INSIDE GRENADA JANUARY 15, 2008 by Lloyd Noel When we look at the regional and the wider world situation to-day, and we attempt to try understanding what is really going on in the lives of people worldwide - we cannot avoid coming to the conclusion, that we too in these Isles must embark on some radical changes in many areas, if we want to survive and benefit from the wind of change that is blowing all over the universe. As I sat through and listened to the coverage of the U.S. Presidential Primary in New Hampshire last week Tuesday night - I was very deeply moved by all that was taking place and being said by those involved, as a direct result of the voters decision in that Primary. But the most moving part was when Senator Barack Obama was making his "thank you" speech to his supporters, and they were responding "yes we can". His campaign theme and his rationale for contesting the Presidential race have been - a time for change; and for me it all sounded so genuine and sincere and very necessary - to put back America on the pinnacle it once enjoyed - that I was truly moved and felt as though I was part of the huge crowd. Even though he had just lost that Primary to Hillary Clinton, his sincerity of purpose and his obvious determination to serve his people, come what may, transcended the temporary set back. As he highlighted every issue that needed change, and the reason for such change - and the crowd responded so positively - I recalled that eternal speech by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. "I had a dream". That dream may not have been fully accomplished, but there cannot be any doubt that Senator Obama is a sizeable end product thereof; and should he reach the mountain top of occupying the "White House" in Washington D.C., the United States of America would be so very much a better place and nation to lead the free World into and towards peace and prosperity. But as I listened to the Presidential Candidate, I could not help reflecting on our own state of affairs in Grenada and the region as a whole. Not only because I am of the view that with him at the seat of power we would be much better served in this region - but more so because he was very frankly and positively detailing the issues of change, and the crowd of Americans of all colours and ethnic origins were clearly believing in him. There cannot be any doubts whatsoever, that we need a whole lot of changes this year, and in laying the ground work and foundation for the years ahead in so many aspects of our daily lives. In addition to the example set by Nadia Bishop and Marcelle Belmar, of coming clean with the Divine Master and clearing our consciences, to make room for self-sustaining virtues, in place of all those negatively destructive tendencies - we have to acknowledge and accept that we have all erred in our lives; and in seeking the many changes we are aiming at, we also have to be very prepared to make changes within ourselves. One of the major elements of change, that we must fully adopt and firmly resolve to uphold - is the one that requires, that having struggled and even fought to defeat some evil or in-human practices, we do not resort to doing the self-same thing or even worse when we get on top. The most de-humanizing and despicable actions and omissions that affect our daily lives, always seem to come from those in authority who have control over the reins of power, and by extension the daily lives of people generally. But those authoritarians to-day, were the most vocal and convincing complainants yesterday - when they had no power and authority. But for some very baffling and disturbing reasons - no sooner the heights attain and the power change hands, all the nice-sounding phrases, and the rhetoric pertaining to ethical standards, and integrity, and honesty, and above board niceties that will redound to the honour and glory of the people and the society - all seem to fall by the way side. We need to change dat! Yet we have to change, not only the personnel who mis-use and abuse their positions of authority and power - but the moral standards of our people as a whole, to recognise the wrong-doings and mal-practices by those in authority, and be men and women of sufficient integrity to stand up tall and be counted and recognised. In our society to-day, the contradictions and mis-informations are everywhere to be seen and heard. Suddenly, all the promises of investments and very major developments are coming on stream and being show-cased to John public. But, surprisingly, the persons doing the public relations for those developments are not those in authority with the responsibility for accountability and transparency, according to the Oaths they swore by virtue of our Constitution. Oh! No! the front men are the very ones who have been given all the financial concessions and Tax exemptions, to use our land and heritage and seashores to make profits and further enrich themselves. And it is very reasonable to assume, that the powers-that-be and their hangers-on are sharing in the financial gravy from behind the scene or beneath the table. So who will we hold responsible? We need to change dat! The very Centre-pin of the Parliamentary democratic process - that supplies the Honourable personnel to sit in parliament and manage out affairs -( the Voters Electoral Office) - is again under siege, after very deliberate actions by those in authority, to install puppets that they can manipulate for their own sinister motives. The powers-that-be can threaten all the Court actions they see fit, but the damage to the confidence of Voters generally can never be repaired - not even by the hundreds of dead people names being suddenly resurrected to the Voters list. We need to Change Dat! Just look at the chaos and very suspicious happenings surrounding the Christmas day Killing of a young man at Maran in St. John. The alleged Killer, who it was reported handed the Police the gun that was used in the shooting, was initially detained by the police and released after two days. Needless to say, the Police acted on instructions from above - and from reliable information received, people in the Ministry of National Security had some part to play in that action. Then the Criminal comedy of errors escalated from bad to worse to ridiculous. The suspected man was again detained after Sixteen days for further questioning, and the D.P.P. was on T/V making all sorts of statements, as though he was in the Court house addressing a Judge and Jury. There he was talking about "evidence" obtained by the police from witnesses and the accused, and the need to consider and weigh that evidence to decide whether or not to charge the accused. Since when the Prosecution deciding who is innocent or who is Guilty? And since this is its new role, what is the need for a Judge and Jury - after the witnesses have given evidence under Oath (not to the D.P.P. or the police), cross-examined and re-examined, and questioned by the Judge and Jury as they see fit, in a public trial in a Court of Law? The streams of Justice in this matter have been so dirtied by those in authority, that rather than helping the accused man - which is the very obvious intention - those concerned may very well be doing more damage, by building up serious prejudice in the minds of potential jurors. We got to change dat mind set!! The Cap Bank matter, involving the depositors loss of confidence in the Bank’s ability to satisfy withdrawals demands, is another pressing public issue that should be giving the authorities serious causes for concern. The matter is before the Court for hearing, after almost six years waiting for a date for the Case to be heard - so I cannot be seen to be breaking the rules of sub-judice. But the general publicity is doing un-justified damage to a local Institution that has been of great service and assistance to the poor and under-privileged country-wide, who would not have been able to even enter the doors of the big established foreign Banks, much more obtain loans as so many ordinary little folks have done. Those in authority, who are well aware of all that have taken place over the many years in connection with Cap Bank, they have a duty and serious responsibility to facilitate an amicable solution in this matter - in the interest and welfare of the many hundreds of little people who are being inconvenienced in the short term, and in support of a local institution that deserves to be given a fairer chance to operate and compete locally. Looking at all the widespread publicity that is afforded those Foreign investors who receive massive concessions from Government, and who stand to make huge profits from their ventures- the shody treatment of a local investor is shameful and cries out for attention. We need to Change Dat!! There are many other areas and issues in our public affairs, that clearly and definitely need to be changed - and more importantly, will drag us down the wrong road unless we bring about some urgent changes. Just as am finishing this article on Friday evening (11th Jan), I heard the news that the accused man in the Maran Murder Case had been charged and appeared in the Gouyave Magistrate Court this a.m. Some eleven witnesses’ names were called out and the Case was adjourned to a date in February - while the accused was remanded in Custody. This year "2K8" - could be a make or break period in our affairs here in Grenada. How we go about it and how we in fact handle it - will determine where we move to, how we get there, and when we will begin to feel and enjoy the benefits of change.