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The following is a response to the March 21 article "Is the PLP becoming a reflection of right-wing America?" by Shawn Crockwell. It's been edited for reasons of space.

Dear Sir,

Mr. Shawn Crockwell believes that the current government is adopting "American-style right-wing politics".

In my analysis of the political landscape, Mr. Crockwell's perspective is historically incorrect and it is the purpose of this letter to share a few historical examples, which Mr. Crockwell may have overlooked. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge that I agree with Mr. Crockwell's characterization of the PLP government as 'less Labour' and more 'business/corporation oriented'.

Drifted

The PLP seems to have drifted from its labour roots and focused more on the interests of corporations and other so-called 'big money' constituencies. However, Mr. Crockwell is incorrect in attributing this shift in political style to "American style right-wing politics". I cannot give a conclusive reason for this change in politics, since I am not a PLP insider, but I can suggest a more plausible reason for this change - the rise of New Labour.

If one looks at Britain, (that country that our entire Westminster political system is modelled after), one can see the similar concern with the Labour government of Tony Blair. U.K. political pundits have said that Blair's Labour Party has "let down the working class" and that it has, "sold out to big business" etc. Sound familiar? If one didn't know better, one would think that these critics were talking about the PLP.

Political analysts have described the Blair government's shift in politics as 'New Labour' - a style of politics that embraces both free-market and social-welfare policies.

Since the PLP has historically styled itself after the British Labour party movement, it is more credible to believe that its current politics are reflection of 'New Labour' rather than republican American politics. The historical connections between British Labour politicians and the PLP is verified by the joyful congratulations from Tony Blair and other Labour leaders when they learned of the PLP's historic 1998 election victory.

If Mr. Crockwell is looking for evidence of "American-style right-wing politics" he needs to look no further than his own party. John Swan, former premier and leader of the UBP, was a political ally (and friend) of George H. Bush, former U.S. president and icon of American right-wing politics.

Theodore S. Francis II

Warwick[[In-content Ad]]

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