Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and the Creative Industries Kaschaka Cupid on Thursday urged Vincentians to make cooperation and service to their communities a year-round commitment as he launched the country’s 47th independence celebrations.
Addressing the national flag-raising ceremony at the Financial Complex in Kingstown, Cupid introduced this year’s theme, “Hand in Hand, Uplifting our Nation,” as a call for people across generations and communities to work together.
“Hand in hand means nobody builds this nation alone,” he said. “Not one party. Not one person, not one community, not one generation.”
Cupid said the theme also called for the government to work with citizens, young people to learn from older generations, and Vincentians at home to connect with those in the diaspora.
“We must recognise that our young people, learning from the wisdom of our elders and our elders now embracing the energy and creativity of our youth,” he said. “Vincentians at home joining hands with Vincentians across the diaspora.”
He urged citizens not to let political, social or religious differences overshadow their shared identity.
“Whatever divides us, whether it may be politics, class, creed, we never lose sight of what binds us as a Vincentian people,” Cupid said. “And this country, this proud country of ours, belongs to all of us.”
Cupid said “uplifting our nation” required practical action, including empowering young people, caring for older and vulnerable residents, strengthening communities and supporting local workers and creators.
“To uplift is to educate and empower our young people. To care for our elderly and vulnerable. To strengthen our communities. To stand behind our farmers, our fisherfolk, our entrepreneurs, our athletes, our artists, and our cultural practitioners,” he said.
“Every time we encourage a young person, we are uplifting our nation,” Cupid said. “Every time we volunteer, support a local business, protect our environment, or extend a hand to a fellow Vincentian, we are building this nation.”
He described 47 years of independence as a milestone, but also as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with self-government.
“Independence is the right to determine our own destiny, and the responsibility to build a nation we want for our future generations to inherit,” he said.
Cupid said October’s programme would offer opportunities to celebrate the country’s culture and support local enterprise. Activities include a family fun day and the 16th annual KCCU National Dance Festival on Saturday and a National Day of Prayer on Monday.
The month’s events will also include karaoke championships, a health and wellness fair, a quiz championship for public servants, a thanksgiving service on Oct. 21 and the Sir Dwight Venner Memorial Independence Lecture.
A national cultural exhibition and food village is scheduled to open at Heritage Square on Oct. 23 and run through Oct. 31, featuring locally made art and crafts and local cuisine.
The National Independence Parade and Cultural Extravaganza is set for Independence Day, Oct. 27 at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.
Cupid invited the whole country to take part in the celebrations and show support for local culture and business.
“This month, fly our flag, wear our colours, buy local, celebrate our artists and performers,” he said. He also urged people to learn the country’s history and visit other communities, adding: “When October ends, don’t let the spirit end with it.”
He acknowledged that the country would face challenges, but said Vincentians could accomplish more by recognising their shared interests.
“Our nation can accomplish greatness, recognising our collective strength is greater than our individual differences,” Cupid said.
He called on citizens to remember past generations and contribute to the country’s future.
“Let us honour those who came before us. Let us serve those who stand beside us, and let us continue to build for those who will come after us,” he said.
Referring to a song associated with the dawn of independence in 1979, Cupid said: “We are out to build a new St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The future is definitely in our hands; hand in hand, we lift up our nation.”