Trish St.Hill

There truly is no place like my homeland. While it has been tainted with political vindictiveness from the former government, SVG (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), has always brought me a profound sense of special joy whenever I visited. Each trip felt like a homecoming, with the warmth of the island’s bright sun reflecting the warmth of its people. Yet, there was undeniably a heaviness about the island—young minds unemployed or underemployed, a dilapidated infrastructure, and a severe case of cronyism that permeated this once-blessed paradise. However, as logic dictates, everything has an end; on November 27th, a new government was ushered in by the former opposition party, NDP, marking a pivotal moment in our history. Jubilation filled the airwaves both in the diaspora and in SVG, reverberating through every heart that longed for a brighter tomorrow. Everyone commented on how light and hopeful the island felt, as if it had finally been relieved of a long-standing blight. On January 3rd, I flew to SVG to join part of my family who had ventured there a week ahead of me, eager to witness the changes firsthand. I can truly attest to feeling a welcomed transformation encompassing the island—there was vibrancy, optimism, and a lightness I hadn’t felt in years whenever I stepped foot on this cherished land. My hat off to the new government of SVG for taking the reins and, just as importantly, for adopting a holistic approach towards governance that values every member of the community. From the smallest children exuberantly playing on the streets to vendors energetically selling their goods and visitors marveling at the scenery, there is a profound sense that change is in the air, and the people are embracing it with open arms. My greatest hope is that the new government will continue to fulfill their mandate for governing the country effectively and transparently, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of SVG are preserved for future generations. Furthermore, I hope that the people, both at home and in the diaspora, will roll up their sleeves and actively engage in the efforts to move the country forward, contributing their skills and passion to the nation’s development. May God continue to bless the government and the people of SVG, so that together we can forge a brighter and more prosperous future.