The Honourable Malcolm Guishard a stalwart in the struggle for Nevisian Independence has recently passed. I have gotten permission to post a tribute to Guish written by Obi below.

Tribute to Hon Malcolm Guishard – He was a Good man.

By Everton ‘Swagga’ Powell a.k.a Obi

Email: swagga@hotmail.com

The man was a good man!

The man radiated very positive energy on life issues and events. His personality and dignified carriage recalled for me, every time I saw him, a well meaning comprehensively good human being. Yes I know there is a tendency to make these kinds of cliché statements when someone has passed on. But this without any shadow of a doubt is the true essence of the Hon Malcolm Guishard. He always meant well to his fellowmen. To quote him from a very recent conversation we had here in Washington DC, “I always believe in helping people so that is main reason why I got into politics”.

I can vividly remember when he became the CCM representative in St. John’s which is also my constituency. It was Colin Tyrell, Ron Esdaile and myself who braved political backlash in 1992 to campaign hard for him. I am proud to say our political activism among the young people in the Brown Pasture, Cole Hill, Hermitage, Morning Star and Church Ground areas which were all NRP strong holds, gave him the edge over the then indomitable former premier Simeon Daniel. I was there as the CCM representative to count the final votes in the final ballot box which catapulted Malcolm Guishard and thus CCM to political power by a mere 9 votes. What a great decision that was as Malcolm in my opinion turned out to be one of the best all round politicians who has ever graced the political arena in Nevis , if not probably the OECS region. Even his political opponents loved him and his ardent supporters and there were many, are famous to say, “I am voting for Guish not CCM or NRP”.

The last time I saw Malcolm was a few weeks ago here in Washington DC when he was in town representing St. Kitts Nevis as the leader of the opposition at an IMF meeting. After playing phone tag we finally met and I took him to lunch at one of my favorite restaurants where we talked at length. He ordered a chicken dish and I had my usual salmon. A one hour lunch turned into more than 4 hours of just talking and reminiscing. We talked about politics, personal life, family life, friends and his future plans. He was introspective and very relaxed. He seemed like a man who was moving on to bigger and better things. After that very long lunch I got lost driving him back to his hotel but it was time well spent as we talked and joked some more (oh and he also had a great sense of humor). When we finally found his hotel, I dropped him off and we said our goodbyes not knowing that it was the last time I would see him on this side of the human’s journey.

Malcolm wasn’t just my political representative, he was also a friend who was a very good listener and we both shared the political philosophy and desire to see Nevis become an independent country. We chatted on many occasions regarding this issue and no matter how busy he was he always made time for me over the years whenever I visited Nevis so I can meet with him privately to talk about strategies to pursue this goal.

Nevis, the Caribbean and the entire world has lost a good man, therefore, when I heard the sad news I said to myself 'say it isn’t so' but hopefulness was a final wish for an excellent brother and selfless soul who never forgot his people, and made us feel much cared for and blessed as Nevisians. He was kind to all no matter race, creed, class or political persuasion. Neither rain nor sunshine stood between Malcolm Guishard’s belief and efforts to make the Nevisian community a much better place. He was never too proud to offer service or interact at any level to benefit all. I never saw him too angry to build bridges and make a difference. He was a rare kind, especially in politics. He served to the end and remains worthy of emulation.

The late Honourable Malcolm Guishard a.k.a Guish a.k.a.‘Dow’ or among us his circle of friends the “Grumpus” gone but his goodness will live on forever after him. The man was a good man!

NRP UNFULFILLED MANDATE FOR SECESSION

“As a young man I was a secessionist, but I have come to realize that the key of having a great relationship with St. Kitts is through negotiation which is what my government is presently establishing with the St. Kitts Cabinet.”

Premier of Nevis, Joseph Parry informed Nevisians in Bedford, England, on his view on secession for Nevis.

It is amazing that Nevisians have to wait until the Premier goes overseas to hear his views on secession. The topic of secession was virtually unheard of during NRP's last election campaign. This was not a topic that was discussed on the platform nor was there a mere mention of it in the NRP manifesto. If one was to do a search of the NRP manifesto for the word SECESSION, it will not be found.

Mr. Parry has being warned by the founding Father of NRP, Hon. Dr. Simeon Daniel, that this ''great relationship" he is seeking with the Labour government is a farce. Mr. Daniel said of the St. Kitts government that "a leopard cannot change its spots"(audio). I would implore Mr. Parry not to make the same mistakes as Eugene Walwyn and the UMN made in the 1960's. If one review the history of that situation one will find a similar situation. UMN said that secession was its main goal then Mr. Walwyn cross the aisle and joined the Labour government because "his purpose was to keep St. Kitts and Nevis together".

Just like UMN, NRP was founded for the primary purpose of seeking secession for Nevis, to that end the party's manifesto in 1975 stated,
"The N.R.P. will strive at all costs and gain secession for Nevis from St. Kitts-..."
The 1980 NRP manifesto in its entity stated,
" The Nevis Reformation Party will continue to seek Secession for Nevis at all costs."

Whenever Nevisians have been asked for a mandate for secession by NRP, the answer has always being a resounding YES. The elections of 1975 and 1980 during which as stated the NRP asked for a mandate on secession, the party won over 80% of the votes. In 1977 when Nevisians over 18 years old were asked in a referendum "Do you support Secession for Nevis from St. Kitts" 4,193 votes of the 4220 total votes cast voted YES.

The founding fathers of NRP have always being stalwarts of this mandate given to them over the years: Ivor Stevens in an address to parliament in 1980 after NRP joined the coalition government told Nevisians that the coalition was "a marriage of convenience" but he reassured us that, " The people of Nevis stand firm on their demand for self determination for Nevis. Our position is Secession ever, recession Never." NRP leader and Nevisian statesman Hon. Simeon Daniel also told us in 1980, " I have not abandoned the demand for Secession for Nevis I have a mandate to obtain Secession for the people of Nevis and when the time comes I would press for it."

It is clear that whenever NRP has asked for a mandate from the people of Nevis on the issue of self determination, it was always given an overwhelming YES for Secession. If this is a mandate that NRP can no longer bear then it is imperative that Mr. Parry address Nevisians and inform then of this. For fifteen years NRP has being coy on the Secession issue, it is time to lay your cards on the table Mr. Parry.

Nevisian Island Administrations have over the years provided an environment where business can prosper and grow. This environment is in jeopardy with the actions of the federal government as they input themselves into into the private sector with government take over of private enterprises in recent weeks. This will no doubt have a negative impact on persons who wants to invest in Nevis. The question will be asked, Is my investment secure or will it be taken confiscated by the government in the future?
Business owners and investors in Nevis have made great strides since 1980, let us not lose the confidence of the private sector because of an overzealous predatory federal government.
This is a marriage gone bad, let us get our divorce from St. Kitts and end this abusive relationship. We have to get rid of this ball and chain (St. Kitts) and fight for an INDEPENDENT Nevis.

Warner Parks was refurbished with millions of dollars, now a new Conaree Stadium. Both of these projects were done under the auspices of the Federal Government on the island of St. Kitts. Is the federal government solely a St. Kitts government or is it a government of the citizens of St. Kitts Nevis? If the latter is true then the island of Nevis is being short changed since the government has expended none of the millions on Grove Park or any of the lesser lots on which sports are played in Nevis.
Nevisians, let us not be fooled by the smokescreen of electoral and constitutional reform INDEPENDENCE from St. Kitts is our destiny.

It is rather interesting that The Communication Unit, Office of the Prime Minister is previewing a speech by the Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry. The Labour Party is the sworn enemy of the NRP, the party who has over the years contributed to Labour being out of power.
So why, is a Labour government previewing a speech that will expound on the NRP’s philosophy relative to Electoral and Constitutional Reform for St. Kitts and Nevis. Lets not forget that it is to the St. Kitts politicians benefit to have the cash cow known as Nevis as part of the Federation. The difference in the political philosophies of CCM and NRP will be exploited by the concerted efforts of Kittitian politicians for their gains. Mr. Parry choose your words carefully and put Nevis first.

Caribbean Net News: Best Police Constable of the Year 2004 named in Nevis

This is an article that appeared in the Observer Newspaper of the week od August 22-28, 2003


Too many Chicken Littles
By Everton ‘Swagga’ Powell aka Obi.

By Everton ‘Swagga’ Powell aka Obi.
Email: swagga@hotmail.com


The time I spent in Primary School was a time in which I was constantly
brainwashed with many Eurocentric fables, epic stories and nursery rhymes.
The one that struck me the most is the one about the chicken that ran around
shouting: "the sky is falling" when it was only an acorn falling from the
tree it was under.

You see, this chicken was very closed-minded and was only viewing the world
from its very small-minded chicken perspective. Chicken Little was wrapped
up in a very negative view of the world. Instead of having a positive
attitude and viewing what was falling as an opportunity, the poor chicken
saw gloom and doom. The acorn was indeed a blessing - food falling from the
sky - and not the death and destruction that the myopic chicken had
perceived.

Just like the weak hearted and doubtful chicken, there are many nattering
nabobs of negativism who can only see death and destruction for Nevis after
independence. Many keep crying that little Nevis cannot make it on its own.
Many, including the opposition NRP, keep saying Nevis only has a “one-hotel
tourism industry” (The Four Seasons Resort;) and a dying offshore industry,
which has become a victim of the OECD and Bush's Patriot Act.

Such negative utterances lack the positive view of one who wants to see
Nevis succeed. They fail to mention that currently Nevis has one of the most
vibrant hotel sectors anywhere in the Caribbean with most of its hotels
remaining operational during the summer and the Four Seasons(the number one
hotel in Caribbean), operating near full capacity.

They have not mentioned the high rate of employment in Nevis nor the fiscal
responsibility of the current administration or that of the previous NRP
administration. No mention is made of the dramatic
improvement in the infrastructure of Nevis with the hospital being the best
it has been in history and of course the many new roads cris-crossing the
island.

What about the New Sea Port? This has vastly improved our shipping activity
in Nevis, which can be further developed into an efficient and bustling
transshipment point for international shipping. Don't forget the new
airport, which I just had the opportunity to use. It is so well built and
esthetically pleasing that I know it fills each and every
Nevisian with pride. The Vance W. Amory International airport is certainly
one of the best in the entire Caribbean.

What about the daily American Eagle flight that is operating
very close to full capacity so much so that there is talk of adding another
American Eagle flight from Puerto Rico? The possibilities are endless,
especially with Nevisians managing our own affairs!! As long as we keep
moving forward like this I have a feeling that I may just live to see that
first direct flight from New York to Nevis!

Also these negative people forget to mention that Nevis is one of the best
places to live among all independent Caribbean countries, third only to the
Bahamas and Barbados according to the United Nation Human Index survey. They
neglect to mention that our per capita income is approximately $9000 US
currency while a larger and much more populated country like Jamaica has a
measly $3000 US per capita income.

And who would have thought that Nevis would have become the bread- basket
for many citizens of these larger islands, providing employment
opportunities and a higher standard of living among beautiful and peaceful
people? You see, its not just about population size but more about good
governance and people being willing to put country above self.

Keep in mind that this is happening in spite of Nevis' size and constant
drain of between $11- 16 million over to St. Kitts yearly. Just imagine what
Nevis can do with this 16 million dollars.

As the Nevis Island Administration take the brave step toward independence
for Nevis the island needs more “worriers” to stand up and be counted. There
needs to be more Shaka Zulus and Nzingas and not all these “chicken littles”
preaching gloom and doom for the country. Get up stand up and be counted and
be proud of what you can do for your country to make it the envy of the
world! We, Nevisians at home and abroad, can make Nevis a paradise as is
evidenced by the vast improvements we have made on our own in a very short
20 years of pseudo self-governance. We can a do a lot more if we manage to
get rid of the federal albatross around our neck that seek to milk us daily
and stunt our growth process.

So the sky will not fall in, Nevis, but instead I see Nevis moving towards
the sky and beyond. Remember if we can have the highest number of test
cricketers per capita in the Caribbean so too we can achieve the highest
standard of living in the Caribbean and I see INDEPENDENCE opening up those
doors for us.

http://www.nevisculturama.net

The time I spent in Primary School was a time in which I was constantly
brainwashed with many Eurocentric fables, epic stories and nursery rhymes.
The one that struck me the most is the one about the chicken that ran around
shouting: "the sky is falling" when it was only an acorn falling from the
tree it was under.

You see, this chicken was very closed-minded and was only viewing the world
from its very small-minded chicken perspective. Chicken Little was wrapped
up in a very negative view of the world. Instead of having a positive
attitude and viewing what was falling as an opportunity, the poor chicken
saw gloom and doom. The acorn was indeed a blessing - food falling from the
sky - and not the death and destruction that the myopic chicken had
perceived.

Just like the weak hearted and doubtful chicken, there are many nattering
nabobs of negativism who can only see death and destruction for Nevis after
independence. Many keep crying that little Nevis cannot make it on its own.
Many, including the opposition NRP, keep saying Nevis only has a “one-hotel
tourism industry” (The Four Seasons Resort;) and a dying offshore industry,
which has become a victim of the OECD and Bush's Patriot Act.

Such negative utterances lack the positive view of one who wants to see
Nevis succeed. They fail to mention that currently Nevis has one of the most
vibrant hotel sectors anywhere in the Caribbean with most of its hotels
remaining operational during the summer and the Four Seasons(the number one
hotel in Caribbean), operating near full capacity.

They have not mentioned the high rate of employment in Nevis nor the fiscal
responsibility of the current administration or that of the previous NRP
administration. No mention is made of the dramatic
improvement in the infrastructure of Nevis with the hospital being the best
it has been in history and of course the many new roads cris-crossing the
island.

What about the New Sea Port? This has vastly improved our shipping activity
in Nevis, which can be further developed into an efficient and bustling
transshipment point for international shipping. Don't forget the new
airport, which I just had the opportunity to use. It is so well built and
esthetically pleasing that I know it fills each and every
Nevisian with pride. The Vance W. Amory International airport is certainly
one of the best in the entire Caribbean.

What about the daily American Eagle flight that is operating
very close to full capacity so much so that there is talk of adding another
American Eagle flight from Puerto Rico? The possibilities are endless,
especially with Nevisians managing our own affairs!! As long as we keep
moving forward like this I have a feeling that I may just live to see that
first direct flight from New York to Nevis!

Also these negative people forget to mention that Nevis is one of the best
places to live among all independent Caribbean countries, third only to the
Bahamas and Barbados according to the United Nation Human Index survey. They
neglect to mention that our per capita income is approximately $9000 US
currency while a larger and much more populated country like Jamaica has a
measly $3000 US per capita income.

And who would have thought that Nevis would have become the bread- basket
for many citizens of these larger islands, providing employment
opportunities and a higher standard of living among beautiful and peaceful
people? You see, its not just about population size but more about good
governance and people being willing to put country above self.

Keep in mind that this is happening in spite of Nevis' size and constant
drain of between $11- 16 million over to St. Kitts yearly. Just imagine what
Nevis can do with this 16 million dollars.

As the Nevis Island Administration take the brave step toward independence
for Nevis the island needs more “worriers” to stand up and be counted. There
needs to be more Shaka Zulus and Nzingas and not all these “chicken littles”
preaching gloom and doom for the country. Get up stand up and be counted and
be proud of what you can do for your country to make it the envy of the
world! We, Nevisians at home and abroad, can make Nevis a paradise as is
evidenced by the vast improvements we have made on our own in a very short
20 years of pseudo self-governance. We can a do a lot more if we manage to
get rid of the federal albatross around our neck that seek to milk us daily
and stunt our growth process.

So the sky will not fall in, Nevis, but instead I see Nevis moving towards
the sky and beyond. Remember if we can have the highest number of test
cricketers per capita in the Caribbean so too we can achieve the highest
standard of living in the Caribbean and I see INDEPENDENCE opening up those
doors for us.