MESSAGE FROM HER EXCELLENCY DAME SUSAN D. DOUGAN, GCMG, OBE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, TO MARK THE 43RD ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES – 27TH OCTOBER, 2022

FELLOW VINCENTIANS, our nation celebrates 43 years of independence on 27th October, 2022. This is a time when we reflect on the past and celebrate our accomplishments, remember the sacrifice of generations of patriots who struggled to maintain peace, stability, economic prosperity and social well-being through their vision, stewardship, hard work, discipline and determination to promote a good life for all Vincentians.

Independence reminds us to recognise our national symbols of which we are justifi ably proud – our national anthem, national pledge, national bird, national flag, national dish, national festivals and our national hero.

Independence also reminds us that while we try to emulate the ideals of our past leaders and nation builders, we too must make a concerted effort to take charge of our own destiny, look for new opportunities amidst crises, be united and innovative in our approaches as we lay the foundation for future generations of Vincentians.

Today, we celebrate independence using the theme “Our Resilience, Our Fortitude, Our People,” amidst the challenges and hardships endured since 2020. These challenges and hardships, however, are not unique but are in one form or another, faced globally. The COVID-19 pandemic was universal in its devastation. Civil unrest besets many countries, while the brutal invasion of one country by another is causing untold suffering of many. The devastating climate events including floods, bush fires, hurricanes as well as natural disasters such as earthquakes and our own catastrophic eruption of La Soufrière volcano are all causes of human suffering.

Today, some of the most acute challenges of the 21st century that descended upon us mercilessly and curtailed many activities which we took for granted, for example, travel, and the opening of schools have subsided. These adversities almost brought socio-economic activities in the country to a standstill.

On an optimistic note, the COVID-19 pandemic and the volcanic eruption which tested our resilience have helped in fortifying our determination to manage the never-ending range of upheavals experienced by every Vincentian. The many initiatives implemented, including making emergency health care provisions, intensifying policies to soften the blow to ailing industries, providing incentives to farmers, fisherfolk and other self-employed persons are all part of the recovery process.

Throughout all of the obstacles faced, Vincentians showed remarkable resilience and fortitude in their ability to respond to adversity. They exhibited a level of determination and perseverance that perhaps was never seen in this country and which will always be remembered.

The rehabilitation of homes, schools and roads continues to provide comfort to our citizens. The government and policy makers must be applauded for responding to the many and varied needs of citizens. The international community must also be highly commended for the many areas of assistance they offered Vincentians especially during the period of the volcanic eruption.

Despite the many setbacks, fellow Vincentians, we should be inspired to believe that through God’s intervention all things are possible.

The fallout from the volcanic eruption has replenished nutrients in the soil and farmers are, hopefully, having bumper production of crops. We must give credit to our farmers, fishers, public servants and volunteers who continue to provide yeoman service to the country.

Today, we also recognise outstanding Vincentians who have made excellent contributions in various fields of endeavour, including culture, sports and education. We are also witnessing the increasing participation of women at the leadership and management levels in several organisations despite the odds.

Our resilience and fortitude will continue to be part of who we are as a people. We, however, have to remain strong to combat that which is bad. As a nation, we have to set goals that will redound to the benefit of all. We have to redouble our efforts to eradicate crime and violence, be more responsive to law and order and let the good in each of us vanquish that which is evil.

In this new period of transformation, we have to re-energise our people-friendly spirit of which we are wellknown. On this forty-third year of independence, let us plan ahead individually and collectively to create a St. Vincent and the Grenadines where we fulfil our obligation to generations to come by leaving them a safe, secure and beautiful environment to grow and thrive.

My family and I wish you a Happy Independence Day and may God continue to bless you all.