BASSETERRE St. Kitts, March 19th, 2012 -- Mr. Chairman, guest speaker The Honorable Andrew Holeness former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Representatives of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Members of the Clergy, Specially invited guests, members of the executive, former members of Cabinet, members and supporters of the Peoples Action Movement a pleasant good afternooon.
I have been asked by Dr the Right Honourable Kennedy Simmonds and Lady Simmonds to give their apologies as they are presently traveling.
Congratulations to new executive and thanks to the outgoing executive members for their sterling contribution:
Before I begin my formal presentation, I wish to conduct a poll.
Instead of using ballot paper, I would like you to vote by giving a round of applause and shout, but ONLY IF, you agree with what is asked.
•Do you think that it is time for a new government?
•Do you think that the current leader is bad for the country?
•Do you think someone high up in the government is personally benefitting from the Sugar Funds(SIDF)
•Do you think that one day they will be brought to justice?
•And finally brothers and sisters; are you ready to help PAM get rid of them?
Introduction:
Members and friends. Our theme for this years Convention is Motivating our people through action for a stonger Movement. I have dubbed this speech. “A time for reflection and Action”
Members and friends, brothers and sisters, I greet you today at one of the darkest hours, in the history of our country.
It is a chapter in the independent journey of St. Kitts and Nevis that is filled with economic misery and the highest levels of corruption and nepotism.
It is also a period that represents hopelessness and despair.
However, this was not the dream of expectation, when the heavens opened its doors, to administer its blessings on a new independent nation, in 1983. Therefore, after almost 3 decades of nationhood, we have missed our calling with destiny.
The primary cause of this displacement has been due to the misguided policies and lack of vision, by someone who refuses to recognize that this country is hurting.
The current state of affairs in which St. Kitts and Nevis now finds itself, certainly does not epitomise the character and ideals of the nation, that was led into independence by one of the most caring, decent, honest and capable Prime Ministers, this Caribbean has ever known...Dr. The Right Honourable, Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds.
Twenty nine (29) years after independence, instead of fulfilling the promise of growth and prosperity, the foundation for which was laid by the PAM Administration, St. Kitts and Nevis, has become, the world’s second most indebted nation, and one that is so bankrupt, that our roads, schools and hospitals, cannot be properly maintained.
It has become a nation, so desperate for money, that it taxes the very chalk that is needed to educate our children and preserve our future.
I hope you would forgive me today, brothers and sisters, but when times are hard and the journey ahead seems so discouraging, you cannot help but reflect on the glorious days that you once had.
But for us, that episode of better times in the past, all seems like a dream that has turned into a nightmare.
Today I am reminded of The King Arrow. As you know, he is one of our famous calypsonians. In 1974, he sang a song called; “De Dream” and many of you would recall the words in that composition; so I shall not repeat them here today; nor shall I attempt to sing them.
But I do want you to close your eyes. Close your eyes and dream if even for a moment about your life today.
What do you see? Do you see the challenges you face in paying your bills? The ones for the mortgage, electricity, food, school fees and house rent.
Do you see a land of peace and tranquillity, or do you see a society of crime and lawlessness?
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