NEW YORK, CM C – St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS), Louanne Gilchrist, says the country’s independence trajectory “has been and still is fraught with obstacles and challenges.”
St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrates its 45th anniversary of political independence from Britain on October 27. Gilchrist, speaking at an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving, said that the country, which gained its political independence in 1979, “began its steady and sure-footed journey to adulthood, maturity, and self-determination.
“The trajectory has been and still is fraught with obstacles and challenges, chief among which is climate change, with its devastating economic effects,” said Gilchrist, St. Vincent and the Grenadines High Commissioner to Canada.
“Compounding the impact of these barriers to development and progress are the contracting fiscal space in which our small island developing state operates, the diminution of foreign assistance, and the instability in the geo-political sphere.
“On this latter point, in this global village, no event, whether it is a climate-related occurrence or a war, leaves us, a tiny island state nestled in the Caribbean basin, unaffected,” the diplomat said.
“The nefarious tentacles of the conflicts in the east touch our daily lives in many ways – whether by affecting the supply chains and increasing inflation or by skewing the balance of power and dismantling the established order, which seeks to maintain good relations among states, thus eroding international relations and threatening the sovereignty of small states. We exist in a high-risk, multi-hazard world, and so we must seek to protect life and limbs in every regard.
“In this context, it is essential for us as Vincentians to recognize the importance of living in a stable democracy and safeguarding our sovereignty. As we celebrate 45 years of sovereignty, let us continue to celebrate our existence and support our youth, promote inclusive education, creativity, and innovation, and excel internationally.”
Gilchrist urged Vincentians to remain rooted in their identity and to recognize and honor those who elevate the Caribbean country through their accomplishments in various disciplines and their works of charity.
“As Vincentians in the North American space, you have an important role to fulfil in ensuring that you support one another through the various Diaspora organizations and create opportunities for economic development and participation in the legislative processes that affect your daily lives, living, and productivity.”
Gilchrist praised those in the diaspora for their “enduring commitment to the development of our country and for your generous support to various individuals, groups, and organizations, especially during these challenging times of need.
“Our recognition and appreciation are extended to your friends and associates who continue to join you in your relief drives and nation-building work. In equal measure, I sincerely desire that you, your family, and your community enjoy success and bounty in all your undertakings and endeavors.
“As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of independence, we give thanks for the multiple blessings bestowed upon our nation, government, and people,” the ambassador added.
In his message, Consul General to the United States, Rondy McIntosh, said that “a family that prays together, stays together,” telling congregants that he saw them “as my family, not because we share common ancestry or bloodline, but because we share one God and one country we call our home…
“This is a critical time in our history as Vincentians. Over the last four years, we were battered and bruised by disaster after disaster. It’s almost as if someone is testing our resilience to see how we would weather the many storms of life.
“It is times like these that reinforce my belief that there is a God and that he is alive,” he added. “We went through the COVID-19 pandemic, and only a small number of people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines died, which reinforced my belief that there is a God and that he is alive.”
He recalled that when the La Soufriere volcano erupted earlier this year, “not a single life was lost,” adding, “That reinforced my belief that there is a God and that he is alive.”
He recalled that four months ago, Hurricane Beryl battered St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and he expressed a “heartfelt thank you to every single Vincentian who contributed to the various relief drives across the United States” following the storm’s passage.
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