St Vincent and the Grenadines, Politics, Terrorism and Rule of Law....
Albeit, there exist no clear definition for "Terrorism", the generally accepted definition is that; “Terrorism employs premeditated violence and intimidation against noncombatants by nation states and sub-national groups in order to pursue political objectives.”
Those Vincentians in the diaspora who are inciting violence and those at home who are partaking in violent acts in the pursuit of a "political objective" are indeed "Terrorist". However, some people conceptualization of what constitute acts of terror goes as far back as September 11, 2001 also known as 9/11. Also, some people understanding of "terrorism" is often limited to what is publish in the News (ISIL, Al Qaeda, Al Nusra Front, Boko Haram, etc.)
Howbeit, the burning down of "public property" in order to pursue "political objectives" is an act of terrorism. For example, 1940–1956: George Metesky, the "Mad Bomber", placed over 30 bombs in New York City in public places injuring ten in protest against the local electric utility, was deemed an act of Terrorism. Moreover, June 17, 1974: The Weather Underground Organization bombed Gulf Oil's HQ lobby to protest actions in Angola, Vietnam, and elsewhere. June 3, 1980: A bomb destroys exhibits in the Statue of Liberty story room. Croatian separatists are suspected.
The point is, that all these acts involved the destroying of some "public property" in order to pursue a "political objective" and were all branded acts of "terror" and persons involved were labelled "Terrorist". So, even though some persons may attempt to justify violent acts by some people as not constituting terrorism because it did not involve, like i said; the typical violent acts you hear on the news (Be-headings, Widespread murder etc.) by groups such as; ISIL/ISIS, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda and the likes, doesn't mean that the "violent acts" propagated by some NDP stalwarts is not acts of terrorism, Hence, the reason for the examples used in paragraph 3 of this post.
Thus, burning and attempted bombing of "public property" in the pursuit of "political objectives" is an act of "Terrorism". Furthermore, i call on protesters to engage in "peaceful assembly", but, most importantly to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines both at Home and Abroad to respect the democratic process. As of December. 9. 2015, the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines have spoken by means of exercising their rights to vote (Section 27; of SVG Constitution & Article 25 of ICCPR, 1966) in a "free and Fair" Election. For example, a total of 65, 429 persons cast their ballots, with 34, 246 for the ULP, 31, 027 for the NDP and the remainder shared between the SVGP and the DRP. Thus, giving the ULP 52.3% of the Votes and the NDP 47.4% votes.Furthermore, the ULP won the Elections by 8 seats and the NDP remains in the Opposition with 7 Seats (total 15 seats).
The elections was deemed "free and fair" by the OAS, CARICOM and all relevant international observers. In addition, the High Court recently rejected the NDP applications to inspect our "Secret Ballots", which would have undermine our Democracy as outlined in Section 27; 3 of SVG Constitution & relevant International Human Rights Instruments such as; Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966). Moreover, "peaceful assembly" is indeed a democratic and fundamental human right, but, it must be don within the scope of the Laws.
For example, Article 21 of the ICCPR, 1966 states that; "the right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order (order public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others". Also, the language under section 11. (1) reflects that of Article 21 of the International Human Rights instruments mentioned (ICCPR, 1966).
Finally, "Freedom of Expression" is another Democratic and Fundamental Human Right that is often misinterpreted resulting in a misapplication of the concepts. For instance, Articel 19 of the ICCPR speaks to the freedom of expression, but, it also speaks to the "respect of the rights or reputations of others" (19;A) and "for the protection of national security or of public order (order public), or of public health or morals (19; B).
In addition, Article 20 (1) states that; "any propaganda for war shall be prohibited by law" and (2) states that; "any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law". Also, section 10 (A,B & C) reflects that of the language employed in in the International Human Rights instruments (ICCPR, 1966).
Once again, i urge "calm" and respect for the "Rule of law" and our democratic process. A process in which the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines have reaffirmed the Unity Labour Party as the Party of Governance in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
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