Changes in changing times

The patriotic Vincentian who intends to become actively involved with charting the destiny of our people and our region, and the building of a modern Vincentian society, must feel both chastened and challenged by the verdict outlined in the final chapter of Dr. Eric Williams, From Columbus to Castro, entitled “The Future of the Caribbean”.{{more}} Dr. William’s observations were that-

“Dependence on the outside world in the Caribbean in 1969 is not only economic. It is cultural, institutional, intellectual and psychological. Political forms and social institutions, even in the politically independent countries, were imitated rather than created, borrowed rather than relevant, reflecting the forms existing in the particular metropolitan country from which they were derived. There is still no serious indigenous intellectual life.

Legal systems, educational structures and administrative institutions reflect past practices which are now being hastily abandoned in the metropolitan countries where they originated… . What then is the future of the Caribbean… .”

Thirty-eight years later brings us to today. What does our balance-sheet reveal? The Vincentian news casts this week were littered with issues ranging from the complexities of Constitutional reform, the many cries in parliament for a “home grown” constitution, praises offered for the achievements since independence, reflections on the dark periods of the immediate post-colonial period to present day, and poverty assessment, to the simple and finer points of the need to have our constitution drafted in a language so that the “common man” can understand his fundamental rights and freedoms.

These efforts are indeed commendable, and to be associated with such a process which is intended to have such a long lasting impact on our systems of governance can be described as nothing less than historical. Therefore we must do all within our power to ensure that the gains are properly cemented.

Regardless to whatever persuasion you may subscribe, we must at all times be aware that the process of Constitution reform is one that must not be allowed to escape us. The issue of Constitutional reform which addresses changes in the supreme laws of the land must never be slighted by the citizenry of any country. It is in this light that one should always be given the repeated encouragement that suggests that it is only if you keep yourself informed that you can comment intelligently on your nation’s decisions.

Many of the changes which have been recommended in the form of amendments are both material and welcomed. However they all will be implemented against a backdrop of profound and rapid change. In recent years we have seen the opening up of the world’s developed economies through the processes of globalization in an attempt to popularize the excesses of capitalism. Arguably, one consequence of this is that the role of Government, and of the services of particular States are slowly being reduced as the impacts of globalisation become more entrenched.

In our schools, a revolution in thinking is well underway. Our students have capitalised on many opportunities to study further and further afield. At home many aspects of our way of life are slowly becoming the subjects of in-depth research by and for our people. It is in this regard that there appears to be a genuine concerted effort to create an indigenous intellectual life which will be saturated with a wealth of experiences garnered from a wide cross-section of international experiences obtained when our students study in near and distant lands.

Realities are not static but are ever changing to accommodate the social, political and economic evolutions of man. Therefore the challenge becomes very apparent in circumstances when we attempt to apply ageless values to the new age we live in. It is with this in mind that every stroke of constitutional amendment in a bid to conduct a comprehensive reform process must be carefully attended to. The end result of this exercise should always be intended to fall within the noble ambition of the advancement of our Vincentian people. The reasons and efforts are not for selfish gains. Within the context of our mini-state jurisdictions the collective will and power of the people acting together is and forever will be necessary for the advancement of the human condition. Any other approach will fuel a process whereby those with the worst start in life end with the worst finish. In such a social environment only the elite fulfill their dreams. The current trends in our country are reflective of great levels of balance and equality in opportunities to achieve. In other words, the character of this new age is one of individual empowerment for the betterment of the whole. This plays a critical role in any attempt to construct an indigenous intellectual life.

According to a recent census, the majority of our population is comprised of youth. The role to be assumed by us will have an invaluable impact on both the macro and micro societal issues which today are arresting national attention. Our nation’s children and youth have been afforded the right to Universal Access to education. This in itself will help to reduce the disparities of wealth and power by providing our youth with skills to enable them to find a valued place in society. The immediate task remains – it is to build our youth product as far as humanly possible in order that their intellect, skills, aptitudes, vision, cultural awareness, energy, commitment and health will enable them to spearhead any effort to address issues of poverty alleviation and allow them to grapple with the many changes which we will have to face. It is therefore imperative that we change with the changing times.