It’s the same wellness concept!

03.OCT.08

Editor: I often wonder why many issues of national importance get corrupted through political division. Let’s look at the Wellness campaign as a case in point.

The Wellness campaign is not unique to S.V.G.; other countries are also running the same campaign. Hence it is not totally a government initiative; it is a regional one.{{more}} Triviality has also helped to detract and demean this issue. The triviality is centered around the word “revolution”. Let us face the fact, whether it is called the “wellness campaign” or the “wellness revolution,” it is the same concept.

What the argument should be is whether the people and the government can deliver the goods to make the campaign work. Can we equip our hospital and clinic to offer outstanding health care? Is the education system ready to teach our children about nutrition and good hygiene? Are our people ready to embrace agriculture as an extremely important sector in this process? Is the economy strong enough to support the wellness initiative?

In closing, let me take this opportunity to disagree with Dr. Matthias. From what I have gathered, Dr. Matthias believes that viability is not a critical issue in the construction of the international airport. I disagree.

Let’s take Dr. Matthias’ supportive argument that what is important is the airport’s ability to attract foreign investments. In evaluating Dr. Matthias’ view, let’s look at this scenario. If the government earns $1,000,000 from foreign investment and loses $750,000 on the running of the airport, then the revenue of SVG will increase by $250,000. Hence the project is viable on a dollar basis. On the other hand, if the government earns $750,000 from foreign investment and loses $1,000,000 from the running of the airport, then the revenue of SVG will decrease by $250,000. Hence the project is not viable.

I, therefore, appeal to our intellectuals to be real so that we as a people can develop intellectually, socially and economically.

Minty