March to Independence - Calypsonians Cries

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Rawlston Pompey

Wednesday, 31 October 2012 02:30

By Rawlston Pompey

Following its attainment of independence and national sovereignty on November 1, 1981, Antigua and Barbuda had sufficiently “…prospered” as to be considered a nation destined to be on good “…economic foundations.”

Such was made on the premise that its “…economic prosperity and sustainability were to be based on its “…LANDS-” assets with strong viability, estimated to have worth billions. Arable lands were said to have been ear-marked for agriculture production, while in-cultivable for housing and hotel developments. The nation was known to have had “…Lands Aplenty” vested in the Crown. Citizens, including Sir MAC LEAN EMANUEL, ‘King Short Shirt, was said to have occupied a small “beach portion” near to the Halcyon Cove Hotel.

KICKED FROM HALCYON
His business, reportedly, thrived and earned relative economic success and had allowed for a sustained a satisfied quality of life primarily derived from his “…entrepreneurial exploits” in Water Taxi Operations. He had enjoyed limited prosperity until, as he put it, “…THEY KICKED ME OUT AH HALCYON.” That appeared to have been the turning point in his “…once prosperous Glass Bottom Boat Cruises,” that allowed for tourists to see marine life beneath the sea. He was satisfied that there were lands enough for “…All to share.” He took umbrage as he felt that “…There was no need for any man to live in despair He was deeply hurt, as it affected his ability to earn a legitimate living and FEED his family.”

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PLENTY LANDS TO SHARE
But then when hardship and hunger struck SIR MAC LEAN, he bitterly complained to the nation that “…he couldn’t nyam; …his pickney couldn’t nyam; …his momma couldn’t nyam and …his woman couldn’t nyam.” Seemingly “…when push came to   shove,” he was forced to tell the world that “…Starvation crippling the nation.” He evidently knew what was happening around him and further complained that “…The poor man don’t have and the rich man wouldn’t gee (give); …Starvation is killing you and me.” He may have been right about these issues as there was, indeed, “…PLENTY” lands to share.

BORROWUNG PLENTY
Economists have argued that these situations had often manifested themselves in nations, where “…Foreign Direct investments were lacking; …employment opportunities were non-existent; …revenues streams dried up; …unemployment/under employment were soaring and financial resources were dwindling or inaccessible.” Consequently, most nations were forced into a sprint to “…BORROWING PLENTY,” with conditionalities described as “…Stringent.” In its 31st year of supposedly “…Economic Independence,” the nation out of “…Necessity and/or Expediency” had been forced, like many others across the globe in participating in the “…Economic Race.” Rastafarian elder King Frank I had posited “…We are still “…IN DEPENDENCE” on others.

FOREIGN OWNERSHIP/DOMINATION
When SIR VERE decidedly bought the plantations from British Plantocrat MOODY STEWART, he had caused to be ended centuries of “…FOREIGN OWNERSHIP AND DOMINATION” of the lands of Antigua. Thus, through an “ACT” of Parliament titled “…The Lands of Antigua and Barbuda Sugar Factory Limited; and …The Syndicate Estates Limited (Vested) Act, (32/69), Chapter 240. He had bravely committed the nation’s purse for remittances of a hefty sum of $5, 621,386. 80 to a financial institution, in satisfying the loan obtained for the purchase price of the “…Sugar Factory and Syndicate Estates Lands.” The lands said to be thousands of acres, according to the ACT, (former) were scattered across the nation in 31 areas; while the latter were reportedly scattered in 29 areas across the nation.

PLANTOCRACY/SLAVOCRACY
Thus when SIR VERE purchased the lands, he had virtually brought to an end the Colonial concept called “…PLANTOCRACY.” Such was pronounced by “…domineering exploitative practices” against indigenous peoples. Such practices were to be subsequently described in a social commentary by PAUL ‘King OBSTINATE RICHARDS, as “…Freedom from exploitation and hunger.” Wikipedia cited it as “…SLAVOCRACY;”- A ruling class; …political order; …or Government composed of, or dominated by plantation owners.”

BONES OF CONTENTION
Though there may be no “…plantation owners;” or …the dominance of a ruling class or …a special political order, there was a Government “…dominated” by indigenous people. Most members seemed to be at odds with themselves, and/or their leaders. Those outside the Executive seemingly had “…BONES OF CONTENTION” and were more interested to know how their taxes were spent and/or being spent. Those leading the charge on the contentious issue were named as Member of Parliament Honourable MOLWYN JOSEPH and Media owner WINSTON DERRICK. They wanted to know “…If we get value for money” over Electricity Generating Plants. Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Baldwin Spencer assured they “…WERE NEW” and Joseph and Derrick contended that they “…WERE OLD.”

SELLING BIRTH RIGHT
Among the calypsonians weighing in on the “…Land Issue,” was another social commentator King Obstinate. In making the point, he claimed that he had made several attempts at “…Buying a piece of land fuh me and me pickney,” and amazingly, he had discovered that “…The black politician sell out me black birth right.” .” It appeared that OBSTI’s most bewildering experience was when he learned that a good chunk of the lands were sold to several film stars, one of whom he named “…Belmondo. He also identified friends of Member of Parliament Honourable ROBIN YEARWOOD, such as those “…HAVE DEEDS.”



ALL IS NOT WELL
Trevor King, “King Zacari,” another social commentator may have been astutely observing, or had been experiencing” similar situations. Seemingly in despair and/or exasperation, he chronicled a multiplicity of “…social issues” impacting upon the populace and concluded that “…ALL IS NOT WELL.” But another social commentator, Charles Smith, ‘Calypso Jim,’ known for his wittiness and suggestive and witty expressions; …mechanical skills in starting lawnmower engines and landscaping skills in “…MOWING LAWN,” he had expressed himself with sheer “…hypocrisy.” He showed no “…empathy or sensitivity; …compassion or consideration to the legitimate“…Land Grouse” and financial miseries of citizens. He might just have spoilt his chances for another “…LAWN MOWING JOB. He subsequently changed his tune to reflect citizen's feelings.”

DIRE ECONOMIC STRAITS
As though he was just waiting to hear citizens complained that “…THINGS WERE ROUGH,” Jim assuredly suggested to those who had found themselves in “…DIRE ECONOMIC STRAITS,” that on their behalf he would tell Finance Minister Honourable Harold Lovell “…YOU WANT AH CUFF.” Consequent upon the amount of “…Lands and the current state of affairs,” the social commentators might very well be “…Telling the truth. Then coming with something, seemingly to soothe the hearts of those believing that they were “…Living in Paradise,” Agriculture Minister Honourable Hilson Baptiste had reportedly assured the nation that by “…2014, with Lands available for “…agriculture production,” there will be eradication of both “…POVERTY” and that which Sir Mac Lean had complained about-“…STARVATION.”

BOASTED OF PLENTY
When the nation’s “…Land assets” were manipulated for the purposes of generating State Revenues, there was more than “…Plenty.” The nation’s lands, seen as its most “…vital resource,” had caused them to “…BOAST OF PLENTY.” Thus, irrespective of “…needs; …use or priority,” those with responsibility for the “…Public Purse,” had “judiciously or injudiciously” incurred expenses that amounted to “…PLENTY.” Consequently, it had shown to members of the international community that it was administered effectively and efficiently in“…an economically friendly and stable environment,” to the extent of being elevated from “…an Under Developed position of “…Indigence” to be ranked by the United Nations “…Human Development index (HDI) as a “…DEVELOPING NATION” on the way to further economic prosperity, because it was seen to have “…PLENTY.”

FIGHTING SNAKE/TIGER
Sir Mac Lean was not the only one complaining about land. Many, including the Airport Authority had also been complaining, particularly of the difficulties associated with acquisition and social conditions impacting their lives. Everyone knew that a single “…TIGER” appeared to have escaped from an ASIAN jungle and occupied a good bit of “…CROWN LANDS” as its sole roaming enclave.”  At today’s market price, those lands were estimated to have worth billions. The nation had fought DATO TAN KAY HOC unsuccessfully and now fighting an American “…RATTLE SNAKE” former Texan Billionaire R. ALLEN STAFORD in attempts at “…recovering lands” for the Airport in facilitating “…ASIAN CATS” to travel to VC Bird International Airport with cargo of “…inferior products” for local consumption.

DEPARTING FOOLS AND MONEY
The appearance of prosperity had always suggested that there had been “…Social Justice for all.” Frequently, impressions may have been given that may have suggested the “…Economic Systems” of a nation were serving the “…common good.”  Impressions, however, were not always what they appeared to depict. When Biblical teaching suggested that “…A FOOL AND HIS MONEY SHALL SOON DEPART,” it was cautioning people to take cognizance of the experiences of the “…Prodigal Son.” And when Texan Billionaire R. Allen Stanford was nabbed by the US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), “…HE; …HIS ASSETS AND MONEY” also disappeared. He was stripped broke.

MAUBY POCKETS/CHAMPAGNE TASTE
Experience has taught that nations, mal-spending or utilizing its limited financial resources had often found themselves in dire “…economic straits.” These were known to have created hardship and financial misery to the citizenry as it was to those nations. Many appeared to have ignored the observations of the late historian, LEONARD ‘Tim’ HECTOR intimating that those with “…Mauby pockets” may not savor the “…Taste of Champagne.” Few in governments today yearns for the “…Taste of Mauby.”

OWNERSHIP/FOREIGN HANDS
Most, if the concept “…SLAVOCRACY” was revisited, may very well see that those in government, not only have “…Champagne Taste, but also the Pockets” in acquiring the bottles. The late ACLM leader Tim Hector; …Harold Lovell; …Hilson ‘Bother B’ Baptiste; …Everette Christian; …Leon ‘Chaku’ Symister; …Anthony King and Dr. Radcliffe Robins; …Robin Bascus and Percival Simon knew that even with “abounding lands and “…OWNERSHIP” in “…FOREIGN HANDS,” life for many indigenous citizens would be miserable. Having either fought for “…Black Power and/or “…AFRICAN LIBERATION,” all knew that there may not be enough Lands for “…Airport Expansion;” while Attorney General Honourable JUSTIN L. SIMON knew that he may be faced with mounting difficulties, even from within the Executive, and there would be “…Serious legal challenges” for Land Recovery- few he may win and “…PLENTY” he may lose.

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STRUGGLING FOR PLENTY
Antigua and Barbuda, seemingly linked to adverse global economic conditions and “…other internal factors,” in its “…31st year of political and economic independence,” the nation appeared to have found itself in a precarious situation, and was reported to be “…NEEDING PLENTY.” There was no doubt that the current situations had been impacting negatively on the quality of life of the citizenry, now “…STRUGGLING FOR PLENTY.” While these were said to denote the “…changing economic fortunes” as global experiences suggested,” Senate member Honourable LENNOX WESTON, himself an economist, had attributed it to “…Economic Mismanagement” and mal-spending. The advent of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in providing economic assistance for weak economies had always been optional and the nation had been forced to visit this institution for assistance.

COLONIAL STRONGHOLD
For many regional States, the march toward political independence, as it was said for Antigua and Barbuda, was “…grueling and painful; …full of disappoints; …trials and tribulations; …frustration, hardship and misery.”  Nonetheless, former Premier, Prime Minister and National Hero, Sir VERE CORNWALL BIRD, and his band of “…visionary political warriors,” persisted and painstakingly fought in breaking free from the British “…COLONIAL STRANGLEHOLD.” Thus, boldly, purposefully and vigorously, they fought, sought and obtained “…Associated Statehood” with Britain and accorded the “…Constitution Order- 1967.”

MARCH TOWARD INDEPENDENCE
Antigua and Barbuda’s move toward national sovereignty was not exactly easy. Research showed that the march to“…independence” necessitated a series of “…progressive democratic and legislative steps.” Firstly, there was the “…Antigua Constitution (Amendment) Order of 1972; and secondly, the “…Antigua Constitution (Amendment) Order of 1975. According to the Constitution Order, No.1106 of 1981, the latter amendment “…made provision for the “…Constitution of Associated State of Antigua” to be revoked. Thus, it made the new Oder, operable on the 31st October 1981, and according to the Mighty Sparrow, when Trinidad and Tobago became independent in 1962, “…A NEW NATION WAS BORN.”. Clerk of the London Privy Council N. E. LEIGH had responsibility for the publication of these Orders [Constitution Order 1981: Page 1].  

BEYOND THE HORIZON
Seemingly in their “…Revolutionary thinking,” they had marched toward “…National Sovereignty” with enduring difficulties and sacrifices, yet with conviction and confidence that had brought them immeasurable success and peaceful transition from “…Colonialism to Political Independence.” They had persevered; … made informed decisions; …followed the democratic path and succeeded in their quest for national sovereignty. SIR VERE his “…cohesive team and advisers” appeared to have been focusing “…BEYOND THE HORIZON,” to experience to what eventually occurred on November 1981-thirty one years of “…Fully responsible self-government.”

DEMOCRACY/DICTATORSHIP
Whether in a “…DEMOCRACY OR DICTATORSHIP,” some leaders were known to have created environmental conditions that were conducive only to “…revolutionary adventurism.” The United Nations, as a collective body, was very much aware of these. It had seen peoples across the globe providing the “…WILL” in navigating the “…Ship of State” through prosperous and difficult economic storms, but they had also seen that “…..hungry for power; …corruption and greed” had seen some Leaders turned dictatorial as they became intolerant to dissenting voices of citizens and had brutally subjected them to oppression.

DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The United Nations recognizes such possibilities and judiciously sought to discourage it in its preamble to the 1948 “…Declaration of Human Rights.” That Preamble states in part “…Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression that human rights should be protected by the RULE OF LAW.” Clearly, SIR VERE and his supporters had opted for the “…democratic principles and processes,” since they were very much aware of the military might of the colonial powers.

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MINI REBELLION
This may have been seen, or lessons may have been learnt from the “…Anguilla Experiences” and the “…mini rebellion” on the tiny Grenadine island off mainland St. Vincent called “…Union Island.  The “…rebellious adventurism” that was staged on Union Island in the early months of nationhood, was decisively put down with the assistance of the Barbados military, reportedly leaving one fatality and landed two scores of, mostly Rastafarian brethren in the Vincentian penitentiary. There was no need for SIR VERE to have tested, neither the British might, will, nor its capability and/or resolve in using its military against threats to the Monarchy.

EVIDENT AND IMMINENT
Then there was the March 13, 1979 Grenadian People’s Revolutionary Army (PRA) revolution that had toppled the offensive and loathed “…dictatorial regime” of the flamboyant Sir Eric Matthew Gary and his“…Squander-mania government” and “…Bloody Aftermath.” Such was led by a pragmatic and audacious revolutionist bearded-leader, former Prime Minister (deceased), the adventurous Maurice Bishop. His demise ultimately came seemingly when a “…piranha-type mentality,” seemingly developed among its members. They had become “…counter-revolutionary power-seekers” within the “…People’s Revolution Government” (PRG). Bishop was subsequently executed, thereby paying the ultimate price for apparently not taking “…decisive action against power-grabbers,” when he might, or when “…internal threats” were “…EVIDENT AND IMMINENT.”

THE POWER SEEKERS
However, there was something more fundamental to the Grenadian people. Maurice Bishop and his “…revolutionist army” seemingly knew exactly what it was. They had made a sacrifice, breaking loose from a regime that was said to have been as “…corrupt as it had been brutal,” terrorizing peoples and communities as if there was no tomorrow. The“…GANG” was said to be vicious and ruthless, with a “…mongoose-type mentality,” attracting the notorious name “…MONGOOSE.” It was feared by every Grenadian, the majority of whom overwhelmingly supported the revolutionary move against the corrupt “…GAIRY REGIME.” Though not of such repute of being considered a “…GANG OF MONGOOSE,” but clearly with such “…inclination and/or tendencies,” reports suggested an almost similar type of “…power-seeking behavior” being experienced by embattled Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Honourable LESTER B. BIRD, within his own grouping.

IN A DEMOCRACY
In a democracy, however, whether considered “… treachery, legitimate or illegitimate,” leadership challenges were inevitable as they were allowable according to organizational and/or democratic principles. Evidence of this had been previously displayed by Finance Minister Honourable HAROLD LOVELL when he ambitiously attempted to remove his leader from the “…most sought after position-” the “…LEADERSHIP.” When he failed, he had reportedly used some of the most “…inelegant phrases” in describing his disappointment. Those who may have viewed the “…Animal Planet Channel,” may have seen that it was the “…Young Lions” that had often challenged the “…aged or dominant leader” of the pack. Sometimes they were successful in a fight for such position and sometimes they were forced to walk away “…physically drained and/or wounded.” In humans, their ego was often left bruised; spirit dampened, while ambitions, hope and aspirations were left shattered. Notwithstanding, challenges were inevitable, even when not done on the principles of “…Democracy and the virtues of “… allegiance, loyalty and/or fair-play.”

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