The true reality of what faces us in SVG

EDITOR: I sat and listened to the Democratic National Convention in the United States of America and I was very touched by many of the speakers, especially the parents who recounted the stories of those who were killed or captured in Gaza in October, 2023.

I immediately felt the growing pain that many of us are continuing to endure here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, under the most depressing, uncaring, unpatriotic, selfish, and, may I add, vindictive and spiteful government. Tears ran from my eyes as I recalled the many teachers, police officers, and public servants who were fired because of this government’s vaccine mandate. I being one of them.

Many are still at home without a job, not knowing where their next means of income [is] coming from or how their bills and mortgages will be paid. I urge all Vincentians, especially the ULP supporters who think that this is normal, to stand up now and hold accountable those responsible for what is happening within the party that you support. Many of you are also feeling the economic pain: poor healthcare, poor security, high utility bills and not being able to send your children to school. Yet, you continue to support what is wrong. We are better than this ULP supporters; we are better than this as Vincentians. Let us, now more than ever, hold our leaders accountable for their wrongdoings. Failing to do so, what are we hoping to tell our grandchildren and great-grandchildren when many questions are posed to us? It’s clear that the Prime Minister is obsessed with power and does not have you nor your family at heart. After the boast of an economic take off many moons ago, our roads are at the worst in living memory, high unemployment, sky rocketing crime rate among our youths, the few jobs available are for family and friends. Our tourism and agricultural sector at a standstill. The time has come for you to look beyond party. We all deserve a high standard of life, not just some people. Let us all come together and take back this country so that there can be a greater opportunity for prosperity. As a former commissioner of police would say, “Do what is right and fear no one.”

Brenton Smith

Former Police Officer