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February 7th, 1974, the date Grenada, was given independence by Britain, is not one that I celebrate. We are not a free people. Hence my reason for not being particularly interested in celebrating the event of being granted political independence.
Independence, as I see it, is a work in progress. And quite frankly we have a mighty long way to go to attain sovereignty; when we can chart our own course. We are not self-defining people: far from it. It would be more fitting to celebrate a National Heroes Day the way we go about celebrating independence as a people. I think that is where we ought to start in our reflections and our need to commemorate the achievements of our forerunners. Such an event would seek to provide us with a different point of reference; and with that, a different outlook on both the present and the past. And perhaps then independence will have more meaning to us as a nation.
– Yao Atunwa, Editor-in-Chief of Vision Magazine, New York City
Entering our 46th year of independence, Grenadians have the freedom from dependence and not to be controlled by Great Britain or any other nations. We are a determined people/nation and we were making strides to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, self-governance and self-sustainable. Charting our own path and direction without interference by others has not been easy. Grenada was making great strides in self-sufficiency and sustainability and we were extremely proud of our progress as a society through social development and accomplishments that we had achieved on an international level. There have been long-lasting effects as a result of the October 25th, 1983 Invasion by the United States of America that Grenada has yet to fully recover from. This has hindered our progress somewhat.
We are now struggling to get back on the right path to economic sustainability. However, we are a resilient people. OUR INDEPENDENCE, MEANS OUR FREEDOM.
– Ann Williams, NYC
Political independence describes a country’s expression of self-determination. Self-determination is exercised not narrowly by a single political party but, broadly by a people who cross political party lines. In other words, I see Independence as a national spirit that checks and limits partisanship. Over the last 46 years Grenada has had successes, but it has also failed in some of its efforts partly because when one party comes into power it abandons the projects started by its predecessor. For that reason, the nation was subjected to about ten cycles of restarts since Independence. The good news is that the island still has a real chance at constructing a brighter future. One way it can begin to construct a brighter future is by establishing inter-party agreements to which all political leaders are obligated once getting into office. Some good things are currently happening under partisan planning, but it could be much better if it happened in the independent spirit of cross-party collaboration. Party lines have to be crossed in order to exhibit true independence. Grenada needs the collaborative force of true independence in order to build the appropriate infrastructures that will enhance its prospects in the information future. Happy Independence Day, Grenada!
–Ray Viechweg is a real estate agent who lives in Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA.
As Grenada celebrates its 46th year of independence, I reflect on those Grenadians who witnessed the transition from a colonial state to an independent self-determined nation. I wonder what it must have felt like and what it must have meant to be a young boy, a mother, a grandfather, or an aunt, who was filled with hope and courage to dare for something different in the name of independence. I imagine what were some of their dreams and aspirations in light of this newfound freedom? And, what did they hope for their country, Grenada? In celebration, I wish to remind Grenadians of our culture, our heritage, and our sense of self. And in doing this, to remind them of our history.
I am currently reading Bernard Coard’s newly released memoir “Skyred: A Tale of Two Revolutions” and I am reminded of Grenada in the 1950s and the fight to independence in the 70s, and, the fight against imperial rule in the 80s.
I would like to wish Grenadians “Happy Independence Day” — those at home and those abroad.
–A. Rougier, Brooklyn, NY/Professor of Anthropology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
As being on the island two consecutive years pre and post-Independence day and comparing it to when I visit in the summertime, my observation is the difference in the attitude and persona of the residents. The majority (young and old) are dressed in various styles of wear using the red/green/gold colors. I have a bit more of cheerfulness and enthusiasm as I move around and seeing our citizens. With decorations around the island at junctions, roundabouts, private and public locations, I am not seeing signs of temporary re-enforcements, start-ups or completions of some of our aging infrastructures (roads/bridges). I am here 2 to 3 times per year for the past 5 years and all locations I seeing today are in that same status for 5 years or more. All in all, it’s a festive time with a proud and heartful feeling, as we move around the island with its red/gold/green colors everywhere.