Salute pioneers at Independence

Editor: On October 27, 2005, St.Vincent and the Grenadines will be celebrating 26 years of independence.

This month let us take the time to thank some very independent pioneers in community and nation-building in St.Vincent. Some have gone on but their efforts have not been in vain. {{more}}

I speak of such persons as Mrs. Shirley Squire, Mrs. Edna Dougan, Mrs. Lucy Cato, the late Mrs. Beryl Stephens, Mrs. Phyllis Punnett and Mrs. Edith Toney. On my visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines this summer for the Villagers reunion, it was very sad to read in the newspapers of the week of July 1, 2005, of the closing of the Calliaqua Day Nursery and Pre-School.

One paper mentioned that the school had been in existence for forty years. Many persons have been involved in this endeavour over those years and the names of Mrs. Sheila Regis and Mrs. George Phillips come to mind, also the late Mr. George Phillips and Mr. Crispin Gurley.

The concept of child-care for working mothers in the community of Calliaqua and its environs was a novel idea inaugurated and implemented by a group of selfless citizens who served the community and nation well with love and dedication. They volunteered their time and skills to help so many children over so many years. Of course, such a place could not have existed for forty years without the hard work of many people and we salute and thank them all.

We also salute all of the other independent pioneers in other areas of SVG who are making a contribution to the lives of others and to the development of the country.

Congratulations to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the attainment of 26 years of Independence this month.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Phills King