Barbadians often ask why has Barbadian society changed so suddenly and dramatically as it has in recent years; there are many reasons of course, but I believe one of the main reasons, is the flight to the terraces.
When sugar plantations became unprofitable and it was seen that division of agricultural land for housing could bring a sizeable profit…it had far reaching consequences for Barbadian society. It is true that the acquisition of those lands enabled the working class and those aspiring to be middle class, the opportunity to build lovely houses in often prime locations. Those on the terraces felt they had arrived – and they had – the reward no doubt for thrift and making use of their educational opportunities and status. Some even entered gated communities and joined the foreigners.
Is it wrong to seek a better life? no, it manifestly is not. Why should one live in a cramped environment when the wherewithal is available to do better for your family. However, the knock-on effect has dealt a devastating blow to Barbadian society and in many ways has fractured it.
The citizens who were accorded respect, and were in many instances the bastions of neighbourhoods moved away. The people who often gave direction and status to areas by their presence were no longer there. The role model professionals who were near, having moved away, gave rise to other models often entertainers, etc. Some abroad far removed from Barbadian society. The Police Sargeant, even Inspector who lived near and was part of the neighbourhood and had influence by his mere presence was no longer there. He had removed not only himself but any influence he had. The wild boy with a tendency to create havoc through his behaviour, would now only encounter this Police Inspector in a professional capacity, he was estranged.
The Head Teacher and his/her children who could be looked on with admiration, and could be used by parents to spur their children on to achieve, could not be used any longer. He/she was far removed not only physically but could not be reached by any obvious mental connect.
The best most enterprising and ambitious had taken leave to the terraces. This is not to suggest they all have left, but the stable core unit of them have, and their loss has been felt by many neighbourhoods throughout Barbados.
In most societies it is always best when there is inspiration near at hand, it then seems attainable. It also means that there is allegiance between the educated and the less well so in particular areas. This can be in political representation e.g… we are one people. This is not to disparage those who have removed themselves, for want of a better expression…from the people. This is a natural order of wealth acquisition and some would say personal development. The view I have taken is how this movement has impacted on ordinary Barbadian society and has disadvantaged the majority.
Since the physical structures inherent in this movement cannot be reversed, what is there to be done? Perhaps it is the responsibility of those who have moved away, to mentally reconnect with those they have left behind. I fear this will not be easy, but a determined effort must be made if that small band of Bajans who have achieved success in educational and financial terms are to reconnect, and see the problems of ordinary Bajans as their problems.
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