Flambeau essays still relevant

EDITOR: In 2007, a trilogy on the re-publication of essays and commentaries that appeared in the “Flambeau” magazine between 1965 and 1968 in St Vincent and the Grenadines was completed. The first volume, entitled “Search for Identity” (2006), focused on St Vincent and the Grenadines. The second volume, “Quest for Caribbean Unity” (2006), focused on the wider Caribbean, as well as on philosophical and religious topics, among others. The third volume, “Home Sweet Home” (2007), focused on poems and short stories.

The contributors are mostly Vincentian-born, but there are a few invited contributors from other Caribbean countries, as well as from the USA and the former Yugoslavia. Many of the essays still have much relevance to today’s Caribbean society.  The tremendous hurdles that small island states confronted in the development process still exist today. Many of the essays provide a benchmark against which to judge the progress that has been made over the last 50 years in Caribbean society.

I would like to commend all of those early intellectuals who were willing to share their thoughts and ideas on the development of the country and the region. Thanks to Dr Kenneth John for the foresight in undertaking and preserving that very worthwhile initiative.

The reissuance of the articles found in “Flambeau” was made more readily available to the public, in the hope that they would be inspirational to future generations.

I take this opportunity to encourage more such groupings and publications which would share constructive thoughts and ideas for the future development of the nation and the region.

Thanks to Sir James Mitchell and Dr the Hon Ralph Gonsalves for their documented contributions to Vincentian literature and the expression of their thoughts on development.

Everyone has a role to play in investigating the challenges of development and finding solutions for charting the way forward positively in the country and the Caribbean. May these efforts assist in furthering the cause of a better life for all.

Cheryl Phills King