October 27, 2016 marked THIRTY-SEVEN (37) years since the Southern Caribbean Island of SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has gain its INDEPENDENCE from mother country Britain. Free from colonial rule, this tiny island of 163 square miles (including the Grenadines) waved its flag to independence and took its first step to nationhood in 1979.
Vincentians at home and in the diaspora commemorated this prestigious and historic event in various forms showing a sense of pride and patriotism for their country. SVG Organizations across Canada were among the celebrants. Here in Montreal right in my backyard the SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES ASSOCIATION OF MONTREAL INC. showed up and showed out with its sophisticated INDEPENDENCE BANQUET AND BALL held at the Scofield Hall, 90 Ave. Roosevelt, T.M.R, Montreal, Quebec on October 29.
The event was well attended. Master of Ceremony BERNARD (EB) JOHN did what he does best to keep the audience informed and entertained throughout the evening.
MESSAGE BY THE PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT of the Association Mr. ALFRED (JACK) DEAR addressed the gathering. He expressed how proud he was to welcome them on behalf of the Executive and Members of the Association. We were reminded that Independence day is always an auspicious occasion for all of us as it still remains to date the most important day to all Vincentian citizens. The importance of remembering our forefathers who struggled and made sacrifices for us, sometimes with their lives was reinforced by Mr. Dear. In addition, he called on Vincentians to pause and focus on what has to be done to attain true independence, as that is only possible when a country meets it goal in getting rid of poverty, hunger, and unemployment. Government's need to continue to provide the necessary ingredients to stimulate the economy and promote opportunities by means of trade and industry. His lens zoomed in on the challenges facing St. Vincent and the Grenadines due to global economy, socio economic conditions and climate change. The ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT was pushed to the front as the major ECONOMIC GAME CHANGER, having huge propensity for improving transportation, promoting tourism, and expanding trade opportunities. Mr. Dear announced that the Association is celebrating 51 years of existence and that robust programs are already in place to usher in this milestone. Food supplies, clothing, books, medical supplies to the hospital, maintenance etc. were some of the assistance given to St. Vincent and the Grenadines by the Association annually as sighted by the president. The assurance was given that Education is still top of the Association's priority list. In fact bursaries to students attending CGEP and University have risen from two to four over the past three years according to Mr. Dear. In his closing remark the President stressed the importance of their ANNUAL UNITY PICNIC sponsored by Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto as the seemingly only unifying force for Vincentians within the North America diaspora. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Executive and friends for helping the Association's goals and objectives to come to fruition.
CONSUL GENERAL OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES TO CANADA Mr. Fitzgerald Huggins' address:
The central theme of Mr. Huggins' address was the global issue of CLIMATE CHANGE ON OUR ECONOMIES especially at a time when Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is in the middle of the hurricane season. We were reminded of the fact that over the last five years the country has seen many disasters that have impacted its people negatively causing damages amounting to one third of the GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP). Homes were destroyed, infrastructure was damaged, and most importantly lives were taken. Due to the devastating impacts that climate change causes scientists have broadly categorized them into three groups:- Erratic climate and weather extremes
- Altered ecosystems and habitats
- Risk to human health and society
According to Mr. Huggins the beautiful beaches in the Grenadine and tourism facilities low line areas like Calliaqua, Colonarie, Port Elizabeth, Layou, Ashton, and Chateaubelair are under serious threats from rising sea levels. Mr. Huggins felt that if drastic measures are not adapted now to curb these then these impacts will continue to erode the gains that we have made in tourism over the past thirty-seven (37) years of Independence.
Fulfilling its environmental and economic responsibility, the government has embarked on the geothermal project as part of its sustainable development goal to REDUCE THE COUNTRY'S CARBON FOOTPRINT as SVG contributes to the reduction of the emission of HEAT-TRAPPING GASES from human activity especially the BURNING OF FOSSIL FUELS for energy that is CAUSING OUR ATMOSPHERE TO HEAT UP. The GEOTHERMAL project is expected to supply MOST OF ITS ELECTRICITY demand when completed in 2018.
Another strength spotted from the Consul General's Independent message to Montreal Vincentians is his CALL FOR UNITY & TOGETHERNESS among Vincentians, two pertinent tenets in NATION BUILDING.
He expressed satisfaction in seeing various groups in TORONTO working together to organize this year's Independence programs. The Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa groups also received applause for organizing the ANNUAL THOUSAND ISLAND PICNIC that brings our nationals together in one setting. "I challenge all group leaders to lead by example and unite your communities and groups. Let's work together to inspire and educate our people so that we can achieve that goal of transforming our people to enhance national pride."
Mr. Huggins concluded with a reminder of what the role of the CONSULATE GENERAL OFFICE is to Vincentian within the Canadian diaspora: to offer quality service. We were assured that as Consul General he will make sure that that objective is achieved.
SAMPLE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
Clairon Haynes (OWNER OF THIS BLOG)
OTHER GUESTS
PRESIDENT OF OTTAWA VINCENTIAN ASSOCIATION
FOOD SAMPLE
