A nation gets the leadership it deserves.

A nation is informed by the morals of its leadership. Usually, the behaviour of a people is in direct proportion to the culture of its leadership. One does not need a degree in rocket science to agree with any of those statements.

As I always love to state boldly, I am not a Bible toting, scripture quoting so-called Christian who, in order to pull wool over other people's eyes pretend to be goody-goody and under four eyes I can be seen as snake on tile in the dark, or even with my hand in other people's cookie-jar - extracting what I did not put there.

I could tell you that every righteous thought you feel you are the author or originator of, is already recorded in the Bible. It must be a fact that the various writers of the many books which make up the Holy Bible were inspired by the Source.

I will challenge anyone that the following statement can be found somewhere in the Bible: "An adulterous man (mankind) is not capable of sound moral judgment." Think of the devastating effect such an individual can have on any society while he/she is charged with the leadership of that society. The essence of success of any individual in leadership is COMMITMENT - just like in a marriage.

I raise this issue here so that you can look into your hearts to see what kind of individuals you are allowing to slip through the cracks to successfully offer themselves to the leadership of our country and even our organisations and companies.

We have bosses in Grenada who sleep with their employees forgetting that familiarity breeds contempt. When time to discipline these employees, their hands are tied with the many secrets these said employees hold for them.

I am so glad that this column is a hot number in the Grenada Today (Grenada's most sought after newspaper) that I am sure many such "rams" will be reading this and seeing themselves therein.

We have seen many upheavals in the public as well as the private sector related to such "adulterous" behaviour which have all gone unpunished. We may ask why without realizing that the rot starts at the top in the board rooms hence the everyday leadership remains in tact, never mind how much shame, scandal and expense may be incurred in the process.

I can hear people who love truth saying: "Preach on!" While of course the guilty, as usual - volunteering to be offended. In any society where the people for the most part have lost their way, nothing would be seen to be wrong with the manner in which the Kleptocracy has dealt with Taiwan.

This is not to be in Grenada since even the smallest man does not appreciate Keith Mitchell's treatment to the Taiwanese. What does this tell you? It is only a matter of time for Keith and his nefarious gang! It does not matter what the thinking man knows and feels about the Taiwanese and the "unaccountable"/"irresponsible" manner in which they delivered financial aid unto Grenada under Keith.

I, for one would prefer relations with Mainland China as against Taiwan. This is only because of the way the Taiwanese assistance has been delivered to the Keith Mitchell administration causing the perception of corruption.

Many other factors must be taken into consideration before any diplomatic relations is considered with the Mainland. It would be easily understood and appreciated if the NDC were in government and they made that move.

Even Keith Mitchell hinted that to the nation during the 2003 election campaign. Let us first appreciate that Mainland China does not need "jookootoo" Grenada. Their only aim may be perceived to be that of reducing Taiwan's limited international prominence through relations with any other country in the world. Once this is achieved, is there likely to be any further obligation to the newly won relationship?

Under the NDC - like under Dr. Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, there would be genuine friendship between Mainland China and us because of the similarity in geo-political and social outlook. Taiwan, on the other hand can be considered to be in the dumps internationally, with approximately 25 countries the world over recognizing them while the Mainland boasts of over 160 and a seat on the Security Council of the United Nations.

It is my belief that in looking at the wider picture, we stand to benefit more from the relationship with Taiwan as they have a vested interest in maintaining relations with us. So you see how penny wise and pound foolish adulterous minds can manifest themselves to be. Sound moral judgment can never be achieved by men who cannot keep their commitment to their wives.

So under Keith Mitchell, Grenada can only be a "sovereign whore" which is a reflection of his very own culture. If any sensible individual looks into his lifestyle one would certainly see how he gets along with his matrimonial contract, and therefore can never in his wildest dream expect him to perform adequately with his position of authority and responsibility with the State. "A bag ah coals cud only gee you dus'!" And no wonder he was called "a little boy" by a former mistress.

I recall being the first to indicate with concrete facts that the Keith Mitchell administration intends to go to China passing through the back door left slightly ajar by the recent switch of his Dominican counterpart.
I am sure the Taiwanese, (like many of you) who are serious subscribers to this newspaper and by extension this column, were in disbelief when that was proffered. I am in touch with the recalled-to-Taipei Ambassador who has nothing else but praise for my accuracy of that release.

I will always maintain as a fervent belief that while Keith Mitchell appears to be disguising his preoccupation with his political demise, he is mostly focused on the way the jail doors at "Richman Hill" slam. I believe he knows he is finished but like everything else "playing "t'ing' wid he-self".

I am convinced that the leadership of the current NDC, with all their past experience is of the metal enough to allow the United States to deal with whichever member of any past administration wanted in connection with money laundering, fraud, and international corruption - whether in connection with Van Brink or Eric Resteiner, et al. That would be better for Grenada so that "scums" can languish in their rightful place - JAIL!
The recently concluded Yuletide Season in Grenada must have been different for the many, who, over the last ten years in particular have become so consumed with materialism, that they could not have had a good season.

To even face the unfolding of a new year (2005) which is certain to be pregnant with more and different uncertainties than 2004, must be hard.
If only the many who pose as Christians in my country would take seriously the warnings of the activities of 2004, they would draw closer to "Source" and desist from posing with their Bibles and dressing up on Sundays to attend service.

I am sure that most of my country people did not see this Yuletide Season as a time to seriously reflect on matters of conscience far less those of major importance in the social as well as economic sphere which could certainly influence the flow of events/activities in 2005.

The decadent Mitchell administration should not be even contemplating having Carnival in 2005 in accordance with the Sodom & Gomorrah style our past carnivals have deteriorated into climaxing in the nastiness which was portrayed on our streets in 2004.

That should be an easy decision for the current holder of the Office of Prime Minister to make since during the past five years in particular, he found the need to stay away from any related activities, since his perceived corrupt culture has been the subject of major calypsos.

These said calypsos have actually fueled the opposing atmosphere in the country to his administration and served to add fire to the level of disrespect many have grown to have for the individual who holds the highest and most powerful political office in the land. In the passage of Ivan there are lots of opportunities at a fresh start for Grenada. We need to move away from our old ways and adopt new thinking.

Now is the time! 2005 must be the year of change for Grenada and Grenadians. A concerted effort must be made to replace the leadership of the country so that moral and value centered individuals could be put in their stead.

This replacement is not advocated along military lines - as one has to understand and appreciate that ammunition are expensive and with such scarce resources these days one must not waste them on valueless lives like those we have in the leadership of our nation.

GRENLEC - MY COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2004

In closing, let me take this opportunity to name GRENLEC my choice for Company of the Year 2004. Team GRENLEC ought to be proud of their deeds recognizing that in good times they shine and in bad times they maintain consistency and remain shining!

Whether visitor, expat or local, one song can be heard singing in the air in and over Grenada in relation to the excellent work GRENLEC has done in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Every employee - from those with the most humble positions to those with the weight of the responsibility of the company - must be proud to be associated with such a dynamic and purpose-filled establishment.

Shareholders ought to be satisfied that their investment is well placed. Keep up the good work Vernon Lawrence and TEAM GRENLEC! If you thought your efforts were going unnoticed, think again.