Submitted by Yardbroom
The recent spate of crimes – some heinous in character – indicate to me, that the innocence of which Barbados was well known, is now in jeopardy. The innocence of which I speak, simply means not tainted with “evil”. When old Bajans mention halcyon days of yore and the “industrious youth” listen. We are mocked, ridiculed and even told “get on message.” I am not suggesting this innocence is lost on the population as a whole, but there is a segment whose impact far outweigh their number. Please do not tell me “all” was not sweetness and light in days of yore, I am not saying “all” was, that is not what I am advancing.
Can the tide be turned?
The first response is, how have we arrived at this sorry state. In the past our friends and brothers in the Caribbean took schooners or motor vessels to visit us. They traded, some stayed and enjoyed our hospitality, we were delighted to have them and enjoyed their company. Now in a matter of minutes by plane, people with different views and ways of life are with us…not always a bad thing, providing they are prepared to adapt to the Barbadian way of life, which they sought.Our law enforcement agencies accustomed to less sophisticated crime management and detection, are now confronted with criminals whose modus operandi has been honed to perfection in other jurisdictions. They are not always on top of the game…I must add, not because of a lack of effort.
Some young people influenced by glitz and all things foreign, have taken onboard new practices as being sophisticated, and seek to acquire the money necessary – by whatever means – to sustain them. One pair had the audacity recently to threaten cashiers at an eating house – with a cutlass – and then make their escape by public transport…a bus. The message is clear, if it is there to be taken we will take it, as simple as that. Sophistication for some, but indigenous common criminals will not be found wanting.
“Some” elected officials not wishing to be seen as out of step keep silent. Pragmatism is easier and less discomforting than bold hard-nosed initiatives. The clergy often treated with respect – and rightly so – has in a few instances been discredited… this is unfortunate as their moral authority has been seriously undermined. The many paying a price for the indiscriminate few.
Only recently a farmer frustrated at the “stealing” of his crops, ploughed the remainder into the ground. An argument then ensued as if it was a christian act or not. The act of theft on an innocent farmer was lost or seemed to be by some in the mist of poor people getting a little something etc. Theft is theft, is theft, no amount of verbal gymnastics should be used to condone or acquiesce with it.
We live in a community and wrongdoing should not be condoned, it does not matter the class, colour, or social position of the aggrieved person, we must be trenchant in that regard.
Together we must make a stand or ultimately there will be nothing worth standing for, in the short term a little unpopularity will do those in authority and still respected members of our society no harm. We owe it not only to ourselves but future generations of Barbadians, to say enough is enough.
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