St.
George's Grenada, February 2nd,
2010: Fellow citizens of
Grenada, Carriacou and Petite
Martinique, it is a great honor and
a privilege for me to address you on
this significant milestone in our
nation’s development, the
thirty-sixth anniversary of
Independence.
As we
celebrate we must remember to take
time out to reflect on our journey
as a nation and our many
achievements. As a small island
nation, we have been through some
very dark days and bright ones too,
but in the end we can proudly say
that our many achievements and
successes far outweigh the
challenges, the struggles, the
disasters and stumbling blocks that
often stood in our way.
Today
we salute those who have made our
independence in 1974 a reality. In
particular, we salute the late Sir
Eric Matthew Gairy for his vision
and determination and all other
Grenadians at home and abroad who
have contributed to Grenada’s
development since we attained our
independence from Great Britain in
1974. Indeed, we have come a long
way and must be extremely proud.
As we
look ahead, let us be mindful that
true independence is a process.
While we have made tremendous
progress, we still have a long road
to travel as a nation. The vision
of the New National Party’s
Administration has always been to
create a healthy, educated,
prosperous and productive nation and
we have accomplished many milestones
in this regard. Despite our limited
resources, I firmly believe that we
can accomplish this vision which
must be fully accomplished before we
can boast of being fully
independent. Our dependence on
others to feed us is just one
example of the work which is still
to be accomplished.
For
this reason, we appeal to the
current NDC administration to spend
less time on the politics of hate,
spite and victimization and focus on
the long term vision for building
this country. As a nation we can
achieve much more if we are able to
unite our efforts for the good of
Grenada.
Our
36th anniversary as a nation comes
at a time when many Grenadians are
losing hope; when the economy is in
a catastrophic state; and when we
are lead by an administration that
is doing everything possible to
destroy the progress we have made as
a nation. Ladies and gentlemen
there is no question that our
country is yet again on a most
dangerous path. We have been once
again taken from the high place of
hope, to the depths of what many now
view as hopelessness. Despite this
situation, we are a resilient people
and I am very optimistic that as a
nation we will overcome.
Today
let us give thanks to almighty God
for his grace and mercies and for
taking us thus far as a nation. We
give thanks to the many Doctors,
Nurses, Teachers, Farmers,
Fishermen, Dockworkers, Civil
Servants, Policemen and women,
Business men and women, road
workers, Vendors Community
organizations and all those who work
hard on a daily basis to build our
country. Your efforts are greatly
appreciated.
Fellow
citizens, let us ensure that the
Grenadian spirit continues to carry
us upwards and onwards. Let us
continue to demonstrate our love for
one another, recognizing that
selfless acts bring the most
satisfying rewards.
I
therefore call on all Grenadians at
home and abroad, on this occasion,
to recommit our love and dedication
to our country. Let us all continue
to work hard to build this beautiful
land of ours. Let us continue to be
patriotic citizens who are ever
conscious of God as we continue to
build and advance as a nation. May
the God who holds our future in the
palm of his hand, continue to grant
us peace and prosperity as we move
forward together as a nation.
Happy
Independence to everyone.
Happy
Birthday Grenada!!!!.
May God
continue to bless us.
