Yesterday was filled with good vibes as a friend drove me around your island. The views, sights, sounds, and experiences along the way were breathtaking and heart warming. The breeze, majestic hills and mountains, the sea vistas, the quaint villages with winding roads and pathways whispered to my soul. But what impressed this visitor most? Your families, enjoying each other, out in the parks celebrating, flying kites, eating barbecue. It was beautiful to see so many smiles, hearing laughter, and feeling love.
As we drove by each village, something compelled us to visit Black Rock, as my guide thought I would be interested in seeing the black rocks for which the area was named, and what a view it was!
As we drove into the park, another passenger in the car pointed far up into the sky and said, “Look!” At first I couldn’t see anything, but after focusing the eye, there is was, two kites flying so high as to appear as two very small dots. Apparently, there was a kite flying contest we happened upon.
We decided to park the car and walk toward the ocean. As we walked along, to our surprise; there was your new Prime Minister, under a tent, thoroughly and completely enjoying himself, sitting comfortably with a group of friends. It was clear to me that he was settled in for the afternoon. What impressed me was his smile and demeanour. I’m sure there were many places he could have been this day, but here he was, ‘at home’ in being out with his fellow Kittitians. No pomp, no pretense, no entourage, just a man with a warm heart. How impressive this was for this foreigner to see a Prime Minister of the people, down to earth, enjoying and appreciating the beauty of this day.
After being dropped off last night by my hosts, I began to think back to the kites. Everywhere we drove, so many kites; most store bought, some handmade. I began to think about the historic elections here that I was able to witness firsthand, and my handshake with your Prime Minister only hours ago.
I began to reflect on how symbolic the kites were. I wonder if others thought like I, knowing that what kept those kites flying so high was the string. The actual resistance against the wind lifted those two kites to remarkable heights! How wind is like the trials we all have in life. The moment the kites’ strings were to break or be let go, the kites would most certainly spiral down to the ground. So it is if remove our trials in life and in government. We may feel frustrated, even complain about it, but in reality the pain we feel from trials and during/after elections is just part of growth and freedom.
My native country is the United States. I am so very proud to be an American. And like SKN, we have our own challenges in government, and our Democracy is under serious attack. There are many who believe the United States has become an Oligarchy, more than a Democracy. Special Interests now fund campaigns and laws which are passed to benefit corporations, more than the people. And there is a groundswell of us that see these threats to our nation as we drift further away from ‘we the people’.
You are a blessed nation. Your elections have shown you, and the world, that Democracy - the will of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis - is more than an idealistic notion, but a reality. I truly hope you cherish this rare and special government and nation you have.
There will be challenges and trials with your new government, and I’m sure many feel restricted and limited (your kite string). But as long as your new government continues to create opportunity (wind), you will be able to reach new heights as a nation.
I am confident in your new Prime Minister. Your tradition of flying kites, sharing moments as family, and your new government have truly inspired me. I hope you fly to higher vistas and opportunities in the months and years to come. Such a beautiful island, with warm beautiful people! Thank you for offering this foreigner a taste of your culture and beauty. Hold to your new government in faith and learn from your neighbors from the North. Protect and appreciate your Democracy. Your example is inspiring and appreciated. Thank you.
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