(Excerpts of Dr. Godwin Friday’s Presentation at the Hope Rally Pt.2)
Young People
Young people, I have a special message for you. You are here tonight in great numbers. I want you to realize that you have the power to change things in this country. You have that power! When you are motivated and decide to move together for change, you are an unstoppable force that no one can ignore. I believe that you have arrived at that point.
I met a young man recently. We spoke briefly, and I listened to him intently. At the end of our talk, as he turned to leave, he put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Friday, Leh we mek a change!” I was moved, for he did not say, as many do, ‘All yo’ must change the government. He did not merely say, as some do: ‘The country needs a change.’
Rather he said, “Leh we mek a change.” That means he would take part in making change happen. That is reason for Hope. And I believe in you, our young people, that you will realize your power and use it wisely to bring positive change in our country. Nice time is not the only time; there is also the time to work for what we want. It is my hope that you will decide to move together, as an unstoppable force for change. I need you! Our country needs you!
The NDP with me as political leader is the only vehicle to take us to that change. It pains my heart when young people say they don’t want anything to do with politics and say that government doesn’t help them so what is the point of voting; when they say politicians are all the same, meaning that they lie and break promises. I hear you. And I understand your doubt.
For too long, you have been let down by Gonsalves and the ULP. You see your former schoolmates leaving to go abroad to look for work, because nearly half of the young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are unemployed. Ten (10) CSEC subjects and there (3) CAPE passes or associate degrees and you can’t find work. But, don’t judge me by their bad leadership and poor representation; their bad example of governance. I am not like that. I am better than that. Let me show you that I will make things better!
Four Pillars of the Economy
For us to have a bright future we must have a strong economy. To create jobs, business opportunity and prosperity, I have a plan to build the four (4) essential pillars of our economy:
Agriculture: support for farmers; credit; reliable markets; new technologies; stop praedial larceny.
Tourism: help for local operators; improve air transport; improve sites; improve marketing.
Blue Economy: focus on fishing; yachting; Ottley Hall dry-dock/ship repair.
The New Economy: IT sector; sports, entertainment, handicraft etc.
Our people must be at the center of it and benefit most from it. Given the chance, our people can provide for their families and not be reduced to begging.
Vision of Hope
Our country may be broken and divided now, but our spirit remains strong. We believe in God. We believe in ourselves. We have hope! Give me the chance to show you what our country can be; that it can be better. Doing better starts with an attitude of caring about people, with a true and loving heart.
You can’t grin and fake it. People will know that you are lying; that you are a fraud. I love my country; I love our people. That is genuine from my heart. From the warm smiles, many handshakes, and strong embraces I get from so many of you all over the country, I know you love me too. And I am grateful for that. But, as the song says, now that we’ve found love what do we do with it? I say, let it brings us together, to work together and do some real good for our country. That must be our mission.
Do you want a government that puts the people first and delivers what it says? Do you want a government to fight crime instead of blaming others? Do you want a government that will put money in your pocket to pay your bills? Do you want a government that will end the persecution of public sector workers? The answer always is yes! But it can only come after removing the ULP from office. So let us come together and get the job done.
Conclusion
Let us sustain and nourish Hope. From now on, let us agree we need to make a fresh start. And let us commit ourselves to doing it. With renewed energy and desire, let us bring about the much-needed, long-delayed change we need. I am willing and able to lead the way. And with God’s grace and your trust and help. I will.
We have roads, bridges, and jetties to repair; homes and communities to make safe; clinics and hospitals to equip and supply; a damaged society to heal; jobs to create and a dying economy to revive. In short, we have our country to build.
It has been my privilege and honour to serve you all these years. But I want to do more. Because more is needed. As Prime Minister, I will be able to do it. I invite you to embrace the opportunity and join me in changing the government so that we can start the process of transforming our country for the better.
This is not a time for fears and doubts; it is a time for courage and action; your action and mine. Each of us must take the responsibility to do what is required and make the change happen. As the young man said to me, “Leh We Mek a Change” for all of us.
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