those years from February 1974 to date...
Commentary: State capitalism or private enterprise
January 31, 2012
State capitalism harbours statutory corporations, favours companies and, in some discrete localities, development foundations. These state owned corporations have enormous state resources at their disposal, such as financial guarantees...
Commentary: Tax invasion in St Vincent and the Grenadines
January 30, 2012
As the majestic sun set disappears the evening came to an end; night falls! The fluorescent light from every household illuminated the darkness of night, the moon and the stars appear as the rain drizzles. The stoves went off while the television sets came on.
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