Been hearing Perseverance by Mr. Rasum Shallow a lot lately. Always knew it was a good song, but never internalised the lyrics until now. I honestly believe it is one of the greatest songs written in the world lol, and it got me thinking, and well writing too... been a while since I have done that lol. Here goes...

For a considerable period in its history, the Caribbean region was characterised by a socio-economic structure based primarily on plantation agriculture revolving around sugar. For much of that time, plantation labour was equated with slavery characterised by inhumane living and working conditions.   Historian Franklyn Knights asserts that slavery in Caribbean society was in every respect a wretched form of labour organisation.  Moreover, many scholars have agreed that the end of enslavement did very little, if any to improve conditions for the masses. For centuries therefore, Caribbean people, including Vincentians had to struggle in a society that was deliberately designed to control and stifle their aspirations and development socially, economically and politically.

The Nationalist or Independence movement became a struggle to build a new society that was different from the colonial experience.  In this new society, those outside the planter class, namely, labouring class would  receive if not equal, but better wages, better working and living conditions and more importantly, greater respect and participation politically. History has shown that when left to the Planter class and Colonial office any change that benefited the masses was gradual and didn’t come easily. Throughout the region, therefore, Nationalists recognised that change could only be achieved if they were to take control of their own social, economic and political affairs.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, notable nationalist leaders in the fight for independence included Ebenezer Theodore Joshua, first Chief Minister of S.V.G. His administrative initiatives included gaining political independence from the United Kingdom and improving working conditions and wages. Ultimately, Joshua was succeeded by the Honourable Milton Cato, who had similar goals of gaining political independence and improving conditions. Mr. Cato did achieve his goals and on October 27, 1979, St. Vincent and the Grenadines attained political independence from Great Britain.

However, evidence suggests that in St. Vincent and the Grenadines the struggle for liberty and equality existed long before the 1970s independence movement. I believe that persons born to this island have always had a fighting spirit and an inclination to determine their own destiny. The Europeans were prevented from settling in St. Vincent until the 18th century, due to the aggressive and defiant nature of the Kalina and Garifuna people led by The Right Excellency Joseph Chatoyer, Paramount Chief.

There is little doubt that Vincentians have taken this “fighting spirit” wherever they travel, even dating back to pre-independence.  The first African American to captain an American merchant marine vessel during World War II was Vincentian born, Captain Hugh Mulzac.  He strongly detested segregation and racial discrimination, and so insisted on having an integrated crew. Captain Mulzac was also influential in obtaining better wages and working conditions for seamen of all races. Similarly, Vincentian Elma Francois is known for her devotion to the working class in Trinidad and the wider Caribbean.  She was one of the main leaders of the Negro Welfare Cultural and Social Association, which encouraged working people to unite and to fight for better conditions.  Francois was often arrested, and in 1938 she became the first woman in the history of Trinidad and Tobago to be tried for sedition. As a result of her political work, Francois was named one of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Hero.

Certainly, there are a lot more individuals in our History who ought to be remembered for their “fighting spirit” and contributions. More importantly, we should strive to adopt the same “fighting spirit”, not as a means of destroying each other, which has become the trend with our people, but as a means of promoting the overall development of our nation, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

Ta Neil James