Should The Forgotten Communities Vote in Upcoming General Elections?

When I was younger, campaigning was one of my fortes. Brian Charles and later Rufus Bousquet were local elected officials, so for my friends and family, campaigning not only meant convincing persons, it meant the excitement of holding signs while shouting out, “Vote Brian/Rufus!” It meant handing out campaign materials in many communities. It meant getting to stay up late at election night parties, watching with baited breath as folks scurried in with boxes of polling stations results, which were then written-up on long, papered walls. (Now that results are released online, election night parties are considerably less exciting.)

These days, I greet Elections with far less enthusiasm. (And this particular year I greet it with no enthusiasm at all. Nothing but dread.)

I’ve grown up. I’ve awakened to the fact that we live in an imperfect world full of flawed people. And I’ve now (mostly through my work as a blogger) had a close-enough view of politics to know that its poor reputation is pretty well deserved. I’ve become frustrated with our political system and I’ve given up the idea that any candidate can be a knight in shining armor.

But I will vote. I vote in every single election and you should too. Here are some reasons why:

You do believe in having the right to vote, but are unsure as to whether it really will make a difference. So, should you vote or not? Yes - if you want better healthcare, education and childcare, fairer taxation, basic income for all, better roads and transport, better local amenities because the government  runs all these services and your vote in a General, Election will send a message about what sort of St Lucia you want and expect.

Any complaints you may have about anything related to politics (and everything is related to politics) will ring rather hollow after June 6, 2021, if you do not do the absolute minimum to make a difference by voting. 

Voting is the most fundamental way of expressing an opinion on what the parties are planning on doing if elected. Failing to do so makes any subsequent complaints about what the government is doing fairly hypocritical. I am among those who believe that you forfeit your right to bitch and complain about government if you fail to vote. And I find that complaining about government is a healthy and often a productive activity. 

I vote so that I can register my own independent thinking. And then I follow up that voting by interacting with my elected officials. You should too. Don’t vote? Can’t moan! Want to moan? Got to vote!

Do you let other people make all of your decisions for you, or do you value independent thought? If personal independence is important to you, then voting should be too.

When it comes to getting involved in the political process, Abraham Lincoln puts it best: “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”

Ultimately, you should research your candidates and the issues, and make an informed vote that works for you. After all, if you don’t vote in your own interests, who will? Plus, smart people vote. You’re smart, right?

 

 

The Forgotten Communities – Still Not on the Rep's Radar

Rufus, Lorne and Bradley

Locally, it appears that our parliamentarian is struggling to meet the ever growing expectations of the residents of the Forgotten Communities. Recent discussions suggest that residents hold the parliamentarian to account principally for the services that he is able to deliver outside parliament, not for his law-making role or his cabinet duties.

Parliamentary Rep after parliamentary Rep, administration after administration, it’s the same old khaki pants when it comes to proper representation for the residents of the Forgotten Communities – La Maze, Roblot, Debrieul, Sauzay and Riviere Doree. This blog has consistently informed its readers about the poor level of representation and unkept promises (see links below) meted out by our Parliamentary Representatives (past and present) to the Forgotten Communities. This will continue to be so until honest dialogue becomes part of a strategy to improve people’s lives.

Sunset Bay - Choiseul's Elusive Dream

Poor Representation and broken promises:

My disgust at poor representation

Another of Lorne’s stories

Lorne’s mamaguy

Bradley can’t seem to deliver

Choiseul’s wrecking team

Scores of people drive through the Forgotten Communites daily to get an idea of how the people live. They want to feel the vibes of the people in the Craft Mecca of the constituency, the farmers, the single mothers, the unemployed and of course the youth. Hoping to see a semblance of improved lives, they gradually become disenchanted by what they see as they drive through and engage the residents.

It appears that many of these politicians believe that by just getting a few unplanned drainage projects, or cutlassing done in the Forgotten communities can improve people's lives and is all  that matters for their re-election….far from it!

The Parliamentary Reps must realize that constituency service is important both to citizens and themselves – indeed; it is an accepted and expected part of the job. Numerous opinion polls in different constituencies suggest that the public believes that some form or the other of constituency service is the most important part of a Rep’s role, while Reps themselves no doubt see the benefit of meeting voters' needs for various reasons, not least to improve their chances of re-election.

If one were to ask any of these Reps what they think residents see as their most important role, you no doubt would hear them say that, in the eyes of the resident, solving residents' problems is the parliamentarian's most important role – does one see that happening in the forgotten communities.

Roblot Multipurpose Centre

It's about face time. Residents of The Forgotten Communities are not difficult people. If you promise it, do it! (Multipurpose Center for example) Residents like when a Parliamentary Rep comes to their constituency to see their faces. A Parliamentary Rep should always be with constituents, live in the constituency and be part and parcel of them. Whatever a Rep does matters in elections. They can bring development but if the residents don't see them, then electors will not remember.

In closing, ponder over this thought. A good parliamentary representative is not likely to be approved by, or even appreciated by, every one of his constituents. Thus my claim is not that a parliamentary representative will be valued by every constituent (or even a majority of constituents); rather, my claim is that a good parliamentary representative will be the unbridled advocate of his own constituents.

St Rose Heading For a Defeat Without the Backing of the Party's Machinery?

Top: Dr. P. Prosper(SLP) Bottom: Dr. A. St Rose(IND) Right: Hon. B. Felix(UWP)

Going it alone is rarely as easy as we think.  Winning without a party machinery behind you isn’t easy!!!

It’s  something that needs to be borne in mind by Alphonsus St Rose who was rejected over Pauline Prosper  during the candidate selection process of the St Lucia Labour Party a couple of months ago.

That’s especially true if he intends to stand as independent at the next general election.

Independent candidates face many obstacles in the St Lucia. In all constituencies, the United Workers Party and St Lucia Labour Party candidates automatically are the most frequently acceptable symbols on the ballot, whereas the independent candidates usually have to convince themselves that they stand a chance just to be confident that he will want to be on the ballot. The electorate, over the years has been composed of mostly UWP’s and SLP’s, who have a strong incentive to protect the existing duopoly. Also, Independent candidates often face financial difficulties because they have to rely on their personal saving and/or very few hefty donors.

The two political parties are a lot like the two giants of the cola world, Coke and Pepsi. Although each wants to win, they both recognize that it is in their mutual interest to keep a third cola from gaining significant market share. Coke and Pepsi, many people have argued, conspire to keep any competitor from gaining ground. The Flambeaus and the Etoiles function in much the same way.

Many voters don’t want to waste their ballot, and thus gravitate toward a parliamentary candidate they think has a chance to win. Independent candidates have a hard time building enough of a following to actually win a constituency seat. And without a grass-roots base of officials, independent candidates who aren’t already well-known have a very difficult time building momentum.

Are there implications here for St Rose in the next General Elections? Well, In spite of his confidence, it’s possible that as the 2021 election approaches, his vote share of the stock in Choiseul/Saltibus will dwindle. Some of his backers will decide that a protest vote isn’t as important as actually influencing the outcome. Many are undecided or may not even vote per se, but SLP’s and UWP’s will rather be committed to Prosper or Felix.

 Challenges for St Rose.

St Rose faces challenges that party candidates like Prosper and Felix do not. Simply put, political parties matter in St Lucia. The importance of local campaigns and candidates pales in comparison with that of the national campaign and party leaders when it comes to voter decisions.  Parties and their leaders provide important information shortcuts or cues to voters about ideology and policy positions. Moreover, they command media and public attention.

The biggest challenge for St Rose can be trying to convince voters that he would be able to represent them effectively. Parties dominate the legislative process. The ability to participate effectively in the HOUSE is related to being a member of a parliamentary party. An independent campaign needs to communicate consistently that voters would be well served, even without party backing.

The infrastructure of independent candidate greatly differs from those of the two major parties. The St Lucia Labour Party and United Workers Party have their national, constituency organizations, as well as a lot of other SLP and UWP groups.

Independent candidates, on the other hand, do not have such a sprawling, cohesive network. 

St Rose, I am sure is fully cognizant of the ramifications of his action. It would serve him best to go along with Pauline Prosper just to bring this seat home. Splitting  Labour votes will be a disaster for the SLP.

Just like Neville Cenac St Rose will never be forgiven if SLP loses the Choiseul/Saltibus seat in 2021.

Does Choiseul/Saltibus Need Another Independent Candidate ?

“We cannot support dishonesty, manipulation, a lack of transparency, no accountability and corruption in decision making and governance of the people's affairs.

So we are campaigning and voting for an Independent Dr. A St. Rose.

Get your troops ready my soldier. Thank you for standing with me for what is right for you, your future and country. Thank you for your support, trust and confidence in me to represent and fight for you...much appreciated!”  Whatsapp communique dated July 23, 2020 from Dr Alphonsus St Rose’s Camp.

Some claim that we need more independent candidates in elections; those who are disillusioned with party politics think that we could find judicious wise independents that could do the job just as we want.

I have no problem with “independent” people offering their services to the electors. Freedom to stand and to put a different point of view is vital to life in a democracy. So is choice between serious candidates who can win. There is nothing stopping an independent candidate becoming a serious rival for power, if their message is popular and the other competing parties are unimpressive. Occasionally this happens.  Often in General elections people want to choose between the major parties, because they want to influence which party will end up running the body concerned.

However, I do think we need to examine what we mean by “independent”.  An independent can be genuinely independent of all political parties. That means that they will not take a party whip once elected to a given body. They can make up their own minds, unguided by colleagues in the same party. Some will think this an advantage.

However, in a Parliament it also has some disadvantages. It means the independent cannot form a government. The independent cannot guarantee to introduce anything they offered in their manifesto, as they may not even have a seconder for their proposals, let alone a majority. They may become inadvertent or unintentional liars or promise breakers. In office they discover they have to change their minds or broker deals with others to try to get anything done.

The question of independence from a party should not be confused with true independence of thought. An independent might be more ideological than a party candidate. They might have clear and strong prejudices, but not declare them before the election. You do not know how an independent will decide matters or what is likely to be their view of a common problem, unless they tell you in their manifesto. Often their manifesto is very thin on detail.  With a UWP or SLP candidate you have more idea of what you are likely to get.

My Take:  Do Party candidates have an advantage over independent candidates? It seems to be the case – independent candidates have garnered fewer votes on average as compared to party candidates.

Advantages which party candidates may have over independent candidates include:

• The benefit of an established party brand name
• Organizational and logistical assistance
• Backing of popular political leaders in the party

An individual might want to run on a platform supporting the interests of certain groups identified by gender or community. This would be all right, provided he or she did not stir up hatred or promote unreasonable discrimination.

People wishing to stand as independents have found it hard. The electors do not seem to understand the idea. The electorate does not think of parties in terms of ideas. Their suspicion of independents seems to be linked to a desire to know to which group of persons a candidate has attached him or her-self —for that is what joining a party mostly means.

Therefore, independent candidates who are intent on overcoming the odds in the upcoming General Elections must be well-known, established and prominent individuals with proven leadership achievements in their field of expertise.

Dr Prosper Out-did Dr St Rose at Party's Selection Process.

Political Leader and Dr Prosper

Whether there are ongoing behind-the-scenes activities to trump up support for Dr Alphonsus St Rose in his bid to replace Dr Pauline Prosper, it should be quite clear to these persons that the Labour Party's position  released in a statement is quite straightforward.

SLP's Position on the Matter

It even goes as far as to mention that persons who try to tarnish the image of the party will be dealt with. Should Fergy and Alphonsus stand down or continue their path, defying the Party's constitution in the candidate selection process? Should they continue to divide the camp, thus making it difficult for Dr Prosper to pull off the win? What is their game plan? Are they willing to sacrifice expulsion from the party? Questions, questions, questions! Inquiring minds want to know.

The Hot 7 Facebook post puts it this way."The political leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party is not overly concerned about the impact of candidate struggles and dissent between their various camps. The state of affairs in the Labour Party camp is the water cooler topic of recent days given released audio of Choiseul hopeful Dr Alphonsus St Rose decrying the candidate selection process as being flawed, after word of Dr Pauline Prospere’s selection by the SLP to contest the seat. The SLP says while it understands Dr St Rose’s disappointment at not being the chosen candidate, it will not tolerate behavior by any member that may damage the image of the Party." 

Dr Prosper out-did Dr St Rose 

Continuing the Hot 7 News says, "…….Dr Pauline Prosper outdid Dr St Rose at every stage of the candidate selection process.”  This included:

1.  A screening interview,
2.  A selection interview, 
3. A vote by the party 
4. An independent poll commissioned by the party which identified Dr Prosper as the strongest candidate to via against the incumbent MP Bradley Felix. The executive hopes to meet with the Choiseul/Saltibus Constituency to put closure to this matter.

With a lack of data Choiseul on the Move is unclear as to what amount of support St Rose commands among the party's supporters in the constituency. However there are a few who think he can dethrone the incumbent.

 A strong female supporter of the SLP puts it bluntly. "I en voting for no woman, bon!" 

Another comment from an unknown contributor to  Choiseul on the Move seems to suggest that the mere fact that the SLP has an array of educators that St Rose with his health background might be a better choice.(Really! Remember Pep?) The statement reads. "They are both qualified professionals, albeit in different fields. They are both winning material given the required support. Given this position, one's preference should perhaps be focused on the balance they bring to the team. Looking at the candidates we already know, we can clearly recognize at least three educators - If you were to include the former PM then four. It therefore shows the party is not deficient in terms of persons to manage education. In this regard St. Rose with experience and background in Health, brings better balance.”

Still another comment. "First time we having a woman who lives in Choiseul and been around. Bradly not ready. I think she deserves a chance."

                                                                   Time to Move on

The debate rages on at all watering holes throughout the district. An unconventional poll carried  out by Choiseul on the Move at many of these watering holes  gives Dr Proper an edge over Dr St Rose. As to whether she will beat Bradley, many disgruntled supporters of the UWP camp suggests they will support her while a few  SLP supporters of Dr. St Rose still have their doubts.

Editors's note: Here is the full video clip from Hot 7 Tv: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=749704712512386

Reasons to Rent A Pressure Washer Today!

Pressure washers have been very popular in recent years -- and with good reason. They are extremely versatile tools that save a lot of time, often with great results. A lot of cleaning can be accomplished in a little amount of time. Some jobs can be accomplished so quickly in fact, that when renting a pressure washer it may be a good idea to line up a couple of jobs to get the most for your money. For example, after pressure washing the deck, why not give your driveway the treatment? For lawn and garden uses, pressure washers are ideal for keeping your equipment clean and ready for use. Nothing removes caked on grass and debris from under the mower deck as effectively as a pressure washer. Tiller blades can also benefit from a pressure washer. Keeping your lawn and garden equipment clean can prevent a lot of rust and corrosion down the road. For home cleaning projects, a pressure washer is the right tool for the job. Cleaning your siding, deck, lawn furniture, driveway and sidewalks are just a few of the jobs that are well suited for a pressure washer. Hard to reach areas can easily become not so hard to reach. Difficult to clean items such as shutters, wrought iron fencing and lattice all come clean with ease. A pressure washer can also effectively clean your brickwork and stonework such as patios, steps and barbecues. When cleaning your driveway or garage floor with a pressure washer, it is a good idea to first soak up any oil with cat litter. Once the litter is swept up, apply degreaser to the oily areas and allow it to stand for a few minutes before beginning to pressure wash.When working on the wood, it is recommended to keep the stream at a 45° angle. Avoid spraying head-on or keeping the stream in one place. That way you can avoid indenting or scarring the surface. Also, avoid spraying directly onto glass as it may break under the pressure. Your vehicles, such as trucks, cars, boats, trailers and campers can be effectively cleaned with a pressure washer. Special attachments are available specifically for washing your vehicle. If you are renting a pressure washer, with all of the time you’ll save on your other projects, why not treat yourself to a car wash? Another once tedious project that pressure washers have been popular for is for the removal of peeling paint. Though care must be taken not to damage the wood surface, professional results can be achieved quickly without having to use a paint scraper. Finally, whether you buy or rent a pressure washer from Rayneau Rentals and Sales, please know that we are here to answer all your questions and provide outstanding customer service. If you buy from us, we offer repair services and generous preventative maintenance contracts. At Rayneau Rentals and Sales, we look forward to helping you with all your needs. Call us at 450-7368 or contact us online today to see how we can help.

http://dlvr.it/RbtPG5

Rayneau Rentals and Sales – The Place For Quality Tool Rentals

When it comes to having the proper tools, it can be expensive, inconvenient, and a chore to own the proper ones. This is especially true if said tool is not one that you use constantly. Not only will you have spent money on a tool that you don’t use consistently, but you will have to spend additional time, effort, and money in order to maintain your tool, or risk operating it in a sub-optimal manner when you do have to use it. It’s just not worth it. Luckily, at Rayneau Rentals and Sales, we keep our tools in optimal condition and well maintained at all times for your use. If you need a tool just once for a job, try renting one of our tools. Not only will you save needing to pay the full price for the tool, but you also won’t have a tool that you’ll keep in your shed, never to be used again. At Rayneau Rentals and Sales, we treat all our tools with the care it deserves so that once it is in your hands, it will perform exactly as it should, and once you’re finished with it, it will be passed on to the next customer in need of it. The tool will never be put to waste. Our collection of tools is vast and varied. We carry tools for jobs of all kinds, including lawn and garden equipment for those who wish to perform some gardening; saws and hammers for construction jobs; drain and sewer equipment for plumbers; and many more. If there’s a tool out there, we’ll have it. For your next job, look towards Rayneau Rentals and Sales for your rental toolsneeds. We are located in Vide Bouteille on the Castries/Gros Islet Highway.  
http://dlvr.it/RbgTsv