by Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister, Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique
On the occasion of Grenada’s 48th Anniversary of Independence, 7 February 2022 – “Overcoming Our Adversity, Safeguarding Livelihoods, Protecting Our Future”
Fellow Grenadians, friends of Grenada, sisters and brothers, good morning to all.
Today represents yet another momentous occasion in our country’s history, as we celebrate 48 years as an independent nation.
Notwithstanding the bumps along the road that threatened to derail our progress, our beloved country has recorded many milestones in the past four decades. There is much to be proud of as we approach our half-century as a nation. Despite the extensive impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which is intensifying the usual developmental challenges that small island developing states face, we are indeed well-poised to continue our upward trajectory of growth and advancement of our people.
Sisters and brothers, as you are well aware, the developmental gains that we are currently enjoying, did not come easily; the road has been fraught with trials and tribulations, but time and time again, we have overcome, rising triumphantly over impediments and continuing the march forward.
In the true spirit of our ancestors who fought many battles to lay the foundation on which we build today, Grenadians have repeatedly proven that we are a resilient people who have no qualms about showcasing this admirable quality. In fact, the pandemic has forced us now more than ever, to demonstrate how resilient we truly are.
Sisters and brothers, our children have been the hardest hit by this pandemic, their young lives unimaginably usurped by the changes necessary to fight Covid-19.
The advances in modern technology and the provision of electronic devices by Government allowed for the option of online learning, but there’s really nothing to adequately replace valuable face to face instructional times for young, impressionable minds. In addition to the significant learning loss, our young boys and girls have been deprived of the social interaction that is so necessary to foster good human relations. We just need to reflect on our own childhood and how we valued meeting our friends at school and participating in various sporting and leisure activities, to immediately understand how much of a disadvantage this pandemic has created for them. Today, I ask that you join me in praying for our young brothers and sisters, that they may recover from this immeasurable loss. Let us also recommit ourselves, as adults, to being more empathetic, rather than judgmental.
My friends, we all face the physical threat of this viral infection, and many have succumbed to its deadly grasp. Many others have to contend with being stripped of their livelihood as the severity of the pandemic crippled some sectors of the economy. At the national level, had it not been for Government’s prudent fiscal management and the sacrifices of you the people, the impact of the pandemic could have been even more detrimental. However, almost 2 years to the date when the pandemic first reached our shores, we persevere, confident that this too, shall pass.
Sisters and brothers, for yet another year, Covid-19 has caused our independence celebrations to be a mere fraction of its usual flamboyance, a bittersweet reality, but an absolutely necessary one as we adhere to established protocols that discourage mass gatherings to minimise the spread of infections.
Although physical distance has become the new norm, we are perpetually united through our patriotism and unrelenting love for this beautiful country we call home. So today, while you are not physically present here, showcasing our splendid national colours, I know that Grenadians far and wide share a palpable love for home, a bond that transcends all differences, particularly on occasions like these, when the love of country is the language we all speak.
Sisters and brothers, despite the dark cloud of the pandemic that continues to hover over our country and in fact, the world, we look to the future with hope and we embrace the decisions that will facilitate the best possible outcomes for our people. But at the same time, we know that this must be underpinned by concrete actions that will help transition hope from a desire into reality.
This is why we are concerned about the level of vaccine hesitancy that exists across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. We believe in the science and we remain optimistic that vaccination and achieving herd immunity will help bring an end to this health crisis.
We will therefore continue to advocate for vaccination, but ultimately, my fellow Grenadians, there is only so much the Government can do or say. What we need more than ever, is a solid partnership, Government and people, working side by side as we seek to overcome this adversity, safeguard lives and livelihoods and create a legacy for future generations.
The fallout created by the pandemic has increased the onus on Government to provide economic relief and social welfare programmes to ease the burden of impact on our people. Historically, we are a people-centred Government but the reality of the pandemic has compelled us to demonstrate even more, our genuine love for the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
