In our midst today – there are those who have more questions than there are answers for, and those who have all the answers – or at least so they may think. But as we have reached the stage we are at to-day – after all that have been said and done and concocted, and even manufactured to make others look bad, or appear to be a very different person or persons than they truly are – we must never lose sight of the fact, that no matter what others may say about you, or even do to your body in their spiteful quest to reduce your movements or your genuine activities – they can never change in anyway your sincere heart – felt feelings, nor your informed conscience. And when confronted by a know-it-all who feels he/she has all the answers, or can dig up questions for which there really are no answers at that point in time – as a clergy-man once advised his congregation, simply and humbly admit that you are neither God nor his half-brother. The days and weeks and months ahead are not going to be easy by any means – and that is so whether we have achieved the change we were clamouring for, or things have remained exactly as they were before the 8th July, 2008, in terms of who controls the power base. But even before I gaze into the future looking glass, as I am writing this on Saturday a.m. 5th June, the situation facing the Tri-Island state and its people leaves a whole lot to be desired, and gives a very fearful outlook of what is in store - should the power-base not have been changed by the time you are reading this after Tuesday 8th July, 2008. The Commissioner of Police (COP) had taken positions, that were clearly not in keeping with the spirit nor the letter of the law in a general Elections atmosphere. And it was quite obvious that he was operating under the direction of the NNP and the care-taker P.M. and his Super Legal Advisor – who were both behaving as though nothing had changed since the announcement of general Elections. At the same time the COP was sending out his biased and very wrong-in-Law letter to the NDC – telling them they could not use loud speakers or DJ music in their motorcade – the P.M. at a meeting in St. Pauls was telling his listeners that there will only be ONE motorcade on Sunday 6th July. And even more disturbing – the NNP Leader explained that if any one or group was not satisfied with the COP’s decision, they had to come to him as head of National Security – and since he now also heads the body responsible for the Regional Security Services (RSS), he can call them out as he sees fit. I even heard the COP saying publicly, that he can call on the RSS at anytime he feels the situation so demands, in the interest of preserving Law an order in the existing situation. Those were all very strange and baffling words from the P.M. and C.O.P – when it was very obvious that between them, they had brought about the uncertainty and the tension created by their unlawful statement and illegal decisions. However, up to the latest news bulletins on Friday night there was still great uncertainty. The Civil Society group, this time headed by the R.C. Church Bishop Darius, met with the P.M. and possibly the C.O.P. concerning the motorcades for the Sunday 6th July – and the statement coming out therefrom was that there would be no Motorcade, and each party can go ahead with a Rally at their chosen venues. There was also news that the NDC hired entertainer from Jamaica , Beres Hammond, was refused a work permit to sing in Grenada – so the tension continued. The NDC’s position was that they going ahead with their motorcade, but without using a P.A. system or D.J., until they got to the Rally venue. By Sunday night cum Monday a.m. we will see how that one plays out. Very clearly, in my humble opinion, all necessary precautions should have been taken by those concerned for the NDC – to ensure that no opportunity was given to the other side to create or manufacture a situation, that would have given the Governor General the loophole to use his powers under the Representation of the People Act to postpone the Election to a later date. I sincerely hope that was done, and the process continued in peace to Liberation day. So now to look into the futuristic mirror, and try to see what is in store for Grenada and its people – as we enter this brand new era of “change” after (13 yrs) Thirteen years; or the continuation of the same group in power, but with a mandate to change their ways. Whatever the results, as disclosed by the Returning Officers at the various polling divisions around the Country, or by the Supervisor of Elections after final countings thereafter – I would expect to see challenges by one group or the other by way of Election Petition. And an area that is causing grave concern at this time (sat a.m. 5th June), is the scenario around the publication of the final voters lists and their delivery to the various Polling Districts in the fifteen Constituencies. The Law as laid down in the Representation of the People’s Act, is very clear and must have been well known by the Supervisor of Elections for months now. Yet up to Friday 4th June, it was not clear whether the lists were ready for delivery. Apparently those for the police Force voting were delivered on time, but not for the rest of voters; and that, in my view, would be sheer negligence – or whatever otherwise it can be called – on the part of the Supervisor in the circumstances. So that, having faced and overcome all the many hurdles leading up to Liberation Day – if the long-awaited change has been realized and the people now have a resounding “YES” to their cries for urgent change, to begin the long trek back up the steep hill to a level playing field – we would have seen a new day. We may now be able to commence the arduous tasks of bringing back decency, and integrity, and transparency, and open honesty into our public administration, and due diligence into the system of control and governance of the people’s business – for the good and welfare of all our people, regardless of the colours of the jerseys they were wearing during the campaign and the many rallies and motorcades. Things have to be changed in the machinery and the structure that generates and propel the movement and working of the Government services, and the day by day running of the many support groups that make up the package. Things have to be changed in the hearts and minds of those who will now be controlling the ship of state, and steering it on the way forward. Things have to be changed in the way we treat our people first and foremost – those who are young, not so young, and the elderly – because we cannot forget that Grenada and the seas around it belong to all of us, not some of us. Things have to be changed in the way we deal with those who come to our land as Investors; they come as partners and they must benefit, but not as exploiters and conquerors – those days have gone, and they must stay gone with the Wind of Change. Things have to be changed in the manner and the atmosphere of how those in authority relate and inter-act with our people as a whole. Those in control must never forget the pledges they made while seeking the “jobs” as M.P’s - now that they are the servants of the people. Things have to be changed in the method used, and the transparent system of showing fairness and justice to all our people, as the situation demands. Things have to be changed, and be seen and felt and experienced, by those who have suffered from the in-justices and wrong-doing for all those years – and helped to bring about the change. Everything cannot happen over-night or in a month or two, but the pieces can be put in place in order to bring about the changes in due course. And at every stage of what is happening, or being put in place, the people must be informed and brought up to-date – because it is the people’s business you the servants are running, not yours or the party’s. That is what you have been preaching for months and years. Now is the time to practice what you preached. If, on the other hand (and heaven help us if it is so) – the change did not come about as expected, and the so-called progress is allowed to continue; then that is the choice of the majority and so be it, and we must accept it as long as it is proven to be the true position. But to those who have been returned to lead in this case, and control and stamp their continued authority upon the affairs and business of the people – I say to you all that you have been given yet another chance with both hands, clutch it to your chest, cherish it for all it is worth, and do the things you boasted about during the Campaign. It is never too late to turn back from going down the wrong road, and get unto the right road, and change your ways and methods and outlook – in the interest of the people you are privileged to continue serving. I can tell you up front, however, that you would not be getting any criticisms from me in this column in the future. The people would have spoken loud and clear, that they want the progress to continue – so who am I to say otherwise? I would leave you guys at ease to serve them as you see fit, or as they deserve. If on the other hand, you have failed to persuade the majority, and you now have to hold the mantle of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and perform the duties that go with that position – then so be it and do your best. This Election has been the most intense and demanding these Isles have ever witnessed. The comings and the goings and the Rallies have been on par with such activities anywhere else. And save and except for the few odd distraction here and there, and the questionable levels of the qualities of performances presented to John public by one and all – the Campaign has been informative, challenging, and very much to the point that affect people. The NNP went ahead and held a mini-motorcade to the sports stadium, and Beres Hammond was allowed to sing at the NDC’s Rally in Progress Park – but there were no open confrontations between supporters. Now the ole talk, and the piccong, and the big time promises, have all been paraded and publicised – we can only wait to see how they all would play out, and in due course of time whether the correct choices were made, in the persons chosen by John Public to provide the answers we are all looking for, in the months and years ahead. And now that it all went off without any violence or mishaps, let us all put our hearts and heads together and praise Jah – for his continued mercies and protection always. By Lloyd Noel (Attorney-at-law) Inside Grenada columnist