Completing Anti-Colonial Tasks

It is true that the number one task facing our people and country now is the gigantic one left in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, one we have identified with what we call the 3Rs (Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction). Yet that does not mean that we have no time for anything else, because reconstruction for instance cannot be on the old basis. Surely, we must be able to, as is increasingly being said these days, “walk and chew gum at the same time”.

This coming week marks the end of Emancipation Month and is only two months away from the 45th anniversary of our independence. It ought to remind us of the many tasks of decolonization still unfulfilled and not needing millions of dollars ($US, if you please). We can find time to take note and act on these matters for there is evidence that we still have enough dedicated patriots to do so.

Just last week there came reminders from two of our neighbours, at the highest level at that, about the importance of continuing the decolonization process. In St. Lucia for instance, Prime Minister Phillip Pierre, on behalf of the Government and People, donated the sum of EC $20,000 to the local Rastafarian movement to support activities organized to commemorate the life and work of the great Pan Africanist, Marus Garvey. It is useful to observe that Saint Lucia has one of the more active Reparations Movements in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister, Keith Rowley last Sunday announced that his government has taken the decision to change the Coat of Arms, existing since colonial times. The change involves removing Columbus’ notorious three ships and replacing them by the national instrument, the steel pan.

To these acts we can add an excellent comment by local historian, Dr Adrian Fraser in last Friday’s edition of the SEARCHLIGHT newspaper. His comments were on the emptiness of the words of our national anthem, contrasting it to the patriotic and inspiring anthems of many other former colonies. Any examination of those lyrics will reveal not only the barren nature, but also the condescending tone, particularly in relation to the Grenadines. He also points to the lack of inspiration to our people, leaving us up to fate- and “our faith will see us through”. Our Prime Minister, borrowing from the Biblical admonition, constantly reminds us that faith must be backed up by action.

We are in the unenviable position of having tried an over-ambitious overhaul of the Constitution, which was rejected in a referendum, as well as several efforts at trying to achieve consensus on such issues as national dress, national dish etc., all seemingly minor but important elements of our national psyche. The national anthem, Coat of Arms and renaming of symbols and place names are important too.

Sadly, we have allowed such matters to fall into the realm of partisan politics and with an Opposition seemingly uncommitted to those tasks, we are left with many unfinished tasks. Clearly, we have gone off track, but it is not too late to change tack and regroup, to get appropriate structures and committed people in place. Action speaks louder than words!