Sir Kennedy Provokes Dismay

James McCall’s op-ed presents a complex and critical assessment of the political legacy of Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds, St. Kitts and Nevis’s first Prime Minister and only living national hero. McCall begins by acknowledging Simmonds’ distinguished service, highlighting his academic achievements and medical career as an anesthetist. He underscores the vital role of anesthetists in surgical procedures, emphasizing their skill in managing pain and maintaining patients’ vital signs, a skill Simmonds possessed in his medical practice before transitioning into politics. This serves as a backdrop to Simmonds’ subsequent political career, hinting at the meticulousness and precision he potentially brought to his leadership roles.

McCall delves into Simmonds’ political trajectory, acknowledging his role as the fourth premier and eventually the first Prime Minister upon the nation’s independence. He refutes the notion that Robert L. Bradshaw, a prominent figure in the pre-independence era, was solely responsible for achieving independence. McCall argues that while Bradshaw played a significant role, Simmonds ultimately oversaw the final negotiations and navigated the complexities of the “Nevis problem,” which involved resolving political tensions between St. Kitts and Nevis. This resolution was crucial for securing independence from Britain, as the British government was hesitant to grant autonomy to a nation grappling with internal divisions. McCall credits Simmonds with achieving this crucial step, solidifying his role in the nation’s history.

The op-ed further explores the significant policy decisions made under Simmonds’ leadership, particularly the abolition of personal income tax in 1980. McCall links this policy to the subsequent economic and social transformation of St. Kitts and Nevis, noting the surge in vehicle ownership, home improvements, and increased demand for indoor plumbing. He argues that these developments significantly altered the physical and economic landscape of the country, laying the groundwork for the modern infrastructure and living standards experienced today. However, he also subtly points to the long-term consequences of this policy, suggesting that the current water shortages stem from the increased demand generated by the economic boom of the 1980s.

McCall then transitions into analyzing the decline of Simmonds’ political dominance. Drawing on his meticulously kept election statistics, McCall pinpoints the 1993 election as the turning point. He attributes the dip in Simmonds’ share of the vote, from nearly 60% in 1989 to 49.12% in 1993, to the controversial dismissal of his Deputy Prime Minister, Michael Powell. The formation of a new political party by Powell, ostensibly to dilute the ruling party’s votes, proved successful, significantly impacting Simmonds’ electoral performance. Subsequent electoral losses in 1995 and 2000 further cemented the decline, suggesting that Simmonds’ political capital had been significantly depleted.

The op-ed further critiques Simmonds’ recent political commentary, particularly his intervention in the 2022 election cycle. McCall argues that Simmonds’ public endorsement of the actions of Shawn Richards and Mark Brantley, who triggered the collapse of the Team Unity government, demonstrated a flawed understanding of the political landscape. He suggests that Simmonds’ fear of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) diminishing without their actions was misplaced, as their actions ultimately led to the party’s further decline. McCall criticizes Simmonds’ suggestion that PAM should aim to win all eight seats in St. Kitts, deeming it unrealistic given the party’s historical performance. He contends that Simmonds’ close association with PAM prevents him from objectively assessing the current political reality, highlighting the disparity between his perceived political acumen and the actual electoral outcomes.

In conclusion, McCall urges Simmonds to disengage from partisan politics, suggesting that his continued involvement diminishes his stature as a national hero. He respects Simmonds’ right to participate but believes that his interventions are out of touch with the current political dynamics. McCall suggests that Simmonds’ support of Richards and Brantley demonstrated a lack of foresight, ultimately contributing to PAM’s decline. He acknowledges Simmonds’ past achievements but emphasizes that the political landscape has changed significantly since his time in office. McCall ultimately advises Simmonds to relinquish his political involvement and preserve the remaining respect he holds as a national hero, implying that continued political commentary will further erode his legacy. He concludes by reiterating his respect for Simmonds but emphasizes the need for him to recognize the changing political landscape and the potential damage his continued involvement could inflict on his historical standing.