Congratulations, SVG!

Editor: It is with much delight and pleasure that on the 40th anniversary of the Independence of St Vincent and the Grenadines we can reflect on, thank and salute the many voices of the nation. I recall hearing many years ago that St Vincent has no history in its own right. During the 19th century James Anthony Froude had written that in the Caribbean “There are no people there, in the true sense of the word, with a character and purpose of their own.” We are reminded that the Caribbean’s own Vidia Naipaul stated that “History is built around creation and achievement, and nothing was created in the West Indies.”

Today, there are many voices in St Vincent and the Grenadines being projected loudly and clearly in local politics, culture, economics, sports, music, literary and social spheres. On October 27, 2019, let us celebrate these voices. Let us fill the airwaves with music as we lift our voices and sing the words of the late Vincentian musician Patrick “Pat” Prescod’s “The Right Hand of God” in thanksgiving for all that has been achieved in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since the nation’s independence. Let us move forward in creating and nurturing even more local voices that will add to the positive history and narrative of the nation.

Happy 40th anniversary of the Independence of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to all.

Congratulations !!

Cheryl Phills King