The 27th of October 2009, Marks a significant mile stone for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; this date marks thirty years since St. Vincent and the Grenadines obtained political independence. Normally; such significant milestone as thirty years of independence is marked by reminiscing on the positive accomplishment of the people and the country on a whole and serious contemplation of the way forward. Unfortunately; not all such milestones can be considered an accomplishment, for an accomplishment is not measure by mare years of existence. In my reflection, although it is difficult I will not reflect on the lack of accomplishments such as the fact that our current Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves was the first in the history of this country to have criminal charges (rape and Sexual Assault) brought against him while still in office. I will not go into the fact that many of the country’s males, who once parading about as chest beating, strong men; have been proven and were exposed as greedy opportunist, who were seeking a way to use the trust of the people, to create an environment that was conducive to them raping and plundering the nation they claim to love and are loyal to.
Neither, will I speak of the inconsistency of a Government that invested scarce funds in projects such as a Cross County Road and abandon it after spending millions of the nation’s money not because it was feasible but because they could, or the fact that the Government is rushing head first to build an international airport and is unable to access funding for that financially intensive project, from the international lending agencies that were set up to assisting third world countries embarking on projects such as the international airport, by providing loans and grants.
I will not profane this solemn and patriotic occasion, by betraying my country and address the real state of criminal actives which includes murder and now kidnapping that has taken over this poor little nation and the fact that we have cultivate a generation of young people that do not respect anything or anyone; a generation of youths that willingly and unwillingly participate in the unnecessary termination of each other.
Surely I will not delve into and deal with the heavy handedness of those who are associated with the new discriminatory and flawed document that is the proposed new constitution; a document that will be presented to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in a referendum on 25th November 2009.
But instead I will demonstrate my patriotism and celebrate the fact that all is not lost. I know all is not yet lost, even though the youths are bombarded by thousand of negative role model on which to pattern their lives; however, there are many individual who has risen above all of the mess that is suffocating our nation and have shone like a beacon beckoning the lost to a better way. St. Vincent and the Grenadines; I present to you a man whose character, sense of commitment, honor, respect and judgment I love and appreciate tremendously; a man who is husband of one wife, a man who have risen and kept himself above the common behaviors that contribute to the decline of strong moral and integrity, it is with honor that I present to you: The Rt. Hon. Arnhem Eustace, the leader of the opposition.
A man, who by choice continue to live a positive life; a life that is laced with compassion, love, caring, and selflessness; a man, who for many years have struggle on behalf of all Vincentian; even those who claim to love St. Vincent and are busy flushing the country down the toilet. St. Vincent I present to you: Amnesia Richards; a simple young lady, whose youthful ideals are still alive and well; ideals that are on display for her peers and other Vincentians to see. Here is a fresh example, that demonstrate to the youths it is OK to be different, it is OK to hold fast and live by your ideals and there is nothing wrong with being strong even in the face of intimidating political attacks and criticism.
To all the people who are struggling against that which is wrong and in their own little way are trying to make a difference in the land they are committed to; thank you and keep up the good work. To all of the “honest, hardworking” teachers, police officers, Sanitation workers, farmers, civil and public servants who daily give of their best to the people they serve, I say thank you and continue to bless St. Vincent with your integrity and the positivity that you bring to this nation.
It is with an optimistic heart, a belly of hope and faith in the people that I know, as Vincentians, we will redeem ourselves. I am confident that the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in true Vincy Style; will exhibit the strength I know we have buried deep within us, and we will demonstrate such strength by taking the steps that is needed by doing that which is right.
I hope that we will begin our redemption by voting no in the referendum on 25th September 2009. A vote no, is a vote against totalitarian rule; a vote no, is a vote against politicians manipulating the Justice system; a vote no, is a vote against the indiscriminate sexploitation of your children male and female; a vote no, is a vote against a dishonest government; last but not lease a vote no, is a vote against the flawed proposed constitution.
I have the confidence that today, on this day of our thirtieth anniversary of independence, Vincentian are going to reflect on life in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as it is, compare life today with life as it use to be, then we are going to send a loud and clear message that we deserves better than what we are presently handed. For the strength of a people cannot be manipulated by no person, or institution political or otherwise but most of all, it cannot be bought or sold; we are not for sale.
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