by Ursula Huggins-Whitney


I read Mr. James Gaskell's comments on the WindSong Foundation, and how the grants will be awarded in Nevis. It is consistent with what Mr. Gaskell (who I know well) has written before and reflect his obvious political biases.
 
He makes no bones about being an NRP supporter, and distrusting anything that a CCM politician would do. He ascribes to our current Premier (also the Secretary of Education), Mr. Joseph Parry, the purest of motives while damming Mr. Mark Brantley, one of his major political opponents as a political opportunist.
 
I know Nevis well, having lived there for nearly 25 years and serving as Honorary Consul for Germany as well as President of the Nevis Turf and Jockey Club. Consequently, I have been involved in all aspects of Nevis life for that period of time. Mr. Gaskell was during the same period proprietor of Montpelier Plantation Inn. During that period, he showed no interest in politics and island affairs. 

Only since he sold Montpelier has he been writing articles about a variety of subjects. He also took on as a cause nutritition in public schools. I think it foolish of (Mr. Gaskell, and by extension) Mr. Parry to tell his school officials that they should not have anything to do with the Windsong Foundation and grants because he believe the awarding process will be tainted. 

My experience with Mr. Parry is that his administration is totally opaque: Mr. Brantley has always (to my knowledge) been transparent in his dealings. I believe it spiteful to deny any advantage to the children of Nevis to try to garner a short term political advantage.