Bishop's 2012 Independence Message

The theme chosen for this year?s Independence celebrations bears two significant words, which are proper to the mindset of any developing state such as ours; namely, progress and development. The unfortunate thing is that when they are used in our context, they are more often than not perceived from the viewpoint of already established standards that rests in the possession of others: individuals, groups and or nations. In other words, we always approach the reality of advancement with certain models in mind, some of which are not always wholesome.

I am not here casting a negative eye on the need to learn from others who have advanced in some positive way, in the area of our particular need. After all, the first word of the theme speaks of partnering, connoting a disposition of openness and willingness to learn from others. The truth is that, even mere survival is not possible in today?s world without a significant ability to relate and collaborate with others. Such relationships are required on the domestic, communal, regional and international levels. For purposes of our national celebration, however, let us turn inward for a moment.

We can begin by asking the question: what disposition ought we to have as a nation, to engender the sort of growth that would accord with the deepest sentiments of our people? What philosophy do we operate from? The answer to these questions will determine the quality of our advancement; whether they are geared towards helping our people to be truly independent, in the correct sense of the word, or even properly interdependent, or whether it leaves more questions hanging as regards our ability to attain greater freedom by our religious, educational, and other social structures. Not until these questions are properly answered can we speak of progress and development worthy of its name.

It must be realized, first and foremost, that genuine progress and development is about people. All infrastructural and other advancements, to attain their true value must, of necessity, be at the service of people. It is essentially about the quality of relationship that they provoke to achieve the short and long-term national and even domestic goals; ultimately, the enhancement of human life.

It cannot be doubted that physical structures have a significant place in the scheme of human advancement. For example, people need to have proper homes; a country needs proper roads, good hospitals, schools that are well integrated and other important social structures. However, these are all ineffective without the caliber of people to use them, lest they quickly go to ruin.

In my vision, therefore, a model of development that would be conducive to a small nation such as ours would need to be properly calculated, resonating with the local culture and never an imposition. We in Dominica are in a unique position to learn from the mistakes of other nations, including some of our Caribbean neighbours.

In light of this I feel compelled to ask the questions: what is so progressive about our reality when our crime is on the rise? What is so developmental about us when people are becoming more impersonal and selfish? What kind of progress do we see in the fact that increasingly people have little regard for others, basic etiquette is something of the past, and good civics is wanting?

As we enter the 34^th year of self-determination, my challenge to all of us is that we focus on the common good of all our people so as to reap the long-term benefit of a truly developed nation. Needless to say, it requires the effort of all and sundry, those who, by virtue of their position in our society are called to make specific contributions, such as the Government, Church, Judiciary, law enforcement departments, professionals, businesses, educational and health institutions, the fisheries and agricultural sectors, and every rank and file member of the society of our Nature Isle. I submit therefore, that the only viable way forward is through partnership, as the national theme suggests. Let us therefore embrace that call for the prosperity and good health of our nation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOMINICA!

Source: http://www.dioceseofroseau.org/2012-independence-message/

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