By Anselm Caines
Once again, it is that time of the year when we celebrate our nation’s independence. To be sure, as I put pen to paper, I am beaming with profound pride and patriotism, not least because of what Independence means to me. While for some, it is predominantly a period of pomp and pageantry, I believe that principally, Independence provides us with the optimal opportunity to pay homage to those pioneers who laid the groundwork for our development and led us to where we are today.
On this occasion, I therefore wish to recognize the work and the worth of one such pioneer – the indomitable Uhral Swanston!
Born in Fenton Hill, Gingerland, Uhral Swanston, lived and served in a time when the socio-economic conditions were immensely inferior to what they are today. In his age, paved roads were but a mere figment of one’s imagination.
For those of us who today glamour at the Nike and the Reebok’s, even a standard pair of shoes was but a luxury in those times, as villagers often had to settle with using dry mango seeds, pasted to their feet with ‘clama-cherry’, in order to traverse the abusive dirt tracks. There was no proper water storage facility and locals had to travel over two miles just to collect a bucket of water.
This is but a mere synopsis of the harsh reality of the times that confronted Uhral Swanston, as well as so many other Nevisians prior to Independence. However, while most tried to be content with this livelihood, the colorful and sometimes controversial Swanston would dare to challenge the status quo and seek to bring about tangible improvements in the social conditions.
Uhral Swanston quickly gravitated to national politics and emerged as one of the founding members of the Nevis Reformation Party, in his quest to provide better representation for Nevisians at the national level. In 1983, when our Federation attained Independence, Mr. Swanston was appointed the Junior Minister of Communications, Works, Public Utilities and Posts in the first Nevis Island Administration. As the infrastructure in Nevis was still at its lowest ebb, Swanston saw this as an opportunity to alleviate the plight of his people.
Road, electricity and water development became the primary focus of his agenda for action! A well drilling scheme was established, which saw the development of more catchment areas to improve water storage. The pipelines were enhanced so as to ensure greater distribution to the villages for much longer periods; and while the funds were almost non-existent (as evidenced by the few thousands dollars rather than millions, that was granted for road development), strips of concrete were placed on what were once bare dirt roads. While perfection was not achieved overnight, Swanston was resolute that no longer were his people to feel as though they were living in the Sahara Desert, walking several miles just to obtain a bucket of water.
Of course, the progress did not end there. After all, this is Uhral Swanston – a man who is as adamant and assertive as they come. One of the first things that Swanston sought to acquire was a 720 kw generator, as the lighting conditions of homes and electricity needs of rural communities at large, had to be improved. Swanston understood that amenities such as electricity, water and road development had to be met, if there was to be a marked improvement in the lives of our people. Swanston in 1983, rightfully foresaw, that what we sometimes take for granted here in 2010, was the precursor for meaningful investment in the country. He and his colleagues realized that to attract hotels of the status and standing of the Four Seasons, the basic infrastructure of the country had to be lifted. Clearly, while he may not have been fortunate to receive advanced education, he was a man of vision.
That being said, however, there was one scenario for me that encapsulated the man that is Uhral Swanston and his commitment to his people. During his tenure as Junior Minister of Works and Public Utilities, an incident occurred, whereby the residents of St. James were not receiving water because the pump had broken down. Swanston subsequently approached the then Premier, the Hon. Dr. Simeon Daniel and begged him for funds to remedy the matter. Dr. Daniel consented and he requested a loan of $10,000 from the Bank of Nevis. With cheque in hand, Swanston proceeded to Puerto Rico to purchase the pumps but could not find a means of transporting them home quickly enough, as there was no regular ferry service between Puerto Rico and Nevis. Swanston realized that he would have to wait for the ship; however, this was an urgent problem.
He then met an individual who was the owner of a boat and was journeying down south. Although Nevis was off his route, Swanston explained the severity of the situation and the man consented to transporting the equipment. Of course, Swanston was still somewhat fearful that this gentleman would not hold true to his word and might just sail off without the pumps. Recognizing that he did not come this far to return to Nevis with nothing, Swanston decided to sleep by the docks that night just to ensure that the equipment was loaded! As far as he was concerned, once the captain and crew had expended so much time and energy packing the equipment, they were not going to turn around and spend all that time to take them off. For me, this situation captured the sacrificial nature of Mr. Swanston and represented the hallmark of his service.
It is for this reason, why as we celebrate another independence anniversary and reflect on those who paved the way for us to get here, we must remind our youth, that even before there were Ministers of Government such as the Hon. Carlisle Powell or the Hon. Michael Perkins; there were men like Uhral Swanston!
It is for this reason why we must inform them that even before road and water development became mainstream matters in the political arena, Ministers in our first NIA, with far fewer financial resources, insisted that ‘Better Must Come’ and one such Minister was the Hon. Uhral Swanston!
It is our responsibility to remind them, that whenever they drive, walk or march to Zion; that the recently named highway is a symbol of the infrastructural progress that was championed by its namesake – Uhral Swanston!
To be fair, Mr. Swanston’s achievements cannot be analyzed and accepted in isolation from the hardworking men who served with him, such as the first Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Dr. Simeon Daniel and other Ministers, such as the Hon. Ivor Stevens. However, he has made his mark in our country and deserves all the recognition that is bestowed upon him.
Consequently, I commend the NIA for exhibiting such wisdom in naming that stretch of road from Market Shop to Zion after this great Nevisian stalwart. Needless to say, this must not be a one-off occasion. The names and contribution of men like Uhral Swanston must be highlighted all year around so that the connection between the past and present no longer remains blurred and to ensure that today’s generation understand and appreciate, that it was not by some stroke of luck why they enjoy the comforts of today but is as a consequence of the selfless service of our Nevisian heroes.
I therefore implore the Ministry of Education, to further develop the Social Studies program in the primary schools so that it can highlight the invaluable input of men such as Uhral Swanston, just as much as it speaks to the role of the Lord Nelson’s and the Alexander Hamilton’s.
I also encourage the local museums to enhance the present profiles of Mr. Swanston and his former government colleagues. If available, I suggest greater inclusion be made of documented speeches, photographs, audio and visual presentations that depict their life and contribution to Nevis and which would make such exhibits more appealing to younger students.
In the mean time, to this local hero from Fenton Hill, Gingerland, I say, a job well done! Your service has not gone unnoticed and our nation is the better for it. That is why, as we celebrate yet another Independence; another year of recognition to national duty, I am compelled to tip my hat and say: -
“Uhral Swanston . . . I salute your contribution!”
