"What If I Decide To Go Along With Lorne?" - Jimmy Haynes

L.T. doing his thing

I must say that Lorne Theophilus, the Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul/Saltibus, gave me the biggest surprise of my life this one Thursday night. Hmmm! don’t start letting your mind race as to what the hell is Dedan shouting about.

You know General Elections are round the corner…...rite, and you know very well that this is the time when dem politicians are going all out to show case themselves to their constituents, in spite of their neglect over the years. However, I am not sure if our Rep was showcasing or genuinely being himself at that karaoke session at the Hangers Bar that Thursday night. What a night it was!

Though the crowd was not large, there were significantly some notable political figures from the opposite side of the divide – they were all invited by Lorne….so they say. The strategist is already at work….don’t you think?

 I remember having a serious convo with Jano Octave, a Facebook  friend of mine, when I posted that I may be a better singer than the Rep. Oh! how she took offence and gave kudos to the Rep whom she had never heard sing, except at that famous SLP Convention in Vieux Fort. She was not at the karaoke session.

But earlier that karaoke night, the Rep called me and asked that I meet him at that  session…I gladly accepted the invitation. But my mind started racing and I remembered Eve, another  top friend of mine telling me, that same day Jano and I was having the convo that our Rep can sing…..cold feet for me…awah!

The Champions at Hanger's Bar

Hangers Bar, which is situated opposite the La Fargue Playing Field was the place to be last Thursday night. The DJ started the show and called your humble servant to do the first song. By that time the Rep was already there and mingling with everyone.  Previously we already had a chat and we were all set to have a fun night. ”AA, you already” he remarked as the DJ blasted my name over the system. I did “Guitar Man” by Bread. The Rep followed with “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton. His rendition of the song did not impress me much, but it seems that he was only warming up. Well I had it coming!

The Rep was fantastic throughout the night. “You remember Lucsa” his mom, who was this outstanding choir singer in the Catholic Church, Lorne remarked as I gave him kudos over a song he had just performed.He took the night away in spite of top selections by Ferior, Dean, the station sergeant, a beautiful lady by the name of Maureen and myself, to mention a few. Jano was right after all. But was this all at the session?

Not in the least!

Hungry and Jimmy

Politics had to find its way somehow. The arrival of Jimmy Haynes and his little entourage, set my mind ticking. What is dah man's mission? Is he here to compete with Lorne? Is there a little "complo" brewing?  My mind was just racing. You will recall Jimmy's Liberation Train initiative and his intention to run for the Choiseul seat. However this is for another article.

So here comes Jimmy onto me. "Garson you did not even send to wish me Happy NEW Year" Boy, I have been so tied up with work, that this must have slipped me, I may have sent it though, was my reply. By the way, what are you doing here, I quickly threw at him. "Well, Lorne was in my area today and he asked us to check him out here tonight" He replied. We spoke freely for a couple of minutes, but I could sense something was bugging Jimmy. Here comes the bomb! "What if I decide to go along with Lorne?"  He threw at me. "that would be a shocker. I need to teach these guys" ( I presume it's the UWP) "a lesson." He kept on talking. Well bro, if that's how you feel, go for it man, I solemnly advised him.

Jimmy and Lorne doing "One Love"

Jimmy seems to be hurting badly; probably at the slow pace with which his Party is moving to recognize him for the candidacy - if they ever do. But Jimmy, to me, seems to be hurting I think, because  of his own inaction - he is not a member of the Party as far as I know, and he has not applied to be considered as a candidate -- so whats the issue here? But that's for another show. I am sure Lorne would welcome the support - but at what cost? And this was just what he came to confirm that night. (Take this with a grain of salt)

So my dear friends. just before I left, after having my fair share of Karaoke for the night and then listening to  Lorne's rendition of "You're Still The One" by Elton John, I have no doubt in my mind that Lorne knew exactly what he was singing - that he' s still the one for Choiseul/Saltibus come next elections. 
I tend to concur.