We have been described as a people now less interested in the things that should be in sharp focus and more in just having a good time, in some cases, irrespective of the consequences.
St. Lucia is a country that has achieved much with its mere 180,000 population, often divided straight down the middle because of political allegiances. We have been lucky at times, but we have braved natural disasters, coupled with a few costly manmade atrocities, yet we are here in 2026 and not looking too shabby.
That said, the concern is where or what has grabbed our focus and where are we heading and how have we prepared?
In the last few decades, much has changed in the Helen of the West, and while change is said to be inevitable, it appears that the brunt of it is not complimentary.
As we celebrate the closing of Nobel Laureate Month today {January 5th – January 31st}, how many of us truly understand and appreciate the achievements of our two awardees of that prestigious prize. How many of us know the significance of those Achievements or what Sir William Arthur Lewis and Sir Derek Walcott mean in the economic and literary worlds.
What is the significance of our current baton relay? Does it mean anything that the first relay was conceptualized in the 1930s? While there is great baton relay fanfare, is the message reaching the average people in the various communities or is it just seen as a roving party?
Independence Day and National Day have both lost their appeal and have almost been reduced to a celebration in name only.
The transformation of St. Lucia’s Carnival celebration is slightly different. While some have lost flavour, carnival has increased its numbers. The problem for many is that it has largely drifted miles away from its original cultural foundation. The are many other possible examples that can be mentioned including the St. Lucia Jazz Festival and Jounen Kweyol, however, it is necessary to shine, at least some light, on our current possible national economic situation.
How aware are we that the current maneuvering of the United States in the region and around the world could or will adversely affect our economy? The Citizen By Investment Program {CIP} may see drastically reduced revenue. The much talked about supply trade routes have already been affected. Other regional and international trade partners are adjusting business models to cushion US policy changes. Wars and threats of war.
Then there are possible water shortages that may add an extra drain {pun intended} on our already scarce resources.
All these can and probably will have their say in our economic future.
Whether it be the significance of what has shaped us or the significance of what will ultimately define our existence, how focused we are on the areas that should matter most.
In the meantime, it appears that we are plodding along without a care in the world searching for the next venue or occasion to savor our drink of choice.
The truth is that we can enjoy today even while keeping a clear focus on what will ensure our survival in the long run.