As a beneficiary of what is often celebrated as the ‘educational revolution,’ I find myself reflecting on my journey with a mix of gratitude and realism. My opportunity came through a government-backed loan, but it was my father who shouldered the interest payments while I pursued my degree. For that, I am deeply thankful—both to the government and to my dad. Upon returning home, I was committed to contributing to my country’s human resource pool. I applied repeatedly for teaching positions in the public sector, but no doors opened. Undeterred, I pressed on. I found work in the private sector, worked diligently, and remained ambitious, even as I continued to pay off my student loan. When I became pregnant, my employer saw it as a burden rather than a natural part of life. I was eventually made redundant, left jobless with a baby in my arms and a loan still due every month. Yet, I continued paying, using the redundancy payout. Accountability mattered to me. At my second job, I again applied to teach—still no response. I sought stability, wanting to provide for my son. Eventually, I found myself working within a statutory body, where I witnessed inefficiencies and leadership driven by fear rather than inspiration. Skills were misaligned with roles, and decisions were made based on approval, appearance, and proximity to power rather than merit. Despite financial struggles, I kept paying my loan, even consolidating it into my mortgage to build a home for my child. Ambition drove me forward. I noticed a stark contrast: while some of us paid faithfully, others who benefited from the same educational opportunities did not. They lived freely, while those of us taking responsibility were weighed down by the system. I began to question whether I should have borrowed more—enough for school and a home—because life seemed designed to keep us repaying institutions until retirement. The turning point came when I realized I was no longer growing—emotionally, professionally, or financially—in my environment. I refused to beg politicians for favors, compromise my integrity, or believe that advancement should come through connections rather than qualifications. So, I made the hardest decision of my life: I left my country, SVG, the workforce I once hoped to strengthen, and the opportunities I never received. I left a system whose direction no longer aligned with my ideals. Ironically, I now teach in another nation’s classroom, shaping another nation’s children, while the classrooms of my birth country remain untouched by my hands. This is not a call to rebellion but a reminder that loyalty does not mean silence, and gratitude does not mean blindness. We have the right to question, grow, and choose. As Thomas Jefferson said, ‘When the people fear the government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.’ I once feared speaking out because of my job, but I no longer live with that fear. Today, I write to encourage reflection—not rebellion; awareness—not allegiance. Your vote is your power. Use it.
标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
圣文森特和格林纳丁斯
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‘Passport can’t eat’
The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, a transformative model of foreign direct investment, has become a cornerstone of economic growth across most Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) nations. However, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), this proven initiative is often overshadowed by political rhetoric, leaving citizens misinformed about its potential benefits. While neighbouring countries like St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia have harnessed CBI to fuel their economies, SVG lags behind, missing out on decades of prosperity. CBI, also known as economic citizenship, allows individuals to obtain citizenship by investing significantly in the host country. Despite having a passport ranked similarly to its neighbours in global visa-free access, SVG continues to dismiss the programme entirely. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, through Governor Timothy Antoine’s proposed regulatory framework, has emphasized the importance of CBI to the region’s economic stability and advancement. Neighbouring islands have reaped tangible benefits from CBI, including modern infrastructure, luxury developments, and higher GDP per capita. For instance, St. Kitts and Nevis boasts well-maintained highways, double salary bonuses for public servants, and upscale hotels, all funded by CBI revenues. Similarly, Dominica is constructing a new international airport with CBI funding. These outcomes highlight the programme’s potential to uplift entire nations. As SVG reflects on its leadership and policy direction, it is crucial to move beyond outdated rhetoric and embrace innovative economic strategies. The nation deserves policies that elevate all citizens, ensuring a rising tide lifts every ship.
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Choosing a government is a life-and-death decision
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), many aspects of our daily lives are often taken for granted. Born into a system of established privileges, we seldom recognize the sacrifices that made these freedoms possible. This complacency poses a significant threat, as people rarely value or defend what they perceive as ‘free.’ Voting, a cornerstone of democracy, is one such privilege that demands our attention and responsibility. While it may seem freely accessible today, its foundation was built on the struggles of past generations who endured hardships to secure a better future for their descendants. As we approach the 2025 elections, it is crucial to reflect on the legacy we are leaving for future Vincentians. Democracy thrives on participation, and abstaining from voting effectively hands power to the incumbent government by default. The consequences of not voting are profound, impacting everything from economic policies to public health decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the gravity of governmental decisions, as frontline workers were mandated to take vaccines—a decision made by elected officials. This highlights the symbiotic relationship between voters and their representatives: by casting a vote, citizens grant authority to leaders whose decisions can shape—or even endanger—their lives. Voting is not merely a right but a shared responsibility to ensure that elected officials prioritize the prosperity and well-being of all citizens. Vincentians must move beyond blind party loyalty and critically evaluate whether their leaders are truly working for the people or merely preserving their own interests. The recent electoral trends in neighboring Caribbean nations, such as Barbados, Grenada, and St. Lucia, demonstrate the power of an informed electorate to hold leaders accountable. As SVG heads to the polls, the question remains: Who can be trusted to make decisions in the best interest of the people? The answer lies in active participation and a commitment to safeguarding democracy for generations to come.
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Bruce notes that Caesar’s wife dropped case against alleged robbers
In a heated political exchange, South Central Windward incumbent Saboto Caesar has publicly criticized his challenger, Israel Bruce, for defending individuals accused of robbing Caesar’s wife in 2018. The case, which saw the five accused men acquitted in July 2020 after Caesar’s wife, Dr. Reisha Twana Browne-Caesar, chose not to provide evidence, has become a focal point in the ongoing political campaign. Caesar, a lawyer and member of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), has raised the issue multiple times during his campaign, accusing Bruce of lacking moral principles for representing the accused. Bruce, a candidate for the New Democratic Party (NDP), countered by emphasizing the ethical duty of lawyers to represent clients regardless of personal connections, questioning Caesar’s potential influence over his wife’s decision to drop the case. The dispute has escalated, with both candidates trading barbs and questioning each other’s integrity, further polarizing the electorate in South Central Windward. The controversy also touches on broader issues of justice and crime management in St. Vincent, with Bruce criticizing the government’s handling of crime and Caesar accusing Bruce of undermining parliamentary collegiality.
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Still grieving — and still asking questions
For nine months, I have been grappling with the loss of my father and the circumstances surrounding his death. While death is inevitable, the manner in which it occurs is not. My father was admitted to the hospital on a Saturday night, battling diabetes, hypertension, and other complications. I was later informed that the medication he received exacerbated his kidney issues, yet I was repeatedly assured his kidney function was ‘OK.’ The ambiguity of that term remains unresolved to this day. Upon returning home on Wednesday, I immediately sought answers, consulting doctor friends and advocating for clarity. What I discovered was deeply troubling: the hospital lacked basic supplies, such as plasters and the correct glucose percentage to stabilize his blood sugar. Despite my efforts, critical procedures were delayed. My father needed an ultrasound of his heart, but the paperwork was mishandled, and the responsible doctor had left for private practice. By Thursday night, his kidneys were failing, and his creatinine levels were rising. The next morning, we were called to sign papers for dialysis, but it was too late. My father was rushed to the ICU, where I was told his kidneys were beyond recovery, and multiple organ failure had set in. I was finally given answers, but they came far too late. The pain of reliving this ordeal is immense. My father deserved better care, and so do countless others who rely on a healthcare system plagued by resource limitations and inconsistent standards. My grief continues, not only for my father but for those who lack advocates in their most vulnerable moments.
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My support for Conroy
Barrouallie, a village steeped in history and culture, stands at the precipice of a historic moment. For over five decades, Central Leeward has never elected a representative from Barrouallie to serve a full five-year term in Parliament. This 2025 election, however, presents a unique opportunity for the community to rally behind Conroy, a native son whose roots run deep in the soil of Keartons and Barrouallie.
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Dual citizenship & Parliament — what the drafters really intended
In recent weeks, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been embroiled in a heated debate over whether dual citizens can serve in Parliament. This discussion, fueled by challenged nominations, impending court cases, and political strategizing, has been significantly shaped by the insights of legal experts Dr. Linton Lewis and Dr. Jason Haynes, who have provided a nuanced understanding of the constitutional framework. At the heart of this debate lies Section 25 of the SVG Constitution, which outlines the qualifications for parliamentary eligibility. Notably, the Constitution does not restrict eligibility to citizens of SVG alone but extends it to Commonwealth citizens. This deliberate choice reflects the drafters’ vision of a shared Commonwealth community, where individuals from across the region could participate in each other’s democratic institutions. Section 26, which addresses disqualifications, has been interpreted by some as a barrier to dual citizens. However, a closer reading suggests that the drafters intended to allow dual citizens, particularly those with Commonwealth ties, to serve in Parliament. The Constitution’s flexibility, designed to adapt to evolving social realities, underscores its role as a ‘living instrument.’ As the nation approaches election week, this constitutional interpretation remains a pivotal issue, highlighting the balance between inclusivity and legal precision.
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Still waters run deep
The implementation of a stringent vaccine mandate in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has ignited widespread controversy, legal battles, and ethical dilemmas. Initially, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves dismissed calls for draconian measures, contrasting his approach with what he termed ‘Chinese methods’ of pandemic control. However, the eventual mandate, introduced in October 2021, imposed severe consequences on unvaccinated public officers, including job termination without compensation or reinstatement options. This policy, deemed ‘absurd’ by critics, has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of flexibility and disregard for individual circumstances, such as medical exemptions or religious beliefs. The mandate’s impact was particularly felt in the education sector, where dedicated principals and teachers, who had tirelessly served during the La Soufriere volcanic crisis, were abruptly dismissed. Legal challenges have since escalated, with the case now referred to the Privy Council for final adjudication. Critics argue that the mandate was neither necessary nor proportionate, given the country’s relatively low COVID-19 infection and mortality rates compared to regional counterparts. The government’s insistence on maintaining the policy, coupled with its refusal to compensate affected workers, has further deepened public discontent. As the debate continues, questions linger about the fairness of reinstatement offers and the broader implications for workers’ dignity and rights.
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More diversity needed in SVG’s political candidates
As St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) gears up for the 2025 general elections, the selection of candidates by the two dominant political parties—the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP)—reveals persistent patterns of underrepresentation across various demographics. Despite the significant contributions of women to Vincentian society, only five women are contesting across 15 constituencies, with three representing the ULP and two for the NDP. Both parties, historically led by male lawyers, continue to reflect a lack of gender diversity in leadership roles. The dominance of legal professionals among candidates further highlights the need for broader occupational representation, including health professionals, engineers, and environmental specialists, to address the multifaceted challenges facing SVG. Age diversity also remains a concern, with party leaders in their 60s and 80s, though the ULP has made strides in fielding younger candidates. Racial, ethnic, and religious diversity among candidates is notably limited, with the majority being of Afro-descendant heritage and Christian backgrounds. LGBTQ+ representation is absent, and persons with disabilities are also underrepresented. While diversity alone does not guarantee effective governance, it ensures that the voices of all societal groups are heard in shaping national development. Moving forward, there is an urgent need for more inclusive candidate selection processes to better reflect the rich diversity of SVG’s population.
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NDP launches manifesto of ‘bold, transformative plans’
The New Democratic Party (NDP), the primary opposition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), has officially launched its manifesto for the upcoming general election. Party leader Godwin Friday described the document as a blueprint for \”bold, transformative plans\” aimed at reshaping the nation over the next five years. Speaking to supporters in Keartons, Barrouallie, Friday emphasized that the manifesto encapsulates the party’s vision for economic growth, public safety, and infrastructure development.