Governor General’s Deputy urges perseverance at Thanksgiving Service

As St Vincent and the Grenadines prepares to celebrate its 45th anniversary of political independence, Vincentians are being called upon to persevere.

This was the thrust of an address from the Governor General’s Deputy, Dawn Smith, at the National Independence Thanksgiving Service at the Kingstown Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon, October 20, 2024, held under the theme, “45 years of togetherness, prosperity and perseverance”.

“We must never give up when things seem hard,” the official stated, Despite the problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the eruption of La Soufriere and damage from Hurricane Beryl, “The government continues to persevere in its rebuilding efforts.”

She stressed that the only way success can be achieved is through perseverance, as perseverance teaches people to be strong, brave, and patient.

The Governor General’s Deputy called on Vincentians to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who persevered through pain, sorrow, and adversity.

“Are we following his example?” she asked.

Smith appealed for the nation to “continue to persevere in strengthening our unity and diversity, so that we can create a stronger and more prosperous nation.”

As the nation prepares to celebrate our 45th Independence anniversary, the Governor General’s Deputy said, “Our hearts should be filled with pride and joy for our nation.”

“This is not just a celebration of past achievement; it is also a reminder to us as citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadine to examine our achievements and accomplishments over the past 45 years.”

Reflecting on the theme, Smith said togetherness is all embracing and “it plays a vital role in ensuring peace in our society and allows us to accomplish the impossible.”

She added, “If we work together, we can achieve a common goal, even though the path may be rough and the ups and downs unbearable, in the end success is achieved.”

Speaking to the Independence theme Smith pointed out that prosperity is more than wealth.

She said prosperity is achieved “when all people have the opportunity to prosper.”

In his welcome remarks at Sunday’s Thanksgiving Service, Superintendent Minister of the Kingstown Chateaubelair Circuit of the Methodist Church, Rev Philbert Delaney, said, “We need to persevere as a people whom God has called with a purpose, especially at this time in our history”.