Thanks, Please, and Belated Condolences

I try very hard not to have the contents of this column revolve around me but rather on what I consider to be matters of public concern. In the case of this week however, I beg the understanding of readers to deviate slightly, and, in the process offer apologies for postponing the continuation of last week’s column, (TIME FOR INTROSPECTION) until next week, health and life permitting.

I wish to use today’s column to express my public thanks and appreciation for the kind words of support and appreciation I have already received on the announcement of the publication of the first in a series, entitled REFLECTIONS. These are meant to draw further attention to issues on which I have been writing in various newspapers over the past half a century, hopefully exposing young readers to them for the first time, as well as appetisers to a larger publication based on my life’s experiences over the years.

I was particularly supported in these efforts by a small team of dedicated Vincentian professionals who in fact were the inspiration for the publications and who, not only nudged me in that direction, but accompanied me all the way. To them I give eternal credit, and I look forward to their accompaniment on the rest of the journey. Of course, my family has been supportive all the way, for which I am naturally grateful, but no thanks can be sufficient for this team. I could not have succeeded without their support and collective wisdom.

For me it is also a demonstration of what patriotism means and how more and more we can collaborate to write OUR STORY and spur indigenous development and the participation of civil society in shaping our future. For all my public life, I have advocated civil society collaboration and action. This publication is one such manifestation and I am proud to have been a part.

At the same time, let me, while again saying a public and heartfelt THANKS, ask readers to save some of your energies for some deserving causes. Could I ask you, PLEASE to: Spare some time and effort to see what can be done by us all for the people of our sister island of Cuba, a people and a government who have helped us tremendously over the years, beginning in modern times by coming to our assistance in sending us relief supplies after the volcanic eruption of 1979, when even our government was reluctant to accept for fear of displeasing our “Western friends”. That fear continues up to today, not in our government, but in many people who should know better. However, for one reason or another they are not only reluctant to call for an end to the criminal blockade of Cuba by the government of the USA, which has not only been enduring for over 60 years, but which lies at the root of the horrific situation facing the Cuban people. Those of us not afraid to stand up with most of the humankind in calling for an end to the embargo and the ridiculous designation of Cuba as a “State sponsor of terrorism”, can also now go one simple step further.

PLEASE, let us take more direct action to help the embattled Cuban people. I have written to the local Cuban Friendship Society asking that they approach the Government via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a joint campaign and appeal for assistance in whatever practical form to assist Cuba. It is true that Government has sent assistance to Cuba previously to help, but it has largely been a rather quiet affair. Can we not do a truly Vincentian mobilization, even centred around a public event, encouraging all, including the Opposition, Private sector, religious community to give our support? Is that too much to demonstrate our solidarity with Cuba? I beg you, PLEASE.

In addition to the criminal embargo, Cuba has suffered several natural disasters, including being hit by Two hurricanes in recent weeks. PLEASE, let us prioritise this act of humanity over the countless chatter about Trump, Harris and the US elections. The plight of the Cuban people is dire.

As we speak of solidarity let us not forget, even it is in our prayers, the Palestinian people in the Middle East, victims of unprecedented daily massacres seen every day on our television screens. Can our religious leaders, PLEASE organize even a Day of Prayer, for the people of Jesus Christ. Have we lost our consciences or repugnance of evil?

Finally, let me end with belated words of condolences to the bereaved families of the late Pastor George Frederick, a true Christian in practice, and Tony Walrond of Pauls Avenue.

I have written in recent times about Pauls Lot/Avenue, and in this case I do so with sadness. In the case of the Walronds, I not only taught Tony’s father, national footballing luminary Seymour, better known as “Rollit”, but his father’s sisters as well, all products of the neighbouring Bishop’s College Kingstown. It must be devastating for “Rollit” to lose his first-born after losing his beloved wife, Aldith. But let me end by invoking a favourite saying from another well-known, now deceased Paul’s Lot resident, the famed taxi-driver Percy Walker. Percy was no stranger to tragedy, losing three of his sons in tragic circumstances. When one commiserated with him, he would reply, “God doesn’t give a man more than he could bear”. I end with Percy’s philosophy.

• Renwick Rose is a Social and Political commentator.