By Jada Chambers
Prime Minister Godwin Friday has acknowledged public concerns that his 11-month-old government is “taking too long” to examine the economic and social conditions across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The leader highlighted the matter during his Independence Day address on Tuesday, marking the nation’s 47th anniversary. He said that while 11 months is not a long time to govern, his administration has delivered services to meet Vincentians’ needs, and “thoroughly” examined economic and social conditions to ensure limited resources are used effectively.
“Some say we are taking too long to do this, and I understand their impatience. I too would like to move more quickly,” He said. However, Friday told Vincentians to always remember the proverbial warning: more haste, less speed. “It is necessary that we proceed methodically and carefully, because mistakes can cost us very dearly, and especially hurt the ones who are most vulnerable among us.”
Addressing the historical significance of the day, Friday said that the “beautiful and stirring” opening words of the national anthem resonate in his head and fill his heart:
“Our beautiful land, to which we pledge our loyalty and vow to keep ever free. Centuries ago, our native ancestors fought to secure this land from foreign invaders after a long heroic resistance against an implacable foe who stopped at nothing to destroy them and to take their land.”
Friday said that while they lost that struggle, the people were never vanquished.
“Their fierce spirit of independence lived on in succeeding generations. Today, they are found in our Garifuna and Kalinago brothers and sisters, wherever they live, and the spirit must continue to live in us.”
He added that when Vincentians raised their flag 47 years ago, the event marked what Calypsonian Kenneth “Vibrating Scakes” Alleyne characterised as a milestone and the nation’s way to prosperity.
“That moment established something fundamental. Henceforth, we would govern ourselves and determine our own future. No matter the challenge, we would make their own way; and everyone who came after, inherited that responsibility, and also the opportunities that came with the milestone.”
He told listeners that the anniversary of independence is the proper occasion for the nation to pause and take stock of how far it has come and where it must go.
“I say to you today that our blessed Hairouna remains a land of hope and promise. The optimism that brought us international independence 47 years ago has not deserted us.”
Friday also quoted the late calypsonian Gerard “Rasum” Shallow, urging Vincentians to acknowledge and meet serious challenges together.
“I have no doubt that we will meet our present challenges successfully and put our nation back on the path to prosperity as Vibrating Scakes foretold.”