2008- A foundation set for success

The Government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have shown in 2008, through creative policies and programmes, that we are committed to making this island a better place to create and expand business, and to develop all areas touching and concerning our society. It is with this foundation in place that we must ensure that we continue to work forthrightly to enhance our nation’s long-term prosperity for 2009 and beyond.{{more}}

From the Budget of 2008, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been well placed to build a solid foundation by:

•  Demonstrating economic and fiscal leadership through efforts aimed at strategically working towards reducing national debt;

•  Strengthening Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ tax advantage by making the country a better place to work, save and invest;

•  Improving Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ competitiveness by developing the best-educated, most-skilled and most flexible workforce ever in the history of our nation; and

•  Promoting trade and investment intra-regionally and extra-regionally, as we continue to strengthen the chords of regional integration and our exercise of efforts to forge long lasting and mutually beneficial international strategic alliances.

We are living in an era where our nation is witnessing both the creation and use of a considerably revised version of an approach towards education. This new dispensation stands directly opposite to many past half hearted attempts conducted with little vision. As we strive for perpetual success, I wish all our students a year which is overflowing with the highest degrees of accomplishment in all their subject areas and fields of study. We must make our nation proud in 2009!

In 2009, we must continue to pursue a relentless search for positive youth development. Positive youth development is as a result of an intentional process that promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, relationships and the support to fully participate. Youth development takes place in our families, peer groups, schools, neighbourhoods and communities. Youth development is far too important to the advancement of our people to be left to chance. Hence, there is a need for more young persons to become actively involved in charting their future. The process of positive youth development begins with you!

When one is placed in a position to analyse our circumstances, it is clear that we have struggled with many misfortunes as a people, which is only natural as we strive to build and nurture a successful nation. His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie 1, speaking in his time on issues of faith and the centrality of God to the development of a nation, noted that: “Today man sees all his hopes and aspirations crumbling before him. He is perplexed and knows not whither he is drifting. But he must realize that the Bible is his refuge and the rallying point for all humanity. In it man will find the solution to his present difficulties and guidance for his future action, and unless he accepts with clear conscience the Bible and its great message, he cannot hope for salvation. For my part, I glory in the Bible.”

In a world of rising cost of living, and global threats to food security in varying respects, we have sought to conduct our business with a sense of distinction unmatched by attempts and circumstances which seek only to lead us into regression. Our steadfastness must continue in the New Year as we keep the flag of progress flying high in our nation. God’s blessings, and may we all have a blessed New Year.

Saboto Caesar is a Lawyer and Unity Labour Party Senator.