Mentioning Grenada's 44th Independence Day celebration on 7 February in the last blog, brought to mind two interesting articles I read in the local newspaper called Barnacle! There were two commentaries: one by J.K. Roberts, a Sound Public Policies Advocate, entitled At 44 Grenada's Independence is on the Rocks, the other by Dr John N. Telesford, a lecturer in Sustainable Development was titled Independence and Politics- a call for 'the sustainable development smart' politician.
I acknowledge that the following information is sourced from the 07 February 2018 Barnacle edition.
A brief review of recent history in Grenada is as follows:
13.03.1979- Grenada's 'independent democracy' was smashed by a self destructing revolution
19.10.1983- the revolution was terminated with the massacre of politicians and citizens.
The revolutionary government had suspended the 7 February 1974 Independence Constitution and adopted a socialist-communist philosophy of governance and rule by decree. Grenada was transformed into a military state of curfew and terror.
25.10.1983- USA intervention, causing further bloodshed but with the intention of restoring constitutional rule and democracy.
Many controversies and chaos surrounded the attainment of independence, which took place in darkness and under protest in the nation.
Thus, there are questions remaining as to whether or not Grenada is truly independent and in particular, the legitimacy of the constitution.
There are also debates about which of the historic events should be given greater national importance: independence or the revolution?

Independence suggests that a nation is sovereign and has the autonomy or freedom to make its own choices.
The 44th Independence celebration was given the theme 'Forging ahead together for continued national development'.
The sustainable development agenda 2030 has 17 sustainable development goals and should provide some level of holistic guidance for moving ahead with national development.
Dr Telesford's plea is for effectively meeting these sustainable development goals by 2030 and poses the question 'how can this be achieved?' He then argues:
Politics will play a significant role. Political leadership is a crucial driver of national development, especially when it comes to environmental threats such as climate change issues and other global issues such as major economic recessions.
2018 is a national election year in Grenada. Rather than dwell on the theme of independence, more emphasis should be put on electing politicians who strive for inclusive development, that is, smart environmental, economic and social leadership.
There is no room for 'sustainababble' - the politician who has no clue what sustainable development and sustainability mean and how they fit into national development.
There is a desperate need for considered responsible voting, seeking out those candidates who are genuinely sustainably development smart!

Final comment from me:
Leadership at all levels requires a demanding set of personal qualities that seems increasingly and globally rare to find. Leadership skills come from within, absorbed and honed by years of focused personal development combined with the influences of life's experiences and learning. High level leadership, such as leading a nation, requires exemplary skills for visionary thinking, advanced interpersonal skills and the capacity for strong advocacy, in the face of opposing views and corrupting tactics. It takes extraordinary commitment, energy and determination for politicians of all persuasions to rise above the 'sustainababble' of distracting issues and truly lead a nation with clear vision into the future.
Good luck Grenada. You are not alone, as all nations need to get this right!