Today February 7th 2011 marks the 37th anniversary of our Political Independence – a vision of the late ex-Prime Minister Sir Eric Matthew Gairy, who ruled this country for 27 years and is now described and accepted as the Father of Our Independence.
As we reflect on the process that resulted in us becoming a sovereign state we think it right and proper to remind everyone especially the younger generation that many politicians, union leaders and religious leaders who are alive today objected strongly to the move and this resulted in many unwanted memories for the country including the first hoisting of our national flag without regular electrical supply from the then electrical company but under flashlight and candle.
A nationwide strike and shut down of the country was called by those shortsighted leaders and many workers and citizens complied too the unintelligent request which not only negatively impact on revenues but resulted in severe hardship for the poor and vulnerable who were in total darkness and without proper food supply for months. It’s an era that should never be repeated!
The fear of change had workers at the Port of Entry who were at the time mainly represented by the Seaman and Waterfront Workers Union headed by the late Eric Pierre playing an integral role in this shutdown. Today we wonder how they feel knowing that their names have gone down in the history books as opposition to our greatest political achievement â€" breaking off from our mother land and charting our own political path.
As the chaos unfolded back then it was too much for our only ever female Governor Dame Hilda Bynoe and she resigned as Head of State but the unshaken Sir Eric struck to his plan and moved forward with his ambitious desire taking our country from Associated Statehood to Political Independence. We were no longer dependent on the Motherland but started our journey as the sovereign nation â€" Grenada and our flag with its nutmeg and stars combined with the colors of red, green and yellow began waving on the United Nations Polls.
Today when we look at the Tillman Thomas National Democratic Congress Government we believe and know that there are some of those negative forces who were around then are still around today and we cannot help but wonder what contribution are they making as we strive “to build and advance as one people.â€
Our Anthem and Pledge should not just be seen as words but a motto, slogan, guidance principles that will make us live in peace and harmony.
Our 37th Independence anniversary should mark a turning point in our history and we therefore call on Grenadians and the relevant authorities to recognize the contribution of those outstanding citizens living both inside and outside of the country. The time is right for us to honor our own people who made contributions to our nation. We may not have a Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King Jr but we have some who contributed to and continues to contribute locally, regionally and internationally and significant ways.
Happy Independence Grenada!!!
A Spiceislander.com editorial by Titus Neckles
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