Independence activities, an outburst of patriotism

The government and, we dare say, the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, must be feeling rather pleased with the outcome of last weekend’s culmination of Independence activities. In particular, last Sunday’s big Independence parade, the annual highlight of the activities, drew a tremendous response, justifying the changeover from the usual morning parade.

That patriotic feel-good response,in which Vincentians in the diaspora also became engaged, must not be taken for granted. It is important to review the programme, identify the areas of success and weakness and even now begin the planning to build on this year’s apparent success.

We must be aware that next year’s activities will be the last before the next general elections. There will be more than just a temptation on the part of the government to try and capitalize on them in a somewhat partisan manner. Let us stick to our pledge to put country before party, and our National Independence celebrations is a perfect opportunity to do so.

There are two aspects of the celebrations which however raise some concern. The first is the repeated reluctance of much of the business community in playing its part in promoting a patriotic atmosphere. This has long been an element of the annual activities demonstrated by a low-key response to engage in exhibiting buntings, flags and lighting to help to promote the patriotic feeling. What can be the reason for this? Is it a manifestation of dissatisfaction on the part of many in the business community, and if so, what is the reason for this? Does it have a partisan basis? Or worse, is our national independence not considered worthy of some promotional expense? This has been happening to one degree or another for some time, but it is important that it be addressed.

The other matter relates to an issue repeatedly raised publicly by Prime Minister Gonsalves. Before we comment on it, let us give the government much credit for its response to the hurricane Beryl destruction. It is not an easy task, given our repeated setbacks over the years from natural disasters in particular. Undoubtedly, there have been shortcomings and criticisms, deserved or not, but overall, there has been a commendable response to the credit of the administration.

The matter to which we refer, concerns the repeated admission by the Prime Minister of a shortage of workers, and contractors for the rebuilding programme to the extent that he used his Independence address to again appeal to contractors and workers to register for the programme.

Now, what can be the basis for this reluctance? One would think that in a country in which there are persistent complaints about unemployment, the opportunity would be seized to take advantage of these offers of employment. Why then the persistent shortage? Similarly, it puzzles us that the PM is appealing to local contractors to register and join in the national effort. After all, it is not unpaid labour, so why the reluctance?

There has been no official comment as to the basis of this reluctance, but it is a matter which must be aired, investigated and addressed, lest we find ourselves in a situation of importing expertise and labour from outside the country with all the concomitant problems that would arise.