St Vincent and the Grenadines is grappling with a myriad of challenges which the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) government is unable to solve. The government’s inability to effectively address these critical issues has sparked a clarion call for change in the country. It is widely expressed by most Vincentians that St Vincent and the Grenadines is falling apart.
The troubling situation at the Girls High School is a perfect example of negligence and poor management of the ULP government. The school was forced to close its doors again due to flea infestation. It is a sad situation for students, teachers and parents of the Girls High School which has been housed in temporary facilities at the old ET Joshua Airport Tarmac for almost five years. Similarly, the Thomas Saunders Secondary School has been housed in temporary facilities at Arnos Vale. Despite government promises for reconstruction of the school, it has yet to materialize. This lack of action by the government not only compromises the quality of education but also underscores a broader failure in governance, reflecting a disregard for the well-being and future of our students.
Recently, the World Bank released a damning report on education in the Caribbean, it captioned, ‘Caribbean education in crisis’. It highlights among other things the low past rate in Mathematics, the serious problems of numeracy, literacy and critical thinking in the education system. The report further states that teaching practices in the Caribbean are still quite traditional, focusing on the rigid curricula that do not meet the needs of the 21st century learners and the current education system is failing to prepare students for the work force. Is St Vincent and the Grenadines excluded from this report? No!
We also brought to the fore the alarming dropout rate of secondary school students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines which is the highest among the other countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. Members of our party have consistently raised awareness about the urgent issues plaguing the education sector and have been urging the government to implement necessary changes. Despite our repeated calls for action, there has been a glaring lack of action from the government. Instead of addressing these critical challenges, the government seems content to promote its catchphrase of an ‘Education Revolution’, while failing to deliver real solutions for the students and educators who are most affected.
It was Major Leacock who said, ‘St Vincent and the Grenadines is poverty rich.’ The figures and the reality on the ground are evidence of the increasing poverty in the country under the ULP government. The Poverty Assessment Report which was shelved by the government drew attention to the alarming state of poverty in the country, which revealed a troubling trend that undermines the government’s narrative of progress. The findings indicate that poverty rates have escalated dramatically, rising from 30.2% in 2008 to a staggering 36.1% by 2018. Additionally, the level of extreme poverty, or indigence, has surged from 2.9% to 11.3% in a nation with a population about 110,000 people. This stark increase in poverty levels over the past decade has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of current policies of the ULP government and the overall socio-economic landscape of the country.
Further, Member of Parliament for East Kingstown, Fitz Bramble, revealed that in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, over 40,000 individuals are struggling to make ends meet, living on less than $14 a day, which places them below the national poverty line. This alarming statistic underscores the pressing issue of economic hardship faced by a significant number of Vincentians. Many families are forced to navigate daily challenges, such as securing basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare.
Our country is faced with a cost-of-living crisis which the ULP government seems to be ignoring. The rising cost of essential goods and services has placed a tremendous burden on families and individuals alike. Low wages, high unemployment, and increased poverty have created a dire situation for many families. As the cost of living continues to rise, the standard of living has declined sharply, forcing families to make tough choices just to get by. Essentials that were once easily attainable are now luxuries that many are unable to afford. It is a heartbreaking reality that those who were already struggling are suffering the most.
In our region, the difference in wages is striking, with salaries in St Vincent and the Grenadines is the lowest; falling 50% in some instances below those of our neighboring countries, making us the lowest paid in the region. This significant wage gap not only affects the financial well-being of workers but also hampers economic growth and competitiveness in our local job market. Addressing this issue is crucial for attracting workers and ensuring that our citizens can enjoy a better quality of life.
Our road network is the worst it has been in living memory. For 24 years, the ULP government has turned a blind eye to the deteriorating state of our roads. Huge potholes and lack of maintenance of these roads have become the norm severely impacting pedestrians and the travelling public, and causing financial strain on vehicle owners. Iimmediate action is needed to prioritize road repairs to ensure that our transportation system is functioning effectively.
The ULP has failed Vincentians. It has been in power for too long. It is clear that they have not been unable to address these pressing issues that are affecting Vincentians. Too many Vincentians are enduring severe hardships and are struggling to make ends meet. The New Democratic Party has a plan to revitalize our economy and restore hope for a brighter future for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.