WAKING UP AFTER TAKING MORE THAN ONE FOR THE ROAD!

 

Having taken more than one for the road (quite a few drinks too many perhaps), I have been, to invoke Pink Floyd, Comfortably Numb for 100 days.

But I can assure you that my work is not over.

  When a few weeks ago, a very dear comrade close to the ruling National Democratic Congress in-boxed to say he has not heard any public commentary from me, I said to him: I don’t have the luxury to do a running commentary on day-to-day Grenadian politics.

   I added facetiously; I have resigned from making enemies. I am busy making a living.

  And anyhow my constituency, that runs from Bermuda to Guyana, is bigger than his anyway.

   Inspite of popular beliefs, I don’t get up every morning thinking of politics; nor do I interpret everything in political terms.

   Sometimes I just don’t have enough information or research time to comment properly on some issues; and sometimes at other times, unlike what I did not do enough of during my limited cricket days, I choose to leave some balls outside the off stump.

   I say these pieces now only because of this so called 100-day observation – which is frankly an American inspired non-sense, since you cannot judge any government properly in that time.

   After all, this government has just been turning on the lights and changing the carpets; and the new furniture has just arrived.

  And cabinet only had time to do one collective silly facebook live on a bus tour to the Trade Center. Additionally, Andy Williams has not had enough time to even think about posing in the Prime Minister’s car, nonetheless.

  We fired a few cooks and caregivers in that time too, but what the heck. By this time in the very first New National Party administration we had gotten rid of Richard Duncan already anyhow.

    So, what is Daisy* fussing about?

    The NDC talkshow host has called for ‘ethnic cleansing’ and its online editor says we are not moving fast enough to clean-up house (pun and all intended).

    Like an efficient sou-sou hand – they say – we’ve passed the time for swapping one set for another set.

   But I don’t want to get cynical, so I have turned off my radio. For anytime I listen I begin to feel that Grenada is not a country – just a bad idea.

   As we mark 100 days since Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has been sworn in – unlike some of the self-designated leaders of his party’s mob front, I am not worried about him.

  We are gratefully moving forward in his safer hands.

   Additionally, he is a kind of Munich man who first learnt to blow his bubbles at Teacher Bridget’s school. So, I know his foundation is strong.

   My worry is about the rest of us.

   PM Mitchell (D) has spoken well about change – but I am not sure he understood us. I am not sure we understand him.

   The PM might be about setting up the future. But the rest of us are about settling scores.

   We never wanted change. Just give us exchange.

   Listen to the daily irreverent vileness financed by overseas party donations, and you’d understand.

  We don’t have a problem with sons-of-bitches, once they are ours.

   We want all the senior people the police force to be moved; and every little cook we saw in a campaign rally, be put to pasture.

  We want the trade unions to shut up, because Keith Mitchell used to demand that too.

   We now want the opportunity to cuss Daisy and Grimes, because Keith Mitchell used to cuss them too.

   And anybody who complain about that, we simply ask: “Wey dey the day” when Keith Mitchell used to do the same thing.

    Let’s turn Calistra Farrier and Kellon Bubb into enemies because Keith Mitchell did that too.

   Some of the yellow people say Farrier and Bubb never said anything when Keith Mitchell was in power; well Amazing Grace!, because these deaf people can now hear.

   The “Whataboutism” that permeates is stronger than River Antoine rum. It’s not yet even the after party, and people who have none, are already drunk on power.

   So Mr Prime Minister I am sorry. We are making extremely harder for you. It's unfair that you have to watch the chickens and make the omelet at the same time.

   I once told a previous Mitchell that Grenada can’t be fixed. And I am darn serious. So just manage as good as you can, and the Spirit of Tan Do-Do in Bamboo in Munich will be well pleased.

   It’s unfair to ask you to fix this broken house, when 30 thousand people are walking around with broken-hearts, eternally damaged by the “gimme de thing” era.

   You've been speaking about change – but that’s small change.

   How about the big dollar wine? Replace one set of large paying cronies, with just a new set. No sweat. Keith Mitchell did the crony thing for donkey years. He has a doctorate in it.

Learn from Papa.

But seriously, don’t bother with change. Just give us exchange.

The green people had their Mitchell; now yellow people have theirs.

 Mr Prime Minister, let the people get the government they deserve. Not the one you will like us to have.

    Wey you de dey all these years? Don’t you know that our governance is synonymous with pettiness, vendettas, rumour and victimization?

    Your folks are calling for blood. Give the people what they want. George Worme says if you don’t, you’re sure to get one term.

   One proviso though: Listening to Worme is hazardous to a long-term career. Ask Tillman Thomas how this turned out.

    A few years ago – in a jurisdiction I would not name – we had just finished a successful campaign and earned an unlikely victory for a first-time leader, with an almost new slate of candidates and winners.

   After a grand swearing in a few days later of the cabinet, I went up to that leader again – offered another congratulation – and reminded him that I am leaving “tomorrow” but we will be in touch.

    His retort: You leaving tomorrow? So, you think you’d bring me in this thing, and then your turn your back and go?

    We had a good chuckle.

    But beyond the laughter, there was a serious point.

    Opposition is easy. Campaigning is fun. But governing? That’s where the stuff gets serious.

    Sorry Prime Minister Mitchell, the people brought you into this thing. And unfortunately for them, the carnival is over.

     I once told a new political entrant the easiest thing you will do in politics is oppose. You don’t have to be brilliant; you just must sound like you’re brilliant.

   So over to you now Norland Cox!

    PS: I might have something more to say in another 100 days – because I never get weary yet!

 

 

 

There you go again, Willie Joe!

  

Let me preface everything by saying that Willie Joseph is a great friend.

Ninety percent of the time I do not agree with his public comments – but I have consistently defended his right to make them.

Many times, some people would even ask “why are you giving these people a platform.” I insist commentators like Willie must be allowed to speak; it helps the national discourse.

I have a very liberal view on these things.

Recently, I spoke to Willie Joseph about appearing on a show three times a week on the station I now have responsibility for. The reason it has not happened as yet is that he is trying to figure out how to manage his time.

 

I have no motive to push whatever Willie’s agenda might be -- and I have never asked him to provide a litmus test of his views as a condition of our engagement anyhow.

So I found it strange, that Willie will now go on to suggest in his latest public comment that I have some agenda – anti of his own personal interest – by allowing, other people with different positions to share the same platform on which I have repeatedly invited him.

 

And while I regard him as a commentator; he is no journalist.

So to suggest that Calistra’s line of questioning of Dickon Mitchell was fulfilling some sort of Hamlet Mark agenda is not just unfortunate; it dumfounded me coming from a man like Willie.

 But I guess whom the Gods will destroy, they first make mad.

 Let me tell Willie how this journalist thing works.

 Anytime someone who is worth their salt lands a significant interview, they will do their own preparations – whether it is a politician, a sports star, or an entertainer. They will have their own ideas on how they want the interview to go, but will sometimes seek advice on guidance from many different people – not exactly on what questions to ask – but on what areas should be covered.

 These interviewers and producers will listen, and sometimes will take all, some, or none of the advice. The final call still comes back to them

 I have been used as a sounding board for many of these interviewers – not only from people who work with me – but even those at competing stations in the same market; as well as from journalists and producers – young and experienced – from virtually every country with every station and publication in the Caribbean.

 

I am proud to be a mentor of many.

 

The landing of the interview with Dickon Mitchell had nothing to do with me. I heard about it after it was a done deal and the schedule and conditions were set.

 

How the interview went – and where it went – was entirely a decision of this very capable host.

When Calistra Farrier decided to host THE NARRATIVE – my instructions to her lasted about 30 seconds. Be fair. Be Bold; but be respectful. Always take the opposite view to the person you are interviewing – even those you fundamentally agree with. Don’t let what you think I believe be your editing mark. You can say what you want once you don't slander anyone, and it fits the bracket of good taste and public decency.

 

As an example, we both have completely different views on some of these mandates issue – and we always have that private debate – but not for one day have I tried to stop her from taking that debate where she wants to on her show.

 

You see Willie, running a media outfit – or a TV show – does not mean it has to carry the views and preferences of the ultimate owner. After all, we are not GIS.

 

Ask people who worked for me when I was manager of GBN, how many times I asked government officials to Eff-off and leave my people alone.

 

Asked them when they wanted Eddie Frederick to be removed from doing a talkshow then, I’d said I rather resign than execute that policy; and that while I don’t agree with 90 percent of the things Eddie says on his show; I am defending his right to say it.

 

For Willie to suggest that asking Dickon about CBI was out of order and part of agenda is flabbergasting. Actually, if Calistra did not, it would have been akin to journalistic malpractice.

 

And rest assured Willie that line of questioning was not initiated by me. But I would have been proud to have done it.

 

This notion by some that Calistra cannot do anything on the show without my approval is totally disrespectful to her and defies two known facts in the journalistic marketplace: (a) that Calistra is a darn good journalist with a mind of her own, and (b) that I have always allowed who works with my organizations to have a mind of their own; and that I have always defended their right to so have a mind of their own.

 

I am not sure why Willie felt he needed to come to the aid of Dickon – who himself was comfortable with the respect and accommodation that were shown. And anyhow, he showed he is capable of handling himself.

 

Hello Willie! This is not Tillman Thomas – who as his chief of staff you guided down Political Suicide Avenue, inspite of my repeated personal pleadings to you at our favorite Botanic Gardens car park.

 

People like you, Aaron Moses, and Chris DeRiggs must publicly own the debacle the Tillman Thomas administration turned out to be. (For reference read my blogs of 2010).

 

My public commentaries have stood the test of time – just as your misguidance of Tillman Thomas (a good and decent man) needs to be a story that has to be written to put history in its proper context.

 

Dickon has the unenviable task of trying to resuscitate a patient in need of emergency care, because the likes of Willie so near fatally wounded it with political infantilism.

 

I know there will be a lot of eager re-writers of history now that they are seeking to get on the self-advertised gravy train that’s coming.

 

Willie was one of the prime movers behind the Sunday afternoon massacre at SAASS -- a move so disastrous that it should disqualify my good friend from the political offices he covets.

 

The expulsion of 11 people that day, was not initiated by Tillman Thomas. He was just too weak to stop it.

 

I know Tillman was personally troubled by the way Willie and others lumped Jerome Joseph into all of this – a man who was his childhood friend, and who mortgaged his property and business to help finance NDC when they had no big corporate donor: and when the likes of Willie and so on were “too professional” to help with Glynis’ weekend cake sales.

 

Willie must understand that I don’t take cues from people who want to assign unearned motives to me, when they are the same people who were eager to savage the name of the honorable Denis Lett on his dying bed.

 

I am a forgiving man, but I shall never forget what the “bright boys” did to the likes of Jerome Joseph and Denis Lett.

 

By the way -- on that fateful—and fatal Sunday afternoon, before Willie’s political execution took place, I called him aside and warned him:

 

(a)             If “you all” go along with this insidious plot, it will end the viability of Tillman, the man you say you love

(b)            The massacre (expulsions) won’t be a victory for anyone, but a defeat for everyone

(c)             You will destroy NDC as a party; and it will lose the next election and be out for at least the next 10 years

 

Willie’s response – beating his chest -- man them men have to be taught a lesson.

Heavy manners eh, Willie?

 

History has absolved me. But it continues to be unkind to Willie.

 

One thing Willie is consistent with though. He hates all the so-called Revo boys – ala George Worme (the man he is sometimes a Special Correspondent for). So his hatred is equal for Peter and Naz. 

 

The second thing is that he not just opposes – which is his right -- but hates Keith Mitchell, and shades anybody who even gives him a modicum of respect for at least being Prime Minister for a long time.

 

I am many things, Willie. I can be tough and soft at the same moment. I have a progressive worldview. I take public positions under my name. But I have never ever been motivated by hatred for another man.

 

This cancerous vileness is a clear and present danger to the long-term viability of NDC’s new leader. The likes of Willie, George, and Kem lack the strategic nous and political respect, and maturity to give any leader direction.

 

I know Willie I frustrate all of you. I am no Glen Noel. I cannot be hounded out of anything.

 

The good thing about NDC’s new leader Dickon is that he is no Tillman Thomas – and Willie can’t qualify for his Chief of Staff – because Dickon is too smart to allow folks like that to lead him down another political suicide road.

 

For the NDCites who love their new leader, there is more to be worried about than some tough questioning from Calistra. (And if you think he can’t take it, then why is he there?)

 Calistra is not the real enemy – nor is Willie’s bogeyman, Hamlet Mark.

 NDC’s real enemies are the so-called “bright boys” from those sorry days of 2008 to 2013. I see them circling the wagons again.

Invoking the group Culture to ask: When will the next payday be?

 By the way – Willie is still welcome to use my platforms when he is ready.

At least he still has the right to make an ass of himself! I can faithfully count on him to do so.

The hearts in the house

 

THERE have been a lot that has been said about last night’s announced cabinet reshuffle – and while there are some mini surprises (ala Alvin DaBreo) and two strangely odd combinations (ala Yolande Bain Horsford), the major moves were widely anticipated for those of us who have been paying close attention.

    Once the policy directions are clear – it should be for the better; but as they say you never know, until you know.

   I was going through my messages last night – and refreshed my memory on a March 15 2018 an extended whatsapp I had sent the Prime Minister two days after the last elections.

    I “humbly” suggested to him that in formulating a new cabinet he may want to consider three things: (a) a Ministry of Climate Change (b) split the Ministry of Health, and have a Ministry of Health and Wellness; and a Ministry of Hospital Services and (c) with the Youth Ministry, please emphasize “empowerment”.

   I did not seek a response, and never brought it up again – as we say in Grenada – I made some suggestions and “left it there”

   When the new cabinet was announced days later in 2018, I noticed with satisfaction the announcement of a Ministry of Climate Change.

   That said, in my –once again “humble view” (and it's not knock on anyone) – the suggested vision has not been completely executed, and Grenada could have gotten a bigger benefit from it, if it was grounded in a deeper philosophical outlook, where we should have played a more strategic long-term game – for want of a better phrase.

   But it’s not too late.

   As history has shown, the Prime Minister obviously did not jump to the splitting of the Ministry of Health idea then

   But in his wisdom, he thinks it is an idea whose time has now come – and thankfully so.

   I still hope that they will go on, by October 1 to rebrand the health department, the Ministry of Health and Wellness – if only to send a message that we are in the business of not trying to figure out how to take care of people when they get sick, but in the business of helping to keep them well.

  And, that Wellness – is not just a strong brand message – but must be supported by a policy framework that deals with things as the environment, nutrition, physical and mental wellness; a system that makes it cheaper to access healthy foods; set a “nutriment supplement budget” for the poor to help them afford to eat healthily; creative information campaigns on wellness issues et cet.

   There ought to be no confusion – now they are set apart – between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Hospital Services – the latter being what it clearly spells out to be. Given the generational challenge, we have had with the hospital services and all the recurring horror stories, it needs its own special attention.

  And the Prime Minister has tapped an acutely capable and passionate sister – whose head and heart are in the right places – to head this.

    But Minister Delma Thomas is perhaps though a victim of her own success – having done well in Social Services and Housing – to have this major one added.

   Maybe a little heavy for one minister – and in the circumstances, she could have done well with perhaps a supporting minister.

   On the other changes – the fact that the Prime Minister is taking on the Youth Ministry – is a belated ode to the fact that the New National Party has a growing youth problem – of the 2008 magnitude.

    It is true that the COVID crisis and the dramatic fall in revenue it has brought about, will hamstring all aspects of government. But whatever investments are made in the youth, they must be more than just band-aid; they must be empowering; they must be transformative and not transactional.

  That is why the declarations by the Anicell Thomas’ of this world, must be embraced and discussed; and she must not be vilified nor politically terrorized.

   One way to start with getting back the youth – is to change the attitude and the tone towards them; they are not rebels or demons; they have points of views that may differ from ours, and they are not like our parents (and their grandparents), they don’t see themselves as part of any “tribe” -- some stifling petty political construct seeped in suspicion, rumor-mongering, and bad talking, that don’t allow them to express their independent views.

    They must be allowed to be beholden to their dreams – and to know that there is nothing selfish or ungrateful about that.

    There is still hope – though not a lot of time – for this masterful political tactician to emerge as a wild eye visionary, that will cement a legacy built on some great transformation.

   To other points to the reshuffle.

    In regards the Ministry of Finance – it is not even so much the minister – and sure Gregory Bowen is good technically – but the system.

   It is a department with a lot of willing and talented young people, but many of them are going around walking on egg-shells with a genuine fear of victimization, sometimes from things borne out of pettiness and spite.

   Additionally, a place that has had seven Permanent Secretary changes in three years, does not suggest the foundational stability that such a crucial ministry deserves to have.

   Let’s hope the stability comes now.

   And then there is the issue of Peter David being moved to the Ministry of Agriculture.

   If I should tell some secrets, when there was talk with David about joining cabinet a few years ago – he had advocated that he would have dearly loved to be Minister of Agriculture.

   The first time I heard that, I dismissively asked: “where you get that dream from” -- and he articulated a vision, that I cheekily responded – ‘not bad from a town man” – while flashing my “creds” – as the son of a nutmeg and cocoa farmer.

    Doc listened with interest, but thought David was more crucially needed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

   In his stints in that department, both under NDC and this government, David has made a tremendous impact as a worthy ambassador in many capitals.

   The good thing is he is now being replaced by a very capable friend – maybe one of -- if not the most technically sound man in the government in Oliver Joseph.

   Make no bones about this, but ‘Joe’ is a supreme asset – and his experiences as a public servant, permanent secretary, trade unionist and regional technocrat have given him a solid foundation.

    But regarding David -- I have been around a few places to observe that first hand – that has made me think he is the most impactful diplomat we have had in post-independence Grenada.

   When the New National Party returned to power in 2013 – the new administration was immediately faced with a salary bill in two weeks and due payments to trade unions, that the NDC made on their way out the door.

   David, then with no official position, other than “friend” – facilitated the outreach to a friendly government, who within days gave Grenada a 20 million US dollar grant for budgetary support.

   And the immediate bills were paid.

   For those who call his mission to Agriculture – a demotion – just genuinely don’t have the bird’s eye view nor the historical context – or are some of his old NDC ‘comrades – still suffering from the ‘political tabanka’ that their wishful hearts lead them to nowhere else.

  And if by some chance, they are right—so what?

   If he is given a lemon – he just must go make lemonade.

 But sometimes Doc has a way of listening slowly; and Pedro finally enters the ‘farmhouse’ he long said was in his heart.