2013 – a defining year; 2014 – what do you hold?

Tue Jan 07, 2013

Editor: I cannot remember a year during my short time on this earth where Christmas was so bleak and clouded with sadness. Christmas Day, to my recollection, has always been sunny, quiet, happy, filled with lots of food, cake, ham, drink and fun! But this year, we awoke to the news of death, destruction and disaster. My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones during this disaster and I hope that you are able to find peace in the midst of this storm.{{more}}

But maybe amidst the gloom, there were some bright spots. It is good to see our Caricom neighbours lending a hand. Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar made commitments to aid in the recovering and rebuilding; Grenada has assisted in sending water and supplies; Prime Minister Denzil Douglas committed to fund the efforts to the tune of One Million Dollars; and Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer of Antigua and Barbuda came to lend a helping hand. It is especially good to see Prime Minister Douglas giving amidst their own need. We all know of the debt problem St Kitts and Nevis is facing. It is also good to see the political maturity of Prime Minister Bissessar, especially after her 2010 ATM comment and her comments on the heels of the destruction caused by Hurricane Tomas. Maybe there is hope for CARICOM after all.

I must also commend all the groups and persons in St Vincent and the Grenadines and in the diaspora for mobilizing in the way they did. It proves that we are a resilient people, not easily broken. I hope we can take this into 2014, acknowledging that we must not constantly and consistently depend on the Government. Where there is a will, there is a way. I hope we are able to put the divisive politics behind us, fold and pack away the yellow and red shirts and help our neighbours, not nitpicking on petty issues or seeking political gain, but exhibiting genuine concern for the welfare of our fellow men. I anticipate what 2014 has in store. I look for the rebounding of our economy and people; the opening of the Argyle international airport; the continued development of our infrastructure; and continued sustainable development of sweet SVG. May God continue to bless our nation. Have a Blessed 2014.

Kezron J.S. Walters