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I have seen some comments that Saint Lucians are not broke or going through economic hardship right now due to long lines at many establishments. I think it is important that we reflect on a few things.
1. Long lines might not reflect booming business but rather slow and more tedious service. I met a friend today who shared her ordeal of having spent 5 hours on a bank line.
2. Many people and their families are being kept afloat by the support of family and friends overseas who send money via Western Union and MoneyGram in addition to barrels.
3. Coping with difficult times does not take away from the human desire to enjoy some regular customs that come with a season that involves so much for us in Saint Lucia, and the rest of the Caribbean.
If one has children around too, the need is even greater to provide for them some comfort whether that is a toy, some fruit cake or the like.
4. Civil servants are ensuring that local commerce is given a boost. Can you imagine at this time what the society and economy would be like without their spending power?
5. This year NIC gave to Saint Lucians approximately $80 000 000. Our poverty list as of October has increased by 1000. And reports from schools indicated that while children were coming to school they were doing so without food.
We are all in the same storm, but not in the same boat. When we go to town it is important that we look beyond the lines and movement.
