Having remained in campaign mode for a full year following last July’s election, the NRP’s shift into governance mode has been nothing but a litany of misleading statements, bunglings and royal mess-ups. This week’s meeting of the Federal Parliament was the most glaring evidence of the freefall that is now underway and how far it has sunk.
The Federal government met to debate an issue pertaining to education – an area to which the NRP gives much lip service. Present at the table were the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, the author of the legislation, and the remainder of the Labor government in full.
Addressing the issue on the other side and representing Her Majesty’s loyal opposition was the newly-elected Honourable Mark Brantley, the Leader of the Opposition – the Sheriff of Montpelier — who arrived in Basseterre with deserved pomp and ceremony, our nattily attired distinguished former Premier Vance Amory, and Minister Perkins — the nominated member of the Federal Parliament.
Absent from the table, as leader of my great country, was the Honourable Premier Joseph Parry. He who claims to support this union continues his boycott of the Federal House. Having debarred himself from contesting the election for the first vacancy that came up during his tenure as premier, he was nowhere around to debate an issue that affects his people whom he claims he is seeking to educate and empower.
His revealed preference is for closed-door cabinet meetings, beyond the glare of the spotlights, where there is no press or media present, in a body whose decisions are worthless and do not carry the force of law. Word has it that the elected member of the Federal House from St. James’ did not tarry long. He showed the same disdain for the Federal House as his leader and was spotted hightailing it back to the ferry terminal catching the first ferry that was headed back across The Narrows. He left the chamber without uttering one word, and by so doing, effectively boycotting the Assembly in the same manner that my premier has done.
I was devastated. The NRP made an awful lot of claims while in campaign mode. But, in governance mode, these claims have become like wilted lettuce and reduced to nothing. With all of the financial resources of the people of Nevis at its disposal, the NRP came to Basseterre and said nothing on the single most important item on its agenda.
The Sheriff of Montpelier promptly announced that he had not come to Basseterre to keep his mouth shut. He had done his homework. He spoke with passion about weaknesses in the legislation and urged the government to consider changes, and they did. It was beautiful to behold. It was governance in action in what for many is still a worthless body as far as the people of Nevis are concerned. The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister noticed the suggested changes in the legislation and said so. He described it as his finest hour in the Federal House.
The Sheriff announced his call for the Honourable Simeon Daniel, the first premier of Nevis to be knighted, and the PM consented. Very shortly, our national hero will be heading to London for an audience with Her Majesty. Nattily attired, complete with bowler hat, top coat and cane, he will be inducted into that very special and exclusive body as Sir the Honourable Doctor Simeon Daniel. It will be a proud moment for Nevisians.
Our Honourable Former Premier Amory, an educator himself, was at his eloquent best. He spoke with passion and ably supported the Leader of the Opposition. He was backed up by equally profound statements by the nominated Minister Perkins. It was a glorious day for an institution that has not served the interests of the people of Nevis well. But, it was a sad day for those of us who desperately want the NRP to do well.
I woke up the next day still reeling from the embarrassment. While one party is rising the other is sinking and sinking fast. The NRP, with all of the government’s resources at its disposal came to Basseterre and said nothing on the single most important item on its agenda.
WHAT A WASTE!
