It’s Time to see Beyond Red and Yellow

An image provided by the author, Ashecia Sam.

The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of One News SVG.

Last week, I wrote an article entitled “We Have Lost Our Way as a Nation.” The purpose of that piece was not political. It was not an attack on any political party, government, or individual. Rather, it was an appeal for reflection. It was a call for us as Vincentians to examine where we have come from, where we are today, and whether we are still guided by the values that once defined us as a people.

Unfortunately, some people who responded to the article seemed to focus only on the headline and the messenger and not the message. Some interpreted it through a political lens and launched personal attacks instead of engaging with the concerns that were raised. In doing so, they missed the very point the article was attempting to make.

This reaction highlights a growing problem in our society. Too often, we have become so politically polarized that we view every issue through the colours of party politics. Every opinion is quickly labelled as either “red” or “yellow.” Every criticism is assumed to be partisan. Every concern is met with suspicion rather than consideration.

As a nation, we must do better.

The rise of social media has given everyone a voice, which can be a wonderful thing. However, it has also created an environment where rumours, insults, half-truths, and character attacks spread with alarming speed. Too many people are willing to speak about others without knowing the facts about them. Too many are prepared to damage reputations for the sake of political points, personal grievances, or online attention.

We must remember that behind every profile picture is a human being. Words have consequences. False accusations have consequences. Reckless comments have consequences. A society that normalizes tearing down its own people cannot move forward.

I am therefore appealing to all Vincentians to be more responsible in how we speak about one another, especially on social media. Disagreement is a healthy part of democracy. We do not all have to think alike. We do not all have to support the same party. But we can disagree without being disagreeable. We can challenge ideas without destroying individuals.

More importantly, we must move beyond political tribalism. Elections are over. The campaign season has ended. Yet many continue to behave as though the nation is permanently trapped in election mode. This mindset does not serve any political party, and it certainly does not serve the people.

Instead of seeing only red or yellow, let us see the blue, yellow, and green, the colours of our national flag. Let us remember that before we are supporters of any political party, we are Vincentians. Our future is shared. Our challenges are shared. Our successes and failures belong to all of us.

No political party can build this nation alone. No government can succeed without the cooperation of its citizens. Likewise, no opposition can contribute meaningfully if every issue is reduced to blind loyalty or blind hostility.

The development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines requires something greater than partisanship. It requires maturity. It requires respect. It requires a willingness to place country before party and national interest before political advantage.

We have a country to build. We have communities to strengthen. We have young people who are watching us and are learning from our example. Let us show them that political differences do not have to become personal divisions.

The future of our nation depends not on how loudly we defend our political tribes but on how effectively we work together for the common good.

The time has come to lower the temperature, elevate the conversation, and remember that we are one people, one nation, with one future.

Let us put country first.