Overview of Vincy Homecoming 2009

Vincy Homecoming 2009 is being spearheaded by the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit/Office of the Prime Minister (RIDU) along with partners in the Diaspora, members of the local communities, Non-Government Organizations and Government Ministries and Departments. It is being celebrated under the theme; “As one people in many lands we shape our Nation with many hands”.

The concept of Vincy Homecoming 2009 is one of a cultural, heritage and economic nature aimed at unifying and educating while identifying our unique Vincentian Identity. It would seek ways conserve the essence of the Vincentian decent, culture and history, and also to maximise the economic benefits of the contribution from the Diaspora. It will build on existing relationships between the Diaspora and nationals at home, and will represent an opportunity for the Diaspora to join with the Vincentians at home to discuss issues pertinent to the development of our beloved country.

All Vincentian people throughout the Diaspora and at home are invited to participate and make history as we approach our 30th anniversary of independence.

Objectives

  • Creating a space and opportunity for Vincentians to revisit our history and discover in the process a greater understanding and appreciation for our home, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Linking Villages/Communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with their Diaspora which should see an enhanced sense of collaboration and unity among all Vincentians for the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
  • Enhancing cultural exchanges among the local communities and between the Diaspora and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
  • Developing a process for greater coordination among Diaspora organizations contributing to the development and advancement of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
  • Developing a framework and action plan for further enhancement of relations between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its Diaspora.
  • Facilitating greater collaboration and partnership among the local business community and also between the business community in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and entrepreneurs in the Diaspora.

Methodology

It is anticipated that during the course of 2009, thousands of Vincentians would travel home for community celebrations, festivals, tours and a national homecoming conference which seeks to formalize the framework for cooperation with Vincentian at home and in the Diaspora. It would be promoted in all of the communities with large concentrations of Vincentians such as the UK, USA, Canada and the Caribbean, utilizing our Embassies and Consulates, the voluntary services of patriotic Vincentians, as well as the various Vincentian Diaspora organisations.

This pilgrimage of Vincentians is designed to be a catalyst to generate support for the aspirations of the Vincentian people. It can be the driving force for Vincentians across the world to come together with a common objective of recognising, uplifting and revitalizing the essence of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Vincy Homecoming is structured in such a way that the programming is built from the bottom up, giving power and ownership to those who choose to participate. As a result, communities are encouraged to plan activities and are empowered to use this platform to showcase the diversity of the different communities of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Consultations, through town hall meetings, have been held throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. So far, we have over ten communities that have registered with the Unit and have submitted programs of activities. As we continue our consultations and the concept of Vincy Homecoming is better understood, other communities are coming forward and organising to plan their welcome home.

Additionally, RIDU in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Community Development, National Parks, Ministry of Rural Transformation and the Social Investment Fund (SIF) is organizing a best village competition that would reward the community that in a structured way organized activities during the year that showcased the talents and creativity of its citizens. An important element would be the emphasis that is placed by these communities on discussing ideas for the development of their communities. The winning community would be awarded a prize of EC$150,000 to spend on a development project of the community’s choosing.

Vincy Homecoming 2009 will build on existing programs of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism that develop and showcase our national sites and place our cultural heritage on display.

Vincentians in the Diaspora are playing an important role also. There will be Diaspora conferences held in the cities with large concentrations of Vincentians. The coordinating committee in New York City prepared a proposed template for those conferences. The outcomes of those Diaspora Conferences and discussions held at the community level in St. Vincent and the Grenadines would provide the basis for the dialogue at the National Homecoming Conference to be held in SVG October 21-22, 2009 during our independence celebrations. It must be noted that October 21 is the anniversary of the uprising led by Mr. McIntosh.

During 2009, everything will be branded “Vincy Homecoming 2009”. We will also have an educational drive on the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and what it means to be “Vincy”. There would be a lecture series held throughout the year with each lecture focussing on the community where the lecture is held. The various television stations are committed to adding programming on our history during this year and the Ministry of Education is involved in a greater promotion of our history throughout the year in our school.

The business sector is a very important aspect of our growth and development and individually and collectively as a Chamber of Commerce and a Small Business Association, they have started contributing to the success of Vincy Homecoming 2009.

As you can see, Vincy Homecoming 2009 is essentially aimed at empowering the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The task is not an easy one and the struggle is long. However, by working together, Vincentians and friends of Vincentians can continue the movement for Vincentians everywhere to become economically independent and culturally rich.