Reuben T. Meade – when he was Chief Minister
During his Opposition broadcast two Wednesday nights ago, Opposition Leader Reuben T. Meade announced a call on the Premier and the Governor. Part of what he said follows:
“What we’ve elected a government to do is for them to look at the development of a country. So I am making a public call on the governor and the premier, commission– set up a Commission of Inquiry into Reuben Meade and the operations of Reuben Meade over the past 20 years, 25 years that I have been in politics. Let them go back from 1991 and come up all the way until 2016.
“Into whatever allegations they may have against me. If I have to go to prison, lock me up and done with that. But what I am calling on the Premier to do, having set up that inquiry then start putting your focus on the development of Montserrat, creation of jobs and looking after the people and bring the change which the people voted for into existence.
There are some persons who have been expressing their views on recent events in Montserrat. Those who disfavor the actions or inactions of the PDM Government and in particular the Premier since there are lobbys and obvious demands and moves and to unseat him.
We capture some such discussion, direct or indirect
But, We remind: everyone is entitled to an opinion or viewpoint (within boundaries of course). By publishing them in no way binds us or suggests that we share any of the views or opinions expressed.
Mike Jarvis have for some time called for an independent review/commission of inquiry and add that I’m prepared to start the ball rolling from my end. He responded to those who either joined or questioned his reasoning, adding, “this type of commission of inquiry is not as expensive as you fear compared to the cost of some ‘consultancies’ in Montserrat, but more importantly the cost of doing nothing which will be the interminable un-merry-go-round of allegations, accusations, counter-accusations and sheer spite.
All of this is causing gridlock and inaction.
Also, it won’t be up to DfID to pay as they must also be put under the microscope.
He noted, “My case for an independent review/commission of inquiry as outlined elsewhere,” going on to say, “I recall Mr Reuben T. Meade saying that he sometimes takes actions that some would consider political suicide. But if a person is that firm in their convictions, I say let the chips fall where they may.
It is quite a bold challenge and I would suggest that the government to take him up on it.
I am talking about a full investigation, not a selective disclosure of bits and pieces of information that don’t tell the entire story.
In fact, I think the mandate should be widened.
I am in favour of a full independent UK parliament-commissioned review with Montserratians on board, to see what went right, what went wrong, and how best to move forward.
If in the process of doing so administrative inefficiencies, incompetencies, excesses or even criminal wrongdoings are uncovered, then so be it.
The political directorate, the Governor’s Office, DfID and the civil service should be looked at.
In my view, Montserrat is now at a very critical juncture and risks descending into chaos if we are not careful.
I fear we are a few short steps away from UK direct rule in everything but a formal official declaration.
For the UK to be doing this by stealth, as it appears to me and others, doesn’t help at all. In fact, it creates tension, mistrust and uncertainty.
We can comment and debate until we are out of breath, the fact is that the challenges Montserrat is facing are unlike anything any other Caribbean country and many places globally (perhaps except the war-ravaged ones) have to deal with.
And while we as Montserratians must take ownership and responsibility for the current non-volcano state of affairs, the UK itself (locally and metropolitan/mainland) must share responsibility for adding fuel to a growing volatile situation by some of their actions, inactions, policies and attitude.
So Mr. Meade is right with his call for a commission of inquiry. But I say let’s have a full, independent UK parliament-commissioned review and plan a once-and-for-all way forward.
Then there is the following under the caption: “Oneness: Peace, Love and Unity”
Although many people are crying out for the ongoing allegations be made public against; the previous Premier, the Honorable Reuben T. Meade, for an indirect, but much implied, alleged mismanagement of money designated for Montserrat, by the now sitting Premier of Montserrat, be brought forth. At no time, was the direct acknowledgement during the phone-in conversation to: Radio Montserrat, ZJB, on Friday, April 14, 2016, to the ZJB, radio station’s listening audience, that a revelation of fraud would be made on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, during the scheduled formal in studio session to take place on, ZJB radio, during the Basil Chambers, program.
Premier Romeo made it clear he would be addressing the situations concerning “access” and the ferry fiasco; as some have referred to it in the past. He also said, he might also speak on a few other things on, Tuesday, when he is to have a more formal interview with Basil. It was not clear what the few other things would be. As I understood it from the conversation between Basil and the Honorable Premier, there is an ongoing situation that is taking place which limits his ability to speak out about the alleged mismanagement of funds by the former Premier.
I have personally heard a few people wanting the individuals who have allegedly committed fraud be brought to justice, and if the crime fits the punishment of jail; so be it. However, let’s consider how this scandal is continuing to divide the people of Montserrat, as this political nightmare is being fueled over and over for many months now. Do the people of Montserrat want to have this scandalous bloody mess left on their hands going forward, and is it necessary to destroy a brilliant man for the sake of politics?
The majority of Montserratian, quite possibly might want to put this mess behind them and move on. With that said and in the spirit of unity for the island of Montserrat, the Premier might find it best to focus on the building up and unifying of Montserrat, instead of continuing with this unproductive dilemma at hand. The point here is; yes, many things might have happened inappropriately in the past few years with the Government’s money, but let the District Attorney, make the charges, if there are any, and continue the focus on moving forward to address the pressing concerns of the country.
