As we celebrate the 47th anniversary of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ independence, we must reflect on how we have developed over the years and the path we should take toward further growth and progress.
As we do so, we must see development as contextual — unique to who we are as a people, where we are located, and the times. This understanding matters, for we can fall into the trap of modernisation.
Modernisation may be defined asupdating or making something contemporary. This applies to everything from technology and infrastructure to societal structures and values. We must note that modernisation represents expression rather than necessarily improvement. Modern cars, contemporary architectural designs, current vernacular, and fashionable appearances appeal to us. Modernisation creates standards that people strive to achieve.
We need to ask ourselves: as a nation, as we modernise, should we have a deep desire for Americanisation and Europeanisation? Bearing in mind that these and every society keep evolving.
Modern technologies and equipment are useful when they support genuine development. The question is, do they always serve our development goals? Do we adopt technologies because they are modern, or because we genuinely need them?
At this juncture in our history, we should seekto understand where we stand, identify what resources we possess, and determine our desired direction. We should not measure progress merely by modern infrastructure, but by the freedom, prosperity, and wealth that each technology, practice, product, and process generates.
We can describe development as the process that increases freedom over a defined period. This will not happen if we seek to modernise by copying others. Authentic development calls us to work toward what serves our specific contexts and needs. This does not mean we should not work with other nations or partner with them on various projects and ventures, for we cannot exist in isolation; as human beings, we are created to live together in community and at the same time uphold the honour and dignity of every person.
This approach will be instructive as we seek to address the challenges that confront us, whether issues of climate change, devastating hurricanes, or floods. Crime and violence, social and economic challenges, health care, education, and all other areas of human endeavour.
We thank God for all who have contributed to the development of this nation over the years, and we pray for God’s continued guidance for us all; may we do our best and work together for the progress and development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The SVG Christian Council takes this opportunity to wish you all a Happy 47th Anniversary of Independence.
SVG Christian Council
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