A  Drowning  Man  Clutches  At  Straws  

Mr Shelton Daniel’s opinionated commentary on ALBA lacks explanation and analysis and is meant for quick gratification of the masses. But off course I am not suprised as this is the MO of this Labor Gov’t in its efforts to justify its glaring infelicities. I have stated and maintained the US is specifically penalizing only St Lucia and St Lucian officials and not our regional counterparts. This is

because the US is a very strategic and policy driven by nature and you can rest assured this is all part of US strategy in its effort to send its no tolerance stance with regards to ALBA ..St. Lucia has become is its pedestal so they can send their message and send it loud and clear to the region. Unlike Sheltons Daniel tirade here are some FACTS to consider. Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony said that the US’s decision was mainly due to the killing of 12 persons by police officers between 2010 and 2011 under what was described then as “Operation Restore Confidence. In April 20, 2009, St Vincent and the Grenadines became the second Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state to join the Bolivarian Alternative for The Americas (ALBA). According the US Department of State 2009 Human Rights Report on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Section C Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment “During a May 21 narcotics raid, security forces shot and killed three men, in what police claimed was self-defense. However, the SVGHRA and at least one civil society activist reported that security forces used a disproportionate amount of force and that the men were unarmed”(sounds familiar?). The US never took any sanctions against the St Vincent Gov't or its police officials. Mr Daniels should be honest about in presenting the facts to the PEOPLE about ALBA. Due diligence is warranted as a journalist whose duty entails relaying information in a fair and balanced manner . Not tainted with partisan bias . Heres another fact to consider . Mr Daniel referenced the for now dormant Countering ALBA Act of 2013 he failed to mention what has passed and is in effect ….. In 2012 with the passage of the “Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act of 2012,” passed by an overwhelming majority in Congress and signed into law by President Obama . The five‐page bill calls for the United States “to use a comprehensive government‐wide strategy to counter Iran’s growing hostile presence and activity in the Western Hemisphere” , There is no doubt that Iran has expanded its connections in the Western Hemisphere bringing the total to eleven Presidential visits between Iran and Latin America. Such visits were most notable in the countries that

make up the Venezuela‐led Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA). Iran’s economic ties with the region have also risen. Trade between Iran and Latin America. Iran has also pledged to make significant aid contributions and investments in Latin America, especially in the ALBA countries . In addition to advancing its economic interests, it is clear that Iran has a political agenda aimed at decreasing the country’s international isolation, particularly by forming alliances with other countries that share its anti‐American stance . Furthermore and even more vexing to the US is declarations by the Venezuelan government that Iran is assisting Venezuela in its search for uranium reserves has only added fuel to fire this fire we have become embroiled in. The Labor Party ALBA debacle is way bigger than extra –judicial killings and human rights issues. America could give two hoots about a few bad boys killing a few bad boys after all is this not what they are training our Police Force to do? Locally it makes for good political speculation and conjecture but internationally the repercussions are far reaching as major American international interest is at stake here. It is those repercussions that opposition believes is cause for grave concern and are being brought to the fore for honest discussion