I, like many people, admire the COP deputy chairman, Vernon De Lima. In fact, I wanted to vote for him in the COP internal election. However, my name was not on the list. Nevertheless, as much as the guy is a good person, I firmly believe that voting for someone outside of the realm of government is an effort in futility. Let's look at this objectively. The reason why we fight tooth and nail to enter the hallowed halls of government and governance is to have an opportunity to enact change. Anything else that takes place on the outskirts of that is simply opposition politics.
Vernon being on the outskirts of governance, not being an MP nor a minister, means that he is no different to you or I, who will stand on the outskirts and oppose, hoping to influence those on the inside, which makes very little sense. That's what Keith Rowley is there for! When negotiating on matters along party lines that may have implications on governmental policy, for example, where will Vernon be if he were to be elected? Waiting on the outside after a Cabinet meeting to be appraised? It just does not make any sense.
This leaves us with Prakash and Anil. Prakash, though another good guy, needs to think clearly if he is really a member of the Partnership or not. Anyone willfully going against the dictates of the Prime Minister after she gave the Government's position needs to rethink his positioning. I have thought this through, and regardless of Anil's inexperience I am willing to give him the opportunity to grow, learn and lead. After all, isn't this enshrined in the fundamental principles of the Freeport Declaration?
Simone Fenty
Valsayn