St Vincent prime minister tells diaspora that building the nation "belongs to all of us"
Dr Godwin Friday's independence message was read at an ecumenical thanksgiving service in Brooklyn as Vincentians in New York began marking 47 years of independence.
NEW YORK, United States. As Vincentians in the New York metropolitan area began celebrating 47 years of independence from Great Britain on Sunday, October 18, Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday reminded nationals abroad that building St Vincent and the Grenadines "belongs to all of us".
His independence message was delivered by Consul General to the United States Roland "Patel" Matthews at an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at St Alban's Episcopal Church in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
"For those of you living abroad, distance does not lessen your connection to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines," Dr Friday said, speaking on the anniversary theme, "Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation". "You remain part of our families, our communities and our national story."
He said the diaspora contributes to national development through support for loved ones, shared knowledge, investment and the preservation of traditions, and that he wants to engage with more Vincentians abroad.
"Your contribution matters. Your perspective matters. And you remain an important part of the future we are building together," he said.
The prime minister said independence also asks "something of every generation". "Those who came before us did their part," he said. "Now, it is our turn."
Call to heal divisions
In her first independence anniversary message, Ambassador to the United Nations Vynnette Fredericks said nationals have "a responsibility to build St Vincent and the Grenadines".
"May God heal our divisions, and let us be one united people," she said.
The two-and-a-half-hour service was organised by the Council of St Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, USA (COSAGO), an umbrella body, with the consulate general. The Rev Derwin Grant, pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Brooklyn, preached on "St Vincent and the Grenadines Supernatural Support System".
"Our best days are ahead of us," he said.
Haywood Thomas, 100, the only Vincentian centenarian at the service, was recognised by COSAGO Vice President Laverne McDowald Thompson.
Celebrations continue
Celebrations continue on Sunday, October 25, with the COSAGO Gala Independence Anniversary Scholarship Awards Luncheon at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach, Queens. A flag-raising ceremony will take place at Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan on Independence Day, Tuesday, October 27.
