We belong to one sovereign nation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE 2025 from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council

MY DEAR BROTHERS and sisters in Christ, Today, as we mark 46 years of independence, we give thanks to God for His sustaining grace upon our beloved Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Preamble of our Constitution reminds us that our nation is founded on belief in the supremacy of God and on the freedom and dignity of every person. As we celebrate the 46th anniversary of our independence under the theme “Celebrating Our Identity Inspiring Our Future,” we rejoice in the rich tapestry that makes us Vincentians: indigenous peoples, and peoples of African, European, and Asian descent. We belong to one sovereign nation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

As we mark this day with pride and thanksgiving, we also note that a general election is expected later this year. The Christian Council asks all believers to pray for a peaceful, respectful, and orderly process.

Let our patriotism show itself not in division, but in civility, in calm words, honest conduct, and respect for one another’s dignity and rights.

Let us reflect on the call to Christian unity. We belong to God, and because we belong to God we share a responsibility to protect and nurture the unity given to us in Christ, even though we are of different backgrounds or political views. Ephesians 4:3 urges us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Unity is not uniformity; it is a discipline of love, prayer, dialogue and service. As Pope Francis has reminded the world, “Unity is a journey lived by walking, praying and working together”. Christian unity calls us to love our neighbour. Leviticus 19:18 teaches, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Our neighbour

can be anyone in need, anyone with a different opinion, or anyone whose status differs from ours.

Psalm 133:1 declares, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity”. Let us be compassionate, humble, and ready to serve one another, following the scriptural example found in Romans 12:10 and 1 Peter 3:8.

On this Independence Day we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who secured our independence.

True freedom includes both political and religious liberty. As followers of Christ, we commit anew to advocate for the vulnerable, to care for our neighbours in need, and to be a light in our communities.

Psalm 33:12 reminds us, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”.

We remember with compassion, those still affected by the passage of Hurricane Beryl even as we give thanks for the resilience of our people and the outpouring of support. We also give thanks for signs of economic growth, praying that development will bring opportunities for all Vincentians, especially our young people, who carry the hopes of tomorrow.

May God bless Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with peace, wisdom, and unity. Amen.

Happy Independence!!!