The Dame of All Dames

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Rawlston Pompey

Thursday, 04 October 2012 02:30

By Rawlston Pompey

When the nation of Antigua and Barbuda through a selection process honored or caused the conferment of special honors upon its distinguished female citizens, such was in recognition of their “…exceptional services” to its “…Social, Economic, Educational and Cultural Development.”

Consequently, several notable women were honored with the prestigious title of “…DAME” (equivalent to Sir) preceding their given names. Among the few women so honoured with the prestigious title were national hero (posthumously) “…Dame Nellie Robinson for her invaluable services to Education; …Dame Bernice Lake QC (deceased)- Legal Services; …Dame Gwendolyn Tonge (deceased)-immeasurable contributions to education, Home economics and Parliament; …Dame Bridget Harris-Education and Speaker of the House of Representatives; …Dame Yvonne Maginley-Tourism, Deputy Governor General; …Dame Hyacinth Richardson-Legal Services and …Dame Deborah-Mae Lovell-Diplomatic services.

SERVICES TO THE NATION
Each of these Dames had rendered yeoman services to the nation. They had performed their designated functions and/or duties creditably as evidenced by their “…humility, decorum, pride, dignity and perseverance. In spite of personal challenges and/or sacrifices, others continue to perform exceptionally well in some public offices, either within or outside national borders. It was to be observed, however, that due to an apparent inadequacy or lack thereof, of public sensitization, awareness and/or appreciation of their “…services to the nation,” most had drifted quietly into “…OBLIVION.”

NATIONAL HOMAGE
The system appeared to have treated many with scant regard, thus had failed to have paid them sufficient “…NATIONAL HOMAGE.” This included some educational institutions, power wielders and members of the wider society. For this reason only a few were occasionally heard of within the public domain or mentioned through social media. Interestingly, however, when tragedy, grief and sorrow struck, there were spontaneous activities reflective of merely temporary emotive responses. These were evident by recent tragedies and the peaceful passing of DAME GWENDOLYN TONGE.

DAME OF ALL DAMES
For most of these distinguished DAMES, particularly those among us, “…not a drum was heard” and for others gone, previously and/or recently, the “…drums that may have been beaten” may be faintly heard in the distance, while the “…funeral notes that may be sounded” or the sentiments expressed, may, rightly or wrongly, be described as “…brazen hypocrisy.”   However, the “…DAME OF ALL DAMES,” may be seen as the “…the defiant, impregnable, unstoppable, yet eminent DAME,” Her Excellency Governor General LOUISE LAKE-TACK.” In her regalia, she was always poised and depicts a picturesque and breathtaking view of the setting sun, observed by many from the “…Rick’s Café” in the Jamaican resort town of Negril.

KING’S QUEEN’S MAXIM
Most citizens appeared to have misunderstood or underestimated the power of Her Majesty QUEEN Elizabeth II and/or Her Representatives. Retention of the Queen as Titular Head of State was a little more than a symbolic gesture. It meant that when devious men embarked on certain courses, there would be some authority where referrals may be made; …where redress may be sought and where executive powers may be exercised for good governance, The Constitution Order 1981 provides for these. “…The Queen can do no wrong.” Historically, when British Kings ruled [first King Egbert 802-839], he had decreed that the “…The King can do no wrong.” When the titular status was bestowed upon the Queen, the maxim changed to “…The Queen can do no wrong.” So too were “…Her Heirs Successors and Representatives.”

THE UNTAMABLE DAME
DAME LOUISE by virtue of being the Queen’s Representative was so privileged and protected. She too can do no wrong. Graced with a uniquely high-pitched voice, DAME LOUISE had made it heard across the nation loudly and with piercing and rippling effect. Combined with it was a positive exhibition of “…an air of confidence; …authoritativeness and decisiveness.” Her actions had made powerful women fret and big men wept. Some not yet fell under her hammer had chuckled while those who had experienced her power, had buckled. Hence, the “…UNTAMABLE DAME” had made it known to all a sundry- “…loyal or disloyal; …obedient and/or rebellious,” that even as “…Titular Head of State,” Her Majesty’s “…reign was supreme; … Her presence shall always prevail and …Her rule shall be subordinate to none and as far as her tenure as Governor General goes, it SHALL be at Her Majesty’s Pleasure.”

SECURITY OF TENURE
Section 22 of the Constitution Order 1981 states “…There shall be a Governor General of Antigua and   Barbuda who shall be a citizen appointed by Her Majesty and shall hold office during Her Majesty’s PLEASURE and who shall be Her Majesty’s REPRESENTATIVE in Antigua and Barbuda.” Section 25 places the Governor General at the “…Seat of Government” and that none may function in the House of Representatives or the Senate, except he/she subscribed to the “…Oath of Allegiance” as required by Section 48 of the Constitution. DAME LOUISE, like members of the Executive and the Parliament “…OWES ALLEGIANCE” only to Her Majesty the Queen. An act of Treason against Her Majesty, Her Heirs, Successors and Her Representatives, signified the ultimate penalty-DEATH.

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EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY
Section 68 (1) of the Constitution has made it, not sparsely, but abundantly clear as to the authoritative body holding “…EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY.” This Section unambiguously states “…The Executive Authority of Antigua and Barbuda is VESTED in Her Majesty.” Subsection (2) explains who may exercise such authority. Thus, it states “…Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Executive Authority of Antigua and Barbuda MAY be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty BY the Governor General, either DIRECTLY or through officers SUBORDINATE to him (her).”

CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY
Most of all the knowledgeable Dame was aware of the Constitutional duty imposed upon anyone appointed as Prime Minister, “…with or without his advice.” Proof of this may be seen from Section 81 that states “…The Prime Minister shall keep the Governor General REGULARLY and FULLY informed concerning the general conduct of the Government and SHALL furnish the Governor General as soon as possible with such information as the Governor General, acting in his (her) DISCRETION may request from time to time with respect to any particular matter relating to the Government.”

MUTUAL RESPECT
This necessarily requires cooperation, “…MUTUAL RESPECT,” trust and understanding between the two Heads of State. These were critical to effective communications, though not necessarily meant effective governance. This was an exercise performed mutually and separately by Commanders of the Security Forces. In the case of SIR JAMES B. CARLISLE, it was an occasion where, accommodatingly, in a healthy environment, minds met; …non-intrusive, amicable and meaningful discussions were conducted, and where all suggestions, ideas and opinions contended. Law enforcement, as it may be reasonably assumed for the military, always had the final say as to the methodologies and approaches in its respective administrative and/or operational responsibilities.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
Undoubtedly, DAME LOUISE was very much aware of these Constitutional provisions that may not be handled “…in any whim and fancy way” by any of Her Majesty’s subjects, and who, by virtue of those provisions, were subordinate to Her Majesty and/or Her Representative. Thus, all were subjected to her Executive Powers. For example when the March 2009 General Elections appeared to have ended in “…chaos and confusion; …with near misses in defeat for anxious candidates with throbbing hearts, ” acting on the advice of the Honourable Prime Minister DR. WINSTON BALDWIN SPENCER, Dame Louise appeared not to have entertained pleas for the exercise of discretionary powers or that of “…PREROGATIVE” to members of Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC). Her function was clearly not attuned to “…persuasion, compassion and/or dissuasion from what was hovering over three of ABEC Commissioners.” Thus, it was about the exercise of Executive Authority, delivered with telling effect.

SNAPPING/HOPPING/SCRAPPING
Seemingly, DAME LOUISE had decided to limit the exercise of the “…Prerogative of Mercy” only to those confined at Her Majesty’s Prison, whether or not on death-row. Hence, the feisty Dame had showed those who were accused of “…Dereliction of Election Duty” that “…never again” was it going to be “…business as usual.” Firstly, the Dame made Deputy Commissioner Nathaniel ‘Paddy” James, with tears flowing profusely from his eyes “…SNAPPED.” Secondly, not allowing any opportunity to plead “…diplomatic immunity” or to exert “…diplomatic influence and/or pressure upon her judgment, she made Commission member Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst shredded to “…SCRAPS.” Thirdly, when it appeared that Chairman of the Commission, Sir Gerald ‘Gerry’ Watt QC, KCN, had stepped beyond the limits of conduct associated with that of his “…Knighthood and Queen’s Counsel,” Dame Louise set up a Tribunal and made him“…HOPPED.”

YAPPING AND STOPPING
Moreover, seemingly disturbed and spurred by a spontaneous and/or pent up rage, when Her Majesty’s Parliamentary Chambers were temporarily stripped of its “…Representative Symbols,” in accommodating the OECS Assembly, the Dame made Speaker of the House of Representatives D. Giselle Isaac-Arrindell “…YAPPED- “…No disrespect was intended.”…When the Speaker sought to provide rationale and/or justification on a radio programme, the Dame in a seemingly uncharacteristic response dismissed such as “…far, far from the truth.  Then exercising further powers as Commander-in-Chief of the tiny Armed Force, invited to be part of a Ceremonial Parade for the occasion, the authoritative Dame cautiously guided Defence Force Commander, Sir Trevor Thomas and its military personnel to the edge of the dangerous “…Shirley Heights Look Out Cliff,” where, risking a perilous fall they were forced to “…STOP.”

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OBEYING ORDERS
Within most “…Disciplined Forces,” members of the Armed Forces were indoctrinated to “…Obey Orders” from their Commanding Officers. Thus, the creed had been “…Obey orders and complain after.” To do otherwise, consequences may be grave. Thus, the “…Commanding Power” of Dame Louise was sufficient to have shaken Mount Obama with an intensity strong enough to expose Barbuda to a “…TSUNAMI,” frighteningly warned by meteorologist Keithly Meade. Notwithstanding, DAME LOUISE’S “…principled commands to Her Majesty’s Armed Force” in abstaining from participating in the ceremonies for the OECS ASSEMBLY, such command demonstrated the “…DAMES exercise of “…command POWER”. Congratulations to Sir Trevor” on his Knighthood.” The investiture was performed in a more conducive atmosphere, pronounced with cordiality and dignity and pomp and circumstance.

SIR TREVOR THOMAS
Most of all, it was “…non-commanding.”  Ironically, such award was bestowed upon Commander Thomas, not necessarily due to his “…unflinching obedience,” but most fittingly and meritoriously, for his “…allegiance and loyalty; …commitment and devotion to duty” and more importantly, his “…humility and exemplary service to the nation.” Hence, it was an occasion for all who had gathered to have displayed receptiveness; …smiled approvingly and proudly “…CLAPPED” in appreciation. Such reflected the finer and regal side of Dame Louise.

POWER OF DAME LOUISE
Though the threat of a TSUNAMI may not be farfetched, such possibilities, nonetheless, may also be compounded by its low-lying coastline and “…vulnerabilities” caused by uncontrolled and seemingly reckless mining of its protective banks, “…an economic activity.” This had been a situation frequently complained of, by Marine Biologist JOHN MUSSINGTON. The vexed question was “…How would residents be gainfully employed by the Barbuda Council without revenue generation?” Revenue deductions can only be made from people who were “…gainfully employed.” The residents appeared caught between the “…Devil and the deep blue sea.” Seemingly, only the “…POWER OF DAME LOUISE,” through proper representation, may cause to be ordered review of “…administrative and economic arrangements” agreed to at Lancaster House talks in London prior to the attainment of independence in 1981.

WHERE KNOWLEDGE RULES
Research has shown that except the United States, Russia and several other nations, women across the globe had made significant positional strides in their respective countries of domicile. Writes Elizabeth M. Young, former US military personnel on the Website Helium .Com- WHERE KNOWLEDGE RULES; “…This is a time in world history where there are more women Regents; …Presidents; …Chancellors; …Governors and …Prime Ministers.” She had listed 25 Commonwealth nations in which there were currently women rulers in one or more of these categories.

WOMEN RULERS
Leading the group was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom [1952] to the Caribbean where four women either wield “…Constitutional or State powers.” These include “…Governor General Her Excellency Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy of St. Lucia [1997]; …Governor General Her Excellency Dame LOUISE AGNETHA LAKE-TACK of Antigua and Barbuda [2007-]; …Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller of Jamaica [2006/7&20012-] and Prime Minister Kamla Persaud of Trinidad and Tobago [2010-].” Previously, the second woman in the Caribbean, but first to have wielded both “…Constitutional and State Powers”  in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) was Prime Minister DAME MARY EUGENIA CHARLES (deceased) of the Commonwealth of Dominica [1980-1995].

MARGARET THATCHER ERA
Within her native Dominica, Dame Eugenia was nicknamed the “…Iron Lady” after another “…fearless, decisive and pragmatic” international leader, first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom [1979-1983]. She had some military challenges such as the 1982 war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands. Then both female leaders had reportedly acted in collusion with former United States President Ronald Reagan in ending the “…1979 Bloody Revolution” on the Spice Island of Grenada. This had become know for an even more “…Bloody Invasive Assault on Grenada in 1983.”



THE WARMONGERS
Those also reportedly acted in “…collusion”  with President Reagan and Prime Minister Thatcher, were OECS and CARICOM States. They were described as “…Belligerents” (taking part in warfare). They loved nothing but war, the effects of which appeared to be impacting negatively, inter alia “…Regional Integration; …Single Market and Economy; …Single Currency Union and a Single Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).” They included, “…Antigua and Barbuda; …Barbados; …Dominica; …Jamaica; …St. Lucia; and …St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”   Her Excellency Governor General Dame Louise A. Lake-Tack came from the “…MARGARET THATCHER ERA,”  and clearly appeared to have made such rulership strides and had taken such stance when circumstances so dictated.

BRIEF PROFILE
Research Online revealed that Her Excellency was born in the Freetown community in 1944; …christened with the name “…LOUISE AGNETHA LAKE; …attended the Freetown Government and the Antigua Girl High Schools (GHS). In adult life, she subsequently migrated to the United Kingdom      where in spite of discriminatory challenges, opportunities were still abound. With a keen desire for learning; …interest in serving humanity, she successfully underwent courses of studies in the field of nursing before being gainfully employed with one of that nation’s “…Heart Hospital.”

WANT OF KNOWLEDGE
Clearly demonstrated studiousness and an appetite for increased knowledge with the hope of achieving “…self-actualization,” she reportedly underwent studies and earned a Law Degree. Such endeavors landed her in a new practice within the “…Magistracy” at both Marylebone and Horsefenny Magistrate’s Courts. Striding a step higher, she was elevated to the Appellate Courts at Pocock Street and Middlesex. Seemingly wooed to return home, she was appointed Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda in 2007 in an environment that was rife with suspicions, misgivings and full of hostility and divisiveness. She had persevered and by now may have learnt a few lessons from a culture she had long been removed.

GCMG
In the same year, she was bestowed with the Title DAME by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In a Notice published in the “…London Gazette: 390002: Issue 58510: Page 16431: Nov. 18, 2007,”  it States “…The Queen has been Graciously pleased on the ADVICE of the Antigua and Barbuda MINISTERS (collectively) to give Orders for the following appointment to the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St. George “GCMG” to Her Excellency LOUISE AGNETHA, Mrs. Lake Tack Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda (To be dated 17/10/07).” 

CONCLUSION
 DAME LOUISE had shown in some respects that she was beginning to understand the environment and the forces at work much better. She was well aware of the odds and forces within the environment that appeared to have been working against her. She may not be caught up in the “…rapture,” save and except that which might open up the “…Pearly White Gates to Heaven. She owed it to herself in inducing endearment from the citizenry of whatever strata of society. For one thing that was irrefutable and/or unchallengeable she was the Queen’s Representative and the first female Governor General of her beloved nation and people of Antigua and Barbuda. She must demonstrate this to her loyal and/or disloyal subjects; …stay far from the “…Maddening Crowd” and discharge her functions as the Constitution provides and her conscience so guided. This, therefore, was likely to concretize the perceptions and the beliefs that indeed, she was truly “…THE DAME OF ALL DAMES.”

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