KINGSTON, St. Vincent, CMC – The Director General of the St. Lucia-based Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr. Didacus Jules, on Monday extended congratulations to St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the member state of the sub-regional grouping celebrates its 46th anniversary of political independence from Britain.
“Today, we gather as one people to celebrate 46 years of independence. Forty-six years of perseverance, pride, and progress. Our theme this year, “Celebrating Our Identity-Inspiring Our Future,” captures perfectly who we are and what we continue to strive for: a nation confident in its roots, united in purpose, and hopeful for tomorrow. “
Jules said that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has always been more than a cluster of islands, saying it is the heartland of the Garifuna people, whose fusion of African and Indigenous heritage gave birth to a proud identity forged in resistance and courage.
“It is the land of roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish, symbols of our resourcefulness and our joy in the simple pleasures that make us who we are. As we look back on these 46 years, we see not just the passage of time, but the progress of a people- steadily defining their place in the world while never losing sight of what makes them Vincentian.”
Jules also recognized the island’s achievements in healthcare and investment in education, positioning it as a model of resilience and transformation within the OECS region.
“The future of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines depends on how it educates, empowers, and inspires its citizens, especially our youth. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines leads the OECS in investment in education and in healthcare, especially in critical areas such as pediatric and diabetic foot care.
“May this Independence remind us that we are the heirs of a proud legacy and the architects of an even brighter tomorrow. Together, we can continue to celebrate who we are, and together, we will keep inspiring the future we deserve,” he said.
Meanwhile, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, said that the regional integration grouping “continues to benefit from the leadership and contributions of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“Your recent implementation of the full free movement regime, alongside three other CARICOM member states, clearly demonstrates your country’s longstanding commitment to regional integration. This complements the staunch advocacy for intra-regional connectivity that St. Vincent and the Grenadines holds responsibility for as lead Head of Government for Transport (Maritime and Aviation) in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet,” Barnett said in a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
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