St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a nation steeped in rich culture, heritage, and history. In October, we celebrate the unique aspects of life and living that define our country as a gem in the region. From sunny, ever-evolving natural landscapes to the strides in modern infrastructure, it seems as if progress is being made more now than ever before in every facet of our society– well except for within our government. While we take pride in our nation’s growth, the stagnation in governance remains a pressing concern that casts a shadow over any progress.
On Oct. 27, 1979, Vincentian statesmen met with British officials to finalise a pivotal moment in our history — the transition to independence for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While we are declared a self-governing nation, the voice of the people has been largely silent for nearly two decades. This silence has led to stagnation, leaving our country adrift and lacking a clear sense of purpose. In fact, I would argue that the absence of visionary leadership has hindered prosperity for the common man and impeded our relevance on the global stage. Without a renewed sense of direction, we risk remaining a nation lost in its own potential.
This year, as I reflect on our country and its journey up to this point, I can’t help but ponder on a few questions famously posed by former U.S. President Ronald Regan at an electoral debate in 1980: “Are you better off than you were four years ago? Is it easier for you to go and buy things in the store than it was four years ago? Is there more or less unemployment in the country than there was four years ago? Do you feel that our security is as safe, that we’re as strong as we were four years ago?”
These questions were a wake-up call to the American people and should be a wake-up call to us today. I don’t ask these questions to stir political debate — although they naturally carry political weight. I pose them as a challenge for us to reflect on what we’re truly celebrating as a nation. As we mark another year of independence, it’s worth asking ourselves: Is where we are today deserving of the pomp and circumstance? Are we moving forward, or merely going through the motions of national pride without addressing the realities of our progress?
Recently the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made remarks on a morning programme of NBC Radio, sahing, “We must learn from the past, not look forward to the past”. I wholeheartedly agree. This year marks 45 years of “reclamation”, as he’s called it, of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and while we acknowledge the lasting scars that colonial rulership left on our Caribbean islands and culture, we remain responsible for the well-being and advancement of our people and our society today.
We find ourselves in a rapidly-changing world, with new technologies emerging each year, ongoing humanitarian and military crises, and ever-rising costs of living. In light of this, we must ask: what has our government accomplished over the past two decades to address and get ahead of these challenges, both at home and abroad?
Here on our own soil, the cost of food and produce is at an all-time high, while incomes have remained stagnant. Internationally, our region continues to grapple with the violence of narcotics, human trafficking, and organised crime, as the wider world faces deepening divisions — torn between the fading influence of the West and its allies and the rising power of Eastern nations like Russia and China.
We stand in an ambiguous place on a global and regional level, extending our hands for support but uncertain of where we truly stand. Our nation is often represented by a single voice, rather than by a collective of elected officials who truly reflect the will of the people. We are as much of a country as any of the 193 sovereign members of the United Nations, including the United States, the Russian Federation, and the People’s Republic of China (Mainland). With that sovereignty comes international responsibility, which we must embrace, and a profound sense of power in recognising our potential as a global influencer. Our power goes beyond our small geographical size or economic strength, we have the ability to shape discussions and influence outcomes. However, we must realise that our influence is as much about vision and leadership as it is about anything else.
As we wave our flags and dance in the streets, we should also look ahead to a future where we are self-sufficient– a nation that speaks for itself and commands international respect. For us to achieve lasting prosperity, one that touches every sector and corner of our country, we need a comprehensive, strategic plan for governance. A national vision that lays out a clear roadmap for the next five to 10 years, guiding us to a place where we can truly be proud of our progress.
This vision requires the active participation of all Vincentians. From the young activists who bravely challenged conditions at SVG Community College to the senior members of our society, we must all carry the burden of freedom and work toward building the St. Vincent and the Grenadines that we will not only live in but will pass on to the next generation. I leave you with the words of our great leader, “There was a lot to rebel then, and a lot to rebel now.” The time to step up is now, for the future of our country depends on it. God Bless.
Daniel Burgin
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