Be proud of our accomplishments
Messages
October 25, 2013
Be proud of our accomplishments

Fri Oct 25, 2013

MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY
SIR FREDERICK N. BALLANTYNE, G.C.M.G., MD, DSc,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
TO MARK THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
OF ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
27TH OCTOBER, 2013

My fellow Vincentians, as we celebrate the 34th year of our Independence it is not only a time for festivities, but a time for serious reflection as we prepare to do battle with the forces which confront us daily.

We need, as a people, to be proud of our accomplishments and pay homage to all of our forefathers who battled against adverse forces to guarantee our freedom and set the foundation for our development as proud Caribbean peoples.{{more}}

Today, our greatest challenge is the serious economic crisis facing our small nation. Although this situation is not of our making, we must admit that almost every household feels its adverse effect and already we are faced with loss of basic income and shortages of jobs.

More than ever, we need to be acutely aware that these ill effects are harsher for the poor, the aged, the handicapped and all those marginalized in the society.

I continue to be of the opinion that major issues like these can only be adequately addressed through co-operation between all sections of the society and although the way forward is difficult and full of obstacles, we have the resolve to overcome all these difficulties and forge a better, more productive society for all Vincentians.

It is my fervent hope that at this time, we can find it within ourselves to overlook the minor differences which tend to separate us and come together for the common good.

My family and I wish all Vincentians a safe and blessed Anniversary of Independence, filled with God’s richest blessings.