A Letter from the Ground

Can a cabinet reshuffle help the ULP at this time?

By

Candy Edwards

Introduction

After weeks of speculation, the much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle has been announced. According to the Prime Minister, it has now become necessary to reorganize the government. He did not offer any reasons for a cabinet reshuffle at this time. However, everyone seems to think that it is a major move in preparation for the upcoming general elections. In fact, the Prime Minister was very vague in explaining why yet another member of parliament would now be working out of his office. Given the fact that elections could well be called before the end of this year, one wonders what good would it serve the government or the country to have a major cabinet reshuffle at this juncture? It is therefore left for reasonable people to conclude that it is all about winning the next elections. But, given what this country has endured over the past four years under this administration the question that comes to mind is this: Can a cabinet reshuffle help the ULP at this time?

The Current State of the ULP

On Thursday May 5 2005 there were two general elections to which many of us paid attention. In both cases they resulted in victory for a labour party. I refer to Tony Blair’s of Britain and Roosevelt Skerrit’s of Dominica. In St. Vincent, the propagandists of the Unity Labour Party are already claiming victory in light of what happened in London and Roseau. By their twisted logic, a victory for labour abroad means a similar outcome at home. However, those who perpetuate that view are willfully ignoring the state of this country and the mood of the electorate. They also forget the tendency of this country to go against the prevailing currents.

The Unity Labour Party as led by Dr Gonsalves came to power with much hope and promise. Every Vincentian including this writer was prepared to give them a first, a second or even a third term. However, most right thinking people now agree that Gonsalves and the ULP have been colossal failures. This has been the worst administration to govern this state since adult suffrage. Anyone over the age of fifty can attest to this. It is not that the party has come up with any good policies to take the country forward; it is not that the ULP does not have some decent people; it is not that they do not care about the people of this country. Despite all of the positives, Gonsalves has led, encouraged, condoned, and applauded a set of horrible practices in the name of good governance. We have touched on many of them from time to time on this programme. The end result of it all is that the people are burning for change.

It must be disconcerting to the ULP when the Opposition continues to grow from strength to strength. Every activity they organize attracts thousands. At the drop of a hat the streets are flooded with streams of yellow. Even the Prime Minister’s own seat is no longer safe. These signs are not what we have come to associate with an unbeatable incumbent and a weak challenger. Dr Gonsalves has been reduced to fighting for his seat while the ULP is fighting for its survival. Reorganizing the Cabinet is but a poor and backward move to stem the tide

The Changes

I do not wish to dwell too long on the changes made by the Prime Minister. In less than twelve months they will all be no more. However, for the sake of discussion I make the following brief comments.

1. Louis Straker: He will still be a non-performer.
2. Mike Browne: He is glad to be out of that ministry. He never enjoyed it. Foreign affairs offer a greater boost to his sagging profile.
3. Clayton Burgin: He will remain a clod. I think we all know who is the Minster of Education.

Conclusion

It would take much more than a reshuffle to help the ULP at this time. I don’t doubt that they have what it takes but who knows. I think what Vincentians expect to hear now is a complete change of troops. After those in questions are wounded, tired and dying.

Sincerely

Candy Edwards

May 7, 2006