Embracing Unity: A Call to the People of Antigua and Barbuda

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Embracing Unity: A Call to the People of Antigua and Barbuda
By Garfield Joseph

In times of turmoil, timeless wisdom can serve as a guiding light. Ellen G. White, an influential author and religious reformer, once urged, “Let us set aside contention, criticism, and division, embracing unity as the foundation of our mission.” Her call, issued amid the growing pains of a globalizing religious movement, underscored the power of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared purpose.

Today, her words resonate more than ever.

Antigua and Barbuda—though small in size—sits at the crossroads of global uncertainty. As the world navigates economic shocks, shifting alliances, and climate crises, unity is no longer just a noble ideal. It is a survival imperative.

A Shifting World and Its Impact

The global landscape is rapidly evolving. Trade disputes, rising tariffs, and economic protectionism are sending shockwaves that disproportionately affect Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like ours. Reliant on international trade and tourism, our economy is vulnerable to external shocks—from surging import costs to restricted market access.

Geopolitical powerhouses are turning inward, sidelining smaller nations in critical global negotiations. Meanwhile, existential threats like climate change loom large, exacerbating inequalities and testing our resilience.

In such times, unity—both within our nation and among SIDS globally—is essential. It allows us to safeguard our interests, amplify our voice, and strengthen our response to the challenges ahead.

Challenges at Home

Here at home, Antigua and Barbuda is not immune to the strain. Social divides, economic pressures, and political gridlock threaten the cohesion needed for national progress. Local businesses struggle. Families face rising costs. Political disagreements often devolve into counterproductive conflict.

Yet these are not insurmountable problems. Throughout history, unity has proven to be the most powerful tool for overcoming adversity. White’s message offers us not only inspiration but a roadmap: discard contention, criticism, and division, and embrace common purpose.

Learning from Ellen G. White

White’s original appeal was rooted in spiritual conviction, but the principle she championed—unity as strength—is universally applicable. Her insistence on mutual respect and collaboration is just as relevant to civic life as it is to religious communities.

In our current context, unity can help us pool our strengths, foster innovation, and confront our challenges with a sense of shared destiny.

A Vision for National Unity

So, what might unity look like in Antigua and Barbuda? It begins with personal responsibility and extends to collective action. Here’s how we can bring it to life:

1. Social Inclusivity and Cooperation
Celebrate our differences as strengths. Through open dialogue, community support, and inclusive policies, we can bridge divides and ensure no one is left behind.

2. Economic Resilience Through Collaboration
Let businesses, government, and citizens unite to promote local industries, foster entrepreneurship, and invest in education. Our economic resilience depends on this synergy.

3. Political Maturity and Respect
Disagreement is part of democracy. But let’s move past division for division’s sake. Leaders and citizens alike must focus on shared goals that elevate the nation.

4. Stronger Global Advocacy for SIDS
We are stronger together. By standing in solidarity with fellow small states, we can advocate more effectively for fair trade, debt relief, and decisive climate action.

5. Environmental Stewardship as a Unifying Mission
Our natural beauty is both a gift and an asset. Let’s unite to tackle roadside litter and promote sustainable practices that protect our environment—and by extension, our tourism economy. Every citizen can play a part in cleanup efforts and in modeling pride in our national landscape.

Why Now?

Our challenges are deeply interconnected. Social disunity impairs our economic potential. Economic hardship fuels political friction. And without unity, our voice on the global stage is diminished. To move forward, we must weave our fractured efforts into a single, cohesive national purpose.

Ellen G. White’s message cuts through the noise: division weakens, but unity empowers. In this age of complexity and conflict, unity offers not just hope—but direction.

The Path Ahead

The road will not be easy. Disagreements and frustrations will arise. But unity provides a compass. It demands courage, humility, and a willingness to listen.

Imagine an Antigua and Barbuda where unity is more than a slogan—a place where diverse communities thrive together, where economic innovation blossoms, and where leaders serve with transparency and dedication. A country where every child sees opportunity and every citizen feels valued.

White’s enduring appeal—“Let us set aside contention, criticism, and division”—is more than a relic of the past. It is a charge to our generation.

Let us stand together. Let us build together. For in unity, we find not only strength—but the key to a brighter, more resilient Antigua and Barbuda.

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