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The majority of electorated gave the UPP administration in Antigua a mandate, why should they have to go to the people to seek permission for every possible change. As a people we have to put some trust and confidence in those we elect. Re-naming Boggy Peak to Mount Obama will certainly not take the mountain out of Antigua. As a matter of fact it will only protray positive attitude about Antigua and Barbuda. Yes we can rename it and we will rename it. Bunny no election gimmick. Just the vision of a brilliant leader.
This has sparked attention nationally and internationally, some positives and some negatives.
Having read comments and observed recent developments on the subject since the startling news emerged.
I will now voice my opinion.
No doubt the events witnessed on Nov 4th 08 will be a lasting momentum, it is truly remarkable.
The notion of watching History in the making is an experience without a price tag.
Mr. Barack Obama has truly touched and inspired many, observing the glitter and optimism in the Obama’s is in fact picturesque to the World and will be to watch in the years to come.
With regards to our current Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda (Hon. Baldwin Spencer) intentions (decision) to rename Boggy Peak unfortunately I do not wholeheartedly agree.
The views of many indeed are valid.
Perhaps gazing at the top of the peak during the sunset may undeniably inspire many; perhaps this may attract more revenues to the Island.
Who knows?
Will I suddenly guilt the fact I had opposed the decision initially?
I’ve taken into consideration the history of Boggy Peak, the values of Antigua’s landmarks, being an Antiguan, the fact that we can sometimes be conventional thinkers and are not opt for a change and in-addition the fact we sometimes neglect our heritage and do not advertise and cherish our history and it’s landmarks as much as we should.
My Introspection still concludes ‘OPPOSED!’
Not being ignorant to reality that I myself as an Antigua don’t know the history of Boggy Peak and where the name evolved.
However, I firmly believe as much as the victory of Mr. Obama and (The World) is significant still this isn’t sufficient motive to justify a name change neither is our unawareness of Boggy Peak’s history sufficient motive to influence such intent.
I think what made us more appalled was the swiftness of the announcement with-out the opinions or suggestions of the people of Antigua & Barbuda.
Mr. Prime Minister, I know you are reading this now, my suggestions, please accept the fact your approach to this kind proposition/ gesture was done in a wrongly fashion, apologise to your people for your dim lack of judgement and possibly try again.
Mr. President elect Obama appreciates the gesture but wouldn’t object for a compromise.
Spencer may celebrate change with his words, but his actions celebrate the very closed-minded partiality, lack of transparency, and unpopular decision-making that the American people just overwhelmingly voted against.
Some tribute.
Spencer may celebrate change with his words, but his actions celebrate the very closed-minded partiality, lack of transparency, and unpopular decision-making that the American people just overwhelmingly voted against.
Some tribute.
To my surprise, many radio talk show callers were totally against it. Some of the questions put forward by the callers were…: What has Barack Obama done for Antigua? Why Boggy Peak? Why not rename a street or a school in his honour? Why now? Why not wait until the end of his term in office? Why did the Prime Minister not consult the people? What about the rich history of Boggy Peak? What will happen to the transmitting equipment already up there? What does American Politics have to do with ours? Is this a ploy to attract tourist in this dismal season? Is this an attempt to get the new American President to be sympathetic to the needs of the Caribbean? These questions, and others, which were on the minds of the callers and citizens will be addressed.
In the history of the Black World, there are three events which stand out as defining moments. Not in any order of greatness, they are: Haiti becoming a Republic in 1804, the Abolition of Slavery in 1834, and Ghana, led by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, becoming the first African country to gain its independence in 1957. As unforgettable as these events were, none was the achievement of one man, until now. The political success of Barack Obama is, without question, the greatest achievement of a single Black man in the history of mankind. He, as the FIRST Black President of the United States, is an achievement that was never thought possible in such a short time. Just 45 years ago, segregation was legal and practiced in the USA. Thousands of Black men were lynched (hanged by a mob), castrated, drowned, tortured and murdered by many ghastly means. Many Black women and sympathizers of other races were too beaten and incarcerated. For America to have progressed from those dark days of segregation to now, being able to vote a Black man to the highest office, leader of America and the free world, is unprecedented. The inspiration to mankind and barriers broken by this one act will change the World, forever. Obama’s campaign slogan, “YES WE CAN”, is now the mantra of hope and inspiration all Blacks in Antigua, America and the African Diaspora. He is now showing Blacks that there is also an academic route to success. Arts & Entertainment, Sports, and Music were thought to be the only vehicles to world prominence. For those who wonder what Obama has done for Antigua, just look around and for every Black person seen, think that that person is another inspired soul who could rise above normal expectations.
Let us not forget that transfixing moment in 1990 when the World watched Nelson Mandela walk to freedom, after being imprisoned for 27 years. Nelson Mandela has never done “anything” for Antigua, yet, in recognition of his inspirational sacrifice and triumph, the street north of the C.K.H.S. was named in his honour. It surprising that other than Nelson Mandela Drive, there is no other place in Antigua bears a name of African origin. All the villages and streets 30 years ago bore the names of English royalty and slave owners.
Ghanaian Diplomat, Kofi A. Annan, was elected in 1997 as the first Black Secretary General of the United Nations. Although that too was a historic achievement, it pales in comparison to that of Barack Obama.
Because of the enormity of Obama’s achievement, no man-made monument, road, school or park would be suitably symbolic for a man who sits on the pinnacle of Black human achievement. During the days of slavery, Boggy Peak provided a source of refuge for slaves who sought to escape the evils of slavery. It became a symbol of hope; their last chance of a better life. How fitting it is that after hundreds of years, that same mountain embodies the principles of Obama’s campaign: HOPE and CHANGE. Barack Obama has reached the proverbial “mountain top”, the topic of many of Martin Luther King’s speeches. Therefore, only an actual mountain will epitomize Obama’s historic and meteoric rise to become the President of the United States. This renaming has far less to do with American Politics than Antigua’s desire to celebrate this event.
This decision to honour Barack Obama is based on his achievement, and not his term in office. History is known to record the first person or country to achieve certain successes. Vere C. Bird Sr., Neil Armstrong, Sir Edmund Hillary, Anderson M. Roberts, Robert E. Peary and Matthew Henson are all names recorded in history as firsts in their fields. So too is Barack Obama the first Black Man to be the President of the United States. Waiting to the end of Obama’s terms in office is another chapter which will be dealt with at that time.
Prime Minister Spencer did consult with his advisors who all agreed with the decision. “Striking the iron while it is hot” is what PM Spencer did. Making a national discussion out of it would have let the idea out of the bag and another country could have “stolen Antigua’s thunder”. Therefore, a surprise announcement to the World was just what was needed. King George V Street, Airport and Factory roads were recently renamed. There was no public discussion on this renaming, and none was asked. If there were such a forum, I would certainly have preferred Factory Road named after the FIRST Antiguan to play for the West Indies Cricket Team, Anderson M. Roberts. Are village names like West Palm Beach, New Orleans, Bosnia, Berlin, Rockersville, Girls Town, Little Georgetown and New Kingston official names? In fact, I have never heard of any Public Forum on renaming streets or villages.
I heard persons say that President Obama would be ashamed if he were told that Mt. Obama is the location of radio station transmitters which are used to “spew lies and hate” across the island. To those persons, I can only say that it is sad that they see …”the glass as half empty”, and would look for anything negative to further their cause. It may well be that having a transmitter on Mt. Obama could inspire everyone’s message to one of hope, unity and change.
Obviously, there would be spinoffs, mainly positive, from such a renaming. It must be noted, however, that the renaming was not done primarily for the tourism improvement or pandering to President Obama. If tourism gets a boost or President Obama makes a special trip to see the mountain, then that would be the “icing on the cake”, but we should not lose the importance of recognizing Obama’s ascension to the Presidency over secondary benefits.
During the September 11th terrorists’ attacks in New York, hundreds of firefighters were killed. Hundreds more were involved in the rescue efforts. As a sign of appreciation, the Government of St. Kitts & Nevis offered FREE accommodations to these firemen and rescue workers. At the time, hardly anybody knew of St. Kitts & Nevis, but many firemen took up the offer and had a great time. The Worldwide exposure of St. Kitts was priceless and, up to now, that twin island state is still reaping the benefits
Finally, it is sad that many of those who are opposed to the renaming have not given it much thought, but are just following the sentiments of popular persons of influence and radio talk show hosts. Others are split along political lines and the rest are just confused. I hope that my letter, along with others which have been printed, may provide enough information to the “nay-sayers” to have a change of heart towards the renaming of Boggy Peak to Mount Obama.
PM Spencer’s announcement was aptly timed as there can only be one “first”, making Antigua the first country to name a mountain after President Obama, a mountain which can be see from just about anywhere in Antigua, thereby constantly inspiring Antiguans in many ways.
Frank Southwell
Antiguan Social Improvement Activist
Winning an election is not necessarily an honorable achievement; even dictators have won elections. It's what leaders do after elections that determine what honors are due them. Best to wait and see if Obama can earn something based on real achievement, aside from spending trillions of dollars we don't have.