By Nelson A. King
NEW YORK, Oct 19, CMC – St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday is reminding nationals in the Diaspora that building the multi-island state “belongs to all of us.
“For those of you living abroad, distance does not lessen your connection to St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Friday in his independence message delivered at an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York, by the island’s Consul General to the United States Roland “Patel” Matthews.
“You remain part of our families, our communities and our national story,” Friday said speaking on the theme of the 47th anniversary of independence on October 27, titled ““Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation”.
“Through the support you give to loved ones, the knowledge and experience you share, the investments you make, the traditions you preserve and the pride with which you represent our country, you continue to contribute to its development.”
Friday said he is looking forward to engaging with more Vincentians across the Diaspora in the months and years ahead and that he values their contribution to nation building.
“And I want to hear from you, to understand your experiences and ideas, and to strengthen the connection between our country and Vincentians wherever they may live. Your contribution matters. Your perspective matters. And you remain an important part of the future we are building together.”
Prime Minister Friday said that independence also asks “something of every generation,” noting that “those who came before us did their part, they built institutions, raised families, strengthened communities and created opportunities that many of us inherited. Now, it is our turn.
“Our responsibility is to continue building a St. Vincent and the Grenadines in which our children can see possibility, our elderly can live with dignity, our people can pursue opportunity, and every Vincentian can feel that there is a place for them in the future of this country.
“Wherever we may live, we share that responsibility. “So, as we celebrate this independence, let us remember where we came from, give thanks for how far we have travelled and remain hopeful about where we can go together.
“To our Vincentian communities across the Diaspora, thank you for continuing to keep St. Vincent and the Grenadines close to your hearts. May you celebrate proudly, surrounded by family, friends and the traditions that remind you of home,” he said.
Meanwhile, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the United Nations, Vynnette Fredericks, told nationals that they have “a responsibility to build St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“Choosing to heal starts right here in the church, in our homes, in every village in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We pray for those to govern with justice and humility. My message is to speak with your neighbors with grace. Let us speak with grace. May God heal our divisions, and let us be one united people.”
Several members of the Vincentian clergy in the New York Metropolitan Area participated in the two and a half hour Church service organized by the umbrella Vincentian group in the United States, Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, USA Inc. (COSAGO), in conjunction with the New York-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consulate General to the United States.
Speaking on the opic, “St. Vincent and the Grenadines Supernatural Support System”, the Rev. Derwin Grant, pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Brooklyn, said that “the everlasting arms are a support for everything.
“Whatever it is, it is in the hands of the everlasting God. You can learn humility from Him. I’m saying to our people, if you listen to what is happening in the US, we need to lean on the everlasting arms.”
The Rev. Louis Straker, Jr., son of former St. Vincent and the Grenadines deputy prime minister Sir Louis Straker, Sr., and pastor of The Reflections Church on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, served as liturgist throughout the service.
CMC/nk/ir/2026