The Rural Unknown – Patriotism in the Shopping Aisles

[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n the eve of National Day I came across a Facebook post that captured my attention. The post suggested that for those purchasing Christmas gifts, we should buy from small businesses, women and mother entrepreneurs, and local artisans so that the money could reach small business-owners and allow everyone the benefit of a good Christmas. While I agree with this proposal, I also ask, why should it only be during the holiday season? As Saint Lucians, we generally advocate for buying local but when it comes to the actual act of doing so we hesitate. The argument then shifts from supporting local entrepreneurs to dollars and cents.

In the “Buy Local” context, while it does benefit the local economy, many argue that local products seem to be out of scope for lower-income consumers because of the cost of the goods. Others purport that the quality of the goods is not up to par with international standards. This argument is eerily similar to our food importation problem when individuals and businesses conclude that the quality is sub-par and the price of local produce is more expensive than importing. Now while these arguments are factual in some cases, it is not the absolute reality. However, if you look at the groceries in a typical Saint Lucian household and separate the local goods from those that are imported, the latter wins the race, sometimes by a huge margin.

I know it’s curious to align nationalistic values with local purchasing but, in a sense, if we call ourselves proud nationals should not our very food cabinets demonstrate a belief in local producers? In many instances, local producers are competing with international brands at the same price margins, and yet we still go for what is imported. So then, I ask, what does it mean to be a proud Saint Lucian? Is it wearing a T-shirt with the Saint Lucian flag eve though the T-shirt is manufactured in China? Has Saint Lucian pride fallen short of real nationalism, a sort of outward pride but an inward scepticism of what we can produce? Just a thought post National Day.

Helen’s Daughters is a Saint Lucian non-profit with a special focus on rural women’s economic development through improved market access, adaptive agricultural techniques, and capacity-building. It was formed in 2016 in a winning proposal for UN Women’s Empower Women Champions for Change Program. To learn more about the initiative, visit:

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