The signifance of the Rabacca Bridge

More than just a bridge!

There are very few large events in my lifetime that I allow pass without giving some attention. It is because of this that my grandmother has accused me on many occasions of ‘loving too much things’ as she would warn me repeatedly. Be it the visitation of Presidents and Prime Ministers, the memorable picketing by the ‘marijuana farmers association’, national gospel crusades, political rallies locally and regionally, local cultural events and more, I would see to it that I am there, sometimes to participate sometimes simply to observe. However, in all my excursions there is none that can ever be compared with the grand opening of the “Rabacca Bridge”.{{more}}

Being a resident on the Windward side of the island I was able to witness everything as it unfolded. From as early as Tuesday afternoon vendors were making their way to Rabacca, animals were being slaughtered in villages, persons were placing orders for buckets of ice in extremely large quantities, football games were being cancelled, and rum shop discussions were focused on one thing and one thing only, ‘The Bridge’. Yet one still could not have imagined the magnitude of the event that was to come. The question of the anticipated turnout was one that lingered in the minds of many, but by midday Wednesday, many questions found their answers. It was the largest crowd that I have ever witnessed and this tells us something. To create sufficient interest to attract approximately 45,000 – 50,000 to physically travel in one direction and assemble in one location for any one event must be seen as monumental and particularly so when one considers that our population size is under 120,000.

There is a thirst in our nation today for the sort of development which was brought about by the construction of the Rabacca bridge. What we witnessed in Rabbaca on Wednesday 28th was not simply the completed works of construction involving cement and steel, but it was an event touching and concerning a lifting of our spirits as a people united in the name of progress. It has given us greater confidence in our personal abilities to do good, and with such we must push ahead.

The bridge is important to our national development for many reasons, some of the more apparent are these:

Governance

• Allows government more access to residents north of the river, to continue development of infrastructure and service delivery.

• Strengthens the relationship between the administrative machinery of government and residents.

• Promotes government investment ‘north of the dry river’, e.g. low income housing, government property etc.

• Allows the government to better address resistance to reform in areas which may have been seen as remote, but were always prime for development.

Social

• The bridge removes a barrier in transportation for both residents north and south of the river

• In removing the barrier, it further opens access for citizens north and south of the river to interact and socialize at all levels.

• Residents north of the river have easier access to social services south of the river particularly at Georgetown, for example clinics/hospital, dentist, banks, court house, police station, supermarkets, pre-schools, primary and secondary schools

• Overall improved quality of life for residents, freedom to travel regardless of weather conditions

Economical

• Economic growth will increase when residents North of Rabacca embark on the establishment of more businesses and pursue entrepreneurial ventures since one of the major barriers in transportation is remedied.

• Fosters growth in the national economy with an increase in the volume of trade for example in the banana industry, and the tourism sector.

• Employment opportunities may improve north of the river.

• Vehicular owners can expect to sustain less damage to their vehicles and spend less money on vehicular repairs, since traveling in the river was a major cause for motor vehicular damage.

Recreational

• Citizens wishing to travel beyond the river for recreation would be free to doing so without fear of the river.

• Citizens would be able to make a connection in the history of St.Vincent and the Grenadines by visiting our indigenous settlement areas, purchasing indigenous food, arts/crafts and support local businesses there.

Despite the spirit of criticism, which is being reproduced in some quarters, we must not allow negativity to prevail over that which is positive. The “Rabacca Bridge” is an asset for all Vincentians and the most that we can wish is that our good Lord in heaven guide and protect it from all harm and danger so that its use will benefit many generations to come.