Yesterday, our nation heard the sad news of the passing of a stand-out Vincentian, Garth Saunders.

Those who knew Mr Saunders well could attest to his dedication to duty and the over-sized contribution he made to his beloved St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In January 2022, he penned a reflection on life, titled “Gradually, then suddenly”, inspired by a near-death experience he had in October 2021. When news of his death spread yesterday, many were drawn to revisit the words of that article, whose meanings are even more poignant now than when they were first published.

Mr Saunders spoke in that article about how meetings, work and deliverables assumed top priority in his life and how “the markers” he had been using to determine his health did not paint the complete picture.

St Vincent and the Grenadines was the main beneficiary of Mr. Saunders’s dedication and hard work, and for this, the nation is grateful. But as Mr Saunders reflected on his life, he recommended that we be more careful in the management of our health so as not to have sudden and unwanted outcomes.

Life is inherently fragile, and its transient nature should serve as a constant reminder that every day is a precious gift. From the grandest phenomena to the smallest occurrences, life is a delicate balance, subject to both beauty and tragedy.

Unexpected events can disrupt our existence, altering our trajectory in an instant. The brevity of life necessitates an appreciation for the here and now, urging us to recognize the significance of making the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

When we are given the gift of life, it comes with no guarantee of duration. Embracing the present and making the most of every opportunity becomes an imperative, as it allows us to live a life of purpose, passion, and fulfilment.

By acknowledging the brevity of our existence, we are motivated to shed the shackles of regret and actively engage with the world around us. Let us seize the day, inspire others, and create a legacy that reflects our unwavering commitment to embracing life’s possibilities.

For in the end, it is not the quantity of days we have lived, but the quality of moments we have experienced and the contribution we have made to making the world a better place that truly define the depth and meaning of our existence.