By Dr. Richard A. Byron-Cox
In SVG, we generally prefer to see the flaws, not the merits of others, and it appears that one only gains national appreciative attention if successful in politics or sports. Consequently, there are many who toil day in day out, doing their best for this country with zeal and purpose, never receiving any thanks. Patriotic teachers, nurses, and many “ordinary” workers “bend over backwards” serving, “grâce à” their sense of patriotic responsibility, i.e., their commitment to the enterprise of national development, without thought for great rewards, commendations, or even an applause. These honest servants see patriotism not as a slogan to promote personal agendas, and hoodwink an unsuspecting public to satisfy desires for self-aggrandisement. No. For them, this is compulsory civic duty. Mr. Garnes Byron, and Ms. Yoland London are two of these humming engines of what I term “living patriotism.”
Byron is a Vincentian living in the USA. His love for the land of his birth, inspires his active participation in organisations operating in his adopted homeland, committed to the betterment of Yurumei. He has worked and continues so to do in bodies such as Friends of The Argyle International Airport USA, which contributed over US 30 thousand to the construction of this project, indispensable to our nation’s future. He is a member of the SVG Relief Community, which provides assistance during times of national disasters. Through individual efforts, and in cooperation and collaboration with others in the diaspora, he has assisted from the Police Force, to the Calliaqua Anglican School (CAS), providing computers, document scanners, PA systems and more. He is presently working with SVG’s Consul General to the USA, Rondy Mc Intosh, to start a lawn tennis programme for CAS; hospitals and clinics shall soon be recipients of medical supplies being sourced by him; and he has joined hands with several home-based individuals and organizations to provide school supplies to needy children. There is more that this patriot does in the interest of the Home of The Blessed, including his efforts with the Vincy Day Committee, all done without fanfare and desire for personal gain, renumeration or adulation. He is happy to remain incognito. This “Vincy-to-the-bone” lives John F. Kennedy’s mantra, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”. This all amounts to living patriotism.
Ms London works on the ground in various fields including sports (football, netball, cricket and athletics); community development (refurbishing and repainting homes for the disabled, distribution of gift baskets to the poor, organisation of community public speaking events etc.); environmental protection, including cleaning of beaches; and mentorship of youths. Beginning This social and community activism will still a teenager, she has been/is a stalwart of JEMS, the Police Youth Clubs of Stubbs and Diamond, and South-east Development Incorporated (SEDI). She is an executive member of the national football federation, and is heavily involved in other national activities including Nine Mornings. London does all this while having a regular day job, and being a responsible mother. Remarkable commitment indeed!
There are certainly other Vincentians going the extra mile in service of this country we all claim to love. But many of those most verbose in making that claim, are but bombasts, self-proclaimed progressives, unable to point to a single practical thing they have done to help move Youlou and the Begos forward. Some, driven by hate born of jealousy and envy of others who have achieved heights they will never be able to, are obsessed with tearing patriots and whatever they try to build down. Too many, even among the young are victims of the entitlement syndrome. Consequently, the government, having widen the social safety-net, is now faced with their sick misconception that they don’t need to make any effort to improve their lives, as the state bears responsibility to provide for their every need. The result of all this is that these people become parasitical citizens, and unlike Byron and London make no contribution to the betterment of the society. They believe in receiving only.
As calypsonian Rejector implied, it seems that some including many youths are unaware of the meaning and essence of the national anthem and pledge. They therefore have no understanding of the importance of self-help and community-mindedness, things I learnt while still a child. All this begs the question: How much are we still a community? Love of nation is manifested not through mouthing platitudes that make no meaningful change in the society. Rather, it must be a living process as exemplified in the practice of Byron and London. It must be a living patriotism realised in deeds, for actions speak louder than words.
