CONTRACTS FOR VOTE.

Timothy Poleon signaled a ray of hope to the nation today when he said categorically that he would never vote for money and that he also believed that most St. Lucians are like him in that regard. That was in response to two questions posed to him by a caller to NewsSpin. The questions were: (1) “Would you vote for money?” And (2) “How many people think like you?”

In the context of what’s happening in Choiseul/Saltibus, Tim’s revelations were both encouraging and enlightening; and they made a powerful statement: that all is not lost for us.

There is a popular theory that this new trend of buying votes which has been very pronounced in Choiseul/Saltibus since the 2006 elections was imported from Taiwan where red envelopes are the order of the day. It is a Taiwanese “courtesy” extended even to the most honourable men and women in the highest offices.

Perhaps, Mr Choo has not understood that our cultures differ in that regard and that in our culture red envelopes can also be construed as bribery. Our cultures also differ in parliamentary ethics and practice; for example I can’t remember an instance of "fistic combat" between parliamentarians - although judging from the composition of our parliament (which comprises at least one ex-convict) and the latest unethical behavior of our parliamentarians, I suspect it may not be too long before we emulate the Taiwanese model.

The buzzword around the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency is “votes for sale”; at least, that seems to be the “paradigm” peddled by the current district  rep and – like all bad news – it is spreading like wildfire: “I’ll give you a contract in exchange for your vote.” Many persons have reported receiving contracts of that nature.

Sources close to the Tucker camp have provided insights into how the operation works. It usually begins with at a “secret lodge meeting” where people are treated as commodities with price tags that can be bought or sold. Certain persons – mainly UWPs who got fed up with Tucker and deserted him – are the main targets for the bribery. They are then offered a contract for “reconciliation”, a “re-marriage”.

There was a hint of that practice during JMD’s reign; but it wasn’t overt or pronounced.

The sociological data reveal that these strategies are generally ineffective in literate societies; but they can have a marginally impact on the highly illiterate and indigent. However, those practices have serious implications for democratic values and even human rights. They are generally equated with the prostitution of democracy and democratic ideals. They also have  profound legal and human rights ramifications.

The Lorne campaign is very much aware of those developments which have now moved beyond the occasional anecdotes to indisputable proof and in the near future Lorne will make a statement thereon. Suffice it to say that Lorne – himself a son of the soil - is very much on top of those these developments. And he is also very much aware that this may well be one of the many reasons why the Rufus campaign is stalled or falling apart.

Lorne fully respects the integrity of his home people. He has overwhelming confidence in the people of Choiseul/Saltibus and he knows that he is well on his way to a glorious victory.

By the way, he is due to give a major policy address in Soufriere tonight. You may want to sample the brilliance of the man; so hop aboard the Labour and let’s meet there tonight.

Choiseul/Saltibus! We love you too much to play bribery games with you. We are not desperate.