The Labour Spokesman Editorial — Happy Independence 39
On Monday 19 September we should be observing the thirty-ninth anniversary of our independence. We have deliberately used the word ‘observing’ and not ‘celebrating.’ We have done so for a good reason. While we note the significance of the occasion we feel compelled to wonder at the manner in which we were eventually ‘taken there’ by a group which had no mandate to do so, none whatsoever. For a fact, independence was something which they had always opposed.
The arrangements devised by the ‘no mandate’ group resulted in a minority faction of the nation being accorded control of the majority, which has only resulted, time and again, in deepening distrust and increasing animus. It is truly ironic that the minority which has been accorded those advantages is one which has always demonstrated a preference for ‘leaving the family.’ The resulting constitution is one riddled with anomalies and loopholes which favour the minority faction. Indeed, it is an instrument which favours the perpetuation of strife. And yet, such is the manner in which it was crafted that, going on forty years, there could not have been any serious attempt to amend it. It should be remembered that during the era of Associated Statehood we proudly sought to develop a national ethos. Since September 1983 all the talk has been about federal this and federal that. Certain elements have shown absolutely NO interest in nation building. It is now going on forty years that we have been wandering in the ‘constitutional desert.’ Dear people of St Kitts and Nevis, we do need to reflect on where we are now. Happy National Heroes Day, and a Happy Independence Day, to everyone.