(Excerpts of National Heroes’ Day Address by Dr. the Hon. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition)
In our daily lives today, we have been able to rely on the efforts and kindness of everyday heroes up and down the country, who too often go unnoticed and unheralded but who, in important ways, walk in the footsteps of Chatoyer and our Garifuna ancestors.
Today, as Vincentians, we look to the spirit of Chatoyer for inspiration as we seek to protect what we have while we strive for better. In true Chatoyer spirit, we recognise that we have a duty to do much more and build on his legacy.
Our country has faced so much hardship over the past few years, overcoming COVID-19 and responding to the eruption of La Soufrière and the subsequent difficulties; the high rate of homicides; and the ongoing hunt for jobs that so many face. For me, as for so many people across our land, Chatoyer’s example and spirit gives us the strength to push forward. So even when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, we keep moving ahead.
We have seen people – everyday heroes – in our communities step forward to do what is needed when the moment arises. These heroes don’t have big names. They do not boast of what they have done. They are members of our communities, our churches, our workplaces, our families who work to make our lives and our country better.
Public servants who work tirelessly to ensure we get the services we need to keep our lives on track. They are responsible for seeing people receive their pay, that businesses can import and export goods, that roads and other infrastructure get built. Our police officers who do much with so little. Yet, if we are to turn the tide against violent crime and thefts of all sorts, we expect them to do much more. They put themselves at risk to help to make us safe. And we are grateful.
Teachers – the unsung heroes of communities throughout our country are building the future of our nation every day when they spend time with our children. They inspire our young people and give them knowledge and skills to build lives for themselves and strive for a bright future. Without teachers, there would be no heroes of tomorrow.
The relentless work of farmers in sun and rain – to put food on our table and provide produce to export. They are not given enough praise. Fisherfolk face rough seas so we can eat. They have been neglected for too long and do not get the respect and support they are due. Let us recognize that they too are our heroes.
Business owners who have energy and drive to set up businesses generating employment and opportunity for our people. They build the private sector that is needed for our economy to grow and for our country to be prosperous. Doctors and nurses and other health professionals who are working every day, often in challenging conditions, to protect the health of our people, young and old.
The volunteers who help manage sports events, who help care for others, and who protect our environment are indispensable to us. They don’t often hear this from the rest of us. Let us tell them now for they can literally save lives. They act when they see the need to act, as in my own community in Bequia recently where there was a terrible plane crash in which four people died. Without thinking of themselves, local divers and other volunteers went into the sea to try to save lives and, failing that, to recover the bodies of those who had perished.
When all is said and done, the acts of all these everyday heroes are centred around making our country better; making it worthy of our ancestors who dreamed of it. So, let us look with optimism to rest of the year and beyond. In the spirit of Chatoyer and our Garifuna ancestors, let us not be deterred by the odds, even when appear insurmountable.
We have our history to give us courage to persevere and belief in ourselves to triumph. Remember, just over 2000 Garifuna people were shipped off to central America. Against unimaginable odds, they not only survived they flourished. That is what we can and must celebrate. They are part of us.
National conversation with business community
President of the New Democratic Party (NDP), the Hon. Dr Godwin Friday, has launched the National Conversation with the business community where we will discuss the party’s proposals to build a thriving domestic business community.
Dr Friday said, “If we want to create thousands of new and better paid jobs, and create opportunities, we need a thriving domestic business community. The ULP has failed to build a strong local private sector. This is not a case of choosing between foreign direct investment and building a strong local business community; we can and must do both.”
Dr. Friday added, “Under an NDP government, building a strong business community, with Vincentians building their future in SVG, will be one of our highest priorities. Creating an environment that support local businesses to start and grow will be critical as it will create new jobs, higher wages and build a future for everyone.”
He continued, “We have set out our proposals to start to build a stronger domestic business community, but we want to go further. We are starting a national consultation. Over the coming weeks, candidates of our party will be out in the community meeting local business owners and prospective business owners to discuss our ideas and seek insight from business people.”
The NDP has also initiated an online survey on doing business in SVG. Anyone can reach out to us to speak directly or fill out the survey on our party’s website and Facebook page.