Neglected in Paradise – The joy of being cut off by a Dry River

EDITOR: Can you imagine seeing a coffin out of the ground every day for nearly four months; a coffin that was exposed by severe floods that also seriously damaged many houses and other infrastructure in your community? This is the reality of those in Sandy Bay and surrounding areas. The coffin and other morbid articles are still exposed at the London Cemetery.

I was left in extreme grief as I passed through the many villages located after the Rabacca Dry River, on my way to Fancy, with a family member from abroad on Thursday, March 2, 2017. It is nearly four months after the system that caused severe flooding there on November 26, 2016 and it is as if it just happened. My family member was also in shock. Sections of the roads are nearly impassable and a lack of proper re-enforcement leaves drivers holding on to faith as their only hope. What a shame and disgrace.

In a recent release by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society, it was stated that there will be a series of workshops to address the psycho-social issues that have arisen as a result of the damage in these areas. This is a great initiative. However, one may argue that the lethargic response to the rehabilitation of this area and neglect of its people has surely added insult to injury and has caused increased and unnecessary fatigue for our fellow Vincentians. What is quite interesting to note is that many of our indigenous people live in these areas. The area representative, Mr Montgomery Daniel, also lives in the area.

This month, March 2017, is National Heroes’ Month and it’s not too late to get things right. We have neglected our fellow Vincen­tians for too long. If actions speak louder than words, then our actions have been screaming.

The people north of the Rabacca Dry River are Vincentians,and should be treated as such. Speedy rehabilitation is necessary and these areas need our urgent attention, and action by all Vincentians, especially those who have been elected to do so. This is what is known as accountability. Let us not have our fellow Vincentians living in this manner for much longer. It is not right.

Christopher J Grant

Founder Peace4svg Initiative

Email: Peace4svg@gmail.com