UWP Offers A Disruptive Border Control Scheme

RODNEY BAY, St Lucia – The United Workers Party (UWP), by definition, (UWP – Political Club), of Allen Chastanet, is very far behind the curve on national security and its renewed effort for a so-called border control unit, part of an election SOS-7 scheme.

The foundation for reasoning is based on their so-called border control, a phraseology yet to be defined. It has no orientation, except that of declaring a mumbo-jumbo, a worrisome scheme that unnecessarily exposes Saint Lucia.

National security stands at a critical juncture globally. Closer to home in the southern Caribbean, there is an increasing US presence in the Caribbean. With this in mind and for Saint Lucia's security, governance and economic viability, the so-called border control must not carry elements of a disruptive system, with efforts to personalise government and“Right the Wrong” but to deliver services, restore credibility, safeguard government revenue, and incorporate science and technology.

The UWP's so-called border control is yet to fathom the next generation of infrastructure and a system that empowers legislation, civil protection and financial innovation. The same is anaemic to National Health Insurance for All (NHI 75K), and options to withstand scrutiny.

Building infrastructure and a system for the UWP's so-called border control must first consider the existing system that trails all of government (financial systems, inland revenue, immigration and customs, NEMO, NEMAC, RSS, CARICOM, and international agreements). Inclusive of this must entail options to build a stronger institution and to empower service options for business and consumers.

Other considerations must include intentions to reinforce regional systems like CARICOM, OECS, IMPACS Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC), and, soon to come on stream, Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) for Caribbean CBI/CIP programmes.

Let's continue!

“Saint Lucia belongs to its people,” says the UWP, and so, policy should not traverse as a disruptive system to the people and the functions of their daily lives.

With such a“shift” to the so-called border control and NHI, the strategy must offer priorities that strengthen institutional and human capabilities. Border control is inclusive of efforts to guard against maritime operations, security threats and critical undersea infrastructure. Rights of navigation, aviation overflight and the flow of trade and commerce. Diplomatic coalition and strengthening treaties.

The UWP SOS-7 is unwise to believe that Saint Lucia can afford to introduce a standalone border control unit. Working with external law enforcement, international partners, and governments is primary. Alongside, ongoing investments in skills training, STEM education, AI and tech programmes, language and legal systems.

The offshoot of this must focus on enhancing public and private sector competitiveness and boosting Saint Lucia's economy.

The recent UWP press conference to highlight a serious safety and security plan shrugged off its responsibility in and out of government. The UWP is yet to understand that it has surrendered to crime, crafted from previous UWP administrations, part and parcel of the systemic index at every level in the country.

UWP SOS-7 is inconclusive , and in like manner, the so-called UWP border control scheme has crafted a“serious safety and security plan” built on the pillars of a dedicated border control unit with the sole mission of intercepting weapons, drugs, and contraband.”

Recycle aspects include:

• Expand the K9 unit and make maximum use of non-intrusive scanners [Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII)]:
• A dedicated crime scene investigation unit – a profession and independent team, whose only responsibility is collecting, preserving, and protecting evidence;
• The consummate echo to reform the justice system , introduce bench trials and strengthen case management;
• Create a civilian oversight body for crime fighting , similar to NEMAC, [National Emergency Management Advisory Committee.]

These copycat renewals come across as a party that was never in government. Fresh on the block from high school, trying to gain work-related experience. However, the current environment of politics recognises the lack of integrity and leadership in government and overtures are the main priorities of the UWP Political Club fighting to return to government on the UWP SOS-7 and so-called border control scheme.

Are these the basis to strengthen members' benefits?

Resilience in competitive markets comes from the actions of leadership, enforcement, management and supporting innovation. These help build considerable strengths for reforms to take place and to attract preemptive outreach and international cooperation.

“Leadership is not about making excuses or shifting blame. Leadership is about taking responsibility and taking action.” There is also the adage:“A true leader doesn't create separation. A true leader brings people together!”

Border control is not a novel idea. It functions across multiple agencies. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Border Force and Home Office (UK), Border Security Force (India), the list is endless.

Therefore, which shining comparative is the UWP so-called border control unit emulating? Is the Political Club trying to profit from desperation?

At present, Saint Lucians cannot rely on the RSLPF . Citizen security needs to be reconfigured, in line with international best practices and safety standards.

Unlike most things in the modern age, ignorance and disdain are not excuses. The UWP SOS-7 and so-called border control schemes should not attempt treacherous and destabilising actions. Fortunately, our electoral democracy is non-negotiable, to the mother of UWP SOS-7 and so-called border control schematic inventions.

Significantly, the practical arrangements and the rationale as presented and content are belligerent. In much the same way, public outcry demands accountability for misconduct in public office through domestic investigative channels. Then again, the result has been an endless, time-consuming process and a spendthrift effort, unable to advance the safety, security, and prosperity of Saint Lucia.

Saint Lucia is of strategic importance and has a lawful use of the sea, similar to those of its regional and global partners. To exchange cultural knowledge and experience between neighbours, and to enjoy free travel within CARICOM. The blue economy presents an untapped opportunity for sustainable employment and to build capacity for corresponding economic growth.

The UWP SOS-7 and so-called border control schemes are an attempt to circumvent known and workable models that strengthen people-to-people ties, enhance Caribbean economic security and resilience, and promote joint economic coercion. The UWP's unconsecrated schemes are bargains for a disruptive arrangement.

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