The Prime Minister's announcement of the appointment of Kenny Lalsingh as a Senator and President of the Senate was of little surprise to most local political observers.

The China safari and the Trinidad escapade foretold that something was cooking between the two characters and, it was only a matter of time before the nature of that renewed friendship would come to light. What surprised some, however, was the apparent commitment of the Prime Minister to continue to embarrass Grenadians.

Some even think that his judgment is severely impaired or that he thinks unsavory behaviour in public affairs must be rewarded. A few questions relevant to this appointment seem to be in order. Is it a case of a tarnished and damaged member of the feathered family returning to its school of equally damaged colleagues?

Is it another in the long list of embarrassing arrangements inflicted on Grenadians in revenge for questioning the honesty and integrity of the administration? Or is it a matter that no self-respecting independent-minded and baggage free Grenadian is willing to chance associating with the government for fear of being perceived of being a fellow traveler on the highway of corrupt behaviour?

An examination of Kenny's political career thus far is what gives cause for concern. One recalls that Kenny's entry into elected politics occurred under Herbert Blaize. He was, in that administration, made Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Communication and Works with Keith Mitchell as the senior minister.

Kenny was relieved of that portfolio in the words of Blaize "to give more time and attention to his business". It was Kenny himself, however, who told the nation that he was fired because they say, "I thief cement". And who was it that ratted on him? His then senior minister and current Prime Minister Dr. Keith claudius Mitchell who is the person making today's appointment.

Kenny's stint with the Blaize NNP thus ended, and he then became a member of the Brathwaite/Brizan /Alexis NDC. That association was equally short-lived because of duty-free claim made for radio equipment allegedly for a public purpose whereas it was, in fact, for personal use.
This behaviour - denying the Treasury the legitimate funds - could not sit well with the squeeky-clean Brathwaite and so Kenny had to part company with NDC.

The breakup, and other internal quarrels in the NDC, led to the Alexis/Lalsingh axis and the formation of the PLM with Kenny as the deputy political leader. But even in that position, Kenny was, it was believed in political circles, quietly seeking a leadership position in the Grenada United Labour Party (GULP) during the days of leadership chaos in that party.

He and Michael Andrew (another ex-NDC member) reached some political accommodation with the then Leader of the Opposition between 1999-2003, Michael Baptiste who is associated with GULP. They were involved in the very short-lived United Labour Front (ULF). One must not conclude that this appointment is of a PLM member. That party group knew nothing about it and no one will believe that Keith will appoint an opposition member in a position in which he/she is likely to influence a vote against him.

This appointment completes the circle and earns Kenny the title of "consummate political grasshopper", NNP, NDC, ULF, PLM and back to NNP.

What is intriguing is; how can someone laden with such baggage and hopping from one group to another, for obvious personal advantage, be selected to head such a prestigious establishment as the Senate? It has yet to be proven that leopards do change their spots.

There is another side of this position that is sometimes overlooked. By custom and tradition, the President of the Senate acts as Governor General whenever the holder of the post is unable to carry out the duties of the post (absence from the State, on leave or official business, illness or for whatever reason).

This is not a constitutional rule, it is a mere custom. But if we follow the custom, Kenny will be acting Governor General whenever Sir Daniel Williams decides to go overseas for a visit.

The man in the street, particularly one who supports political candidates, will tell you that he likes Quako to represent him at home, but he wants a man or woman of stature, good character, unblemished record and intellectual standing to represent him in the international arena.

Welcome to Kenny - our acting GG-designate.