Our second St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Our second SVG is the Vincentian community overseas. It is over 200 years old and it is asking some penetrating questions. This 2nd SVG began when the British invaders and dictatorship, in the quest to ease their control over the territory Yuroumein, decided to exterminate our Garifuna and Garinahu citizens and rulers.{{more}} The long and short of it is that they dumped the militant nationalists on Balliceaux island to perish, then on 11 March, 1797, shipped off the remnant to the islands of the Western Caribbean, off Honduras. End of story. But, in the science of physics, they tell us that every action brings with itself an opposite reaction. Such export – exile – migration and movement of Vincentians has made a 2nd SVG develop. It is not too far fetched to say that those in power are able to dominate more easily when they provide conditions which entice or run our people overseas.

Many large emigration episodes were the result of social and political economic constraints. When the growth opportunities after the 1838 emancipation closed down, the tough times sent people overseas. The colonial dictatorship also enticed Vincentians into Britain after the war in Europe wrecked Britain and it needed emergency assistance.

The 2nd SVG has become a people as a result of this constant and at times flooding flow of Vincentians overseas. They live their lives in one place, but their “navel string” has a magnetic pull. And so, after 150 years of sending things and money home, of shipping supplies and giving service, and scholarships, of contributing to causes and political parties with money, materials and men; after 150 years of investing in family, and other enterprises, SVG 2 is experiencing the dawn of a dream. It wants a transition from merely transferring greater quantities of ‘tings’ from SVG 2 to SVG 1. The disturbing dream is about a new quality in the relationship. SVG 2 wants to move beyond being a charity.

CHATOYER 2

The dream is not entirely new. I am sure it was there in the thinking and work of activists like the late Sylvia Wilson, Alfie Roberts and others. Now, it is becoming organic. A movement is growing and a quiet mission by 3 persons from the New York Diaspora committee just returned home after meeting and sharing with groups here about their dream, their objective and their strategy for a development bond between SVG 2 and SVG 1. They have national liberation on their minds.

One year ago, I received a 26-page paper with the title ‘SVG Diaspora Policy Paper’. I read it. Here was a serious effort to think new thoughts, to ask ‘Why Not’, and to make specific and concrete proposals. I asked myself this: how come these Diaspora people from SVG 2 are thinking bigger than us here on the ground in SVG 1? I will tell you my conclusion. I told myself that the people who worked on this Policy Paper were 200 years old. They were taking up where Chatoyer and co left off. They want the Nation built by just a government or a party! I wish you could get a copy yourself. I am sure that the RIDU of Ambassador Ellsworth John has copies.

This policy Paper – Let us call it the “Chatoyer Paper” – “focuses on 3 main areas: Social Development, Economic and Business Development, and Governance and Political Development”. Shortly after I received this Chatoyer Paper I traveled abroad, so I do not know what the RIDU did with it, but clearly SVG 2, our second SVG, is asking us some new questions, like “Should SVG 1 also prepare a Chatoyer Paper? Why not. Tell me”.

When the British dictatorship over SVG in March 1797 sent our 1st citizens into exile, they set loose a something that is growing big.

Today, we have new Chatoyers – of both genders – proclaiming that a new SVG bonded across the seas and oceans, is calling us out to continue the struggle for national liberation. It will not be easy. Dictators still hover.

Oscar Allen is a farmer, local preacher and community activist.