For the past few months the Soualiga Social Movement has encouraged its many participants and the general public to attend info sessions hosted by various government departments. These sessions are to inform the public about what is about to happen on their island and for the most part allows the public to participate at various stages of this development by asking questions and putting forth ideas and suggestions.
There have been several very important sessions held during the first quarter of this year already! The Ministry of VROMI held open sessions on the Hill Conservation Act (HCA) which showed building limitations along the hillsides, a new road network to zip us around this 16 square miles, the development of Emilio Wilson Park and to much dismay the proposed tunnels through our beautiful hills. VROMI also held several sessions showing the planned development of several districts, how they plan to build village centers at the heart of the community so that people and organizations can congregate more, kids can have somewhere to play, and local community based businesses can thrive. Some bad ideas or should we say not well thought out ideas were also presented and commented on but WHERE WERE YOU?
It is no secret that the people committed to living in Soualiga have been complaining that they are living under the stress of past bad decisions, that they had no say and no part to play in the development of their issues and its all governments fault. But when these sessions are put on for the people to 'have a say', to be informed, to pick up on possible bottlenecks that will help the development to go smoother nobody shows up!
These sessions are advertised in the newspaper and on the internet and though they are not displayed as colorful as the upcoming Damian Marley concert they are very important. How ironic it is that these meetings presenting FACTS are so poorly attended but every 4 years thousands of people gather at election rallies to hear (for the most part) FICTION?
We need to realize that playing a part in the way our community develops is the key to sustainability and the betterment of our lives in Soualiga. The Soualiga Social Movement's key words are awareness, inclusion and participation, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to do so. To do nothing and say nothing when given the opportunity to do so, totally forfeits your right to complain.
See you at the next session. #sxmmovement
Soualiga Social Movement
