Submitted by Yardbroom
There is an argument that the nature of this submission will polarize, but I would contend that is only because the issue has not already been satisfactorily addressed. That possibility is all the more reason for an intelligent debate. I believe that race appears to be always just beneath the surface as evidenced in some debates. It is only fair to state this issue of race has not been helped by a “few” in positions of authority – when it is convenient – seeking to exploit race to their advantage. When we can discuss race in an open debate, without fear of victimization or denigration of each other, the process will start to put race to the sword in Barbados.
This is an attempt to start that process by asking simple questions on a “specific issue.”
Why are there so “few” and I mean “few” medium and large size businesses managed and “owned” by indigenous black Barbadians? I will further make the point that business opportunities are not possible to all races in equal measure commensurate with their percentage of the population in Barbados. If I am wrong there will be hard evidence to refute my statement.
Before expansion, I can hear those who say, why talk about race it does not matter in this day and age, the young are not concerned. Most people who take that view are asking for a dialogue of silence. If you never ask pertinent questions there cannot be satisfactory responses. Perhaps I should add , I am not speaking of a few young people having a drink in a bar, even dating, this issue is more fundamental than that.
Is there something “peculiar” about Barbados which adversely effects its black citizens and thus renders them impotent in this regard. Is it the case that black businesses are only allowed up to a certain level here, and then surreptitiously thwarted? Are inroads only allowed in specific areas, others by silent acquiescence are the preserve of certain ethnic groups?
If the points I have raised are baseless, they can be easily refuted by evidence of a “large number” of medium size and substantial size indigenous black owned businesses in Barbados. I have repeatedly used the word “indigenous black” with purpose. To say this has not happened because of a lack of business acumen for a successful enterprise, invites the retort are any efforts being made to address this obstacle and has a serious attempt ever been made as a national priority. Please do not highlight less than a dozen “large businesses” in a population of 90% indigenous black; that would surely make my point.
tAre we to believe that of all the black people in the world “only” black indigenous Barbadians are incapable of owning and running a large successful business. Are we suggesting that the same black Barbadians whose stock has produced stable Governments etc, are incapable of running a successful large enterprise. I am asking these questions because I hope that what is implied in this submission can be easily refuted. To suggest there is no case to answer, to an obvious reality, without evidence is vacuous.
The world is changing and changing fast, Barbados has to adapt to that change. It is how we position ourselves to meet that change which will determine the long term stability of our country.
Men/women of true vision are able to act and adapt to a new set of circumstances, those who remain moribund, settled and complacent in the attitudes and mores of the past, will see perceived rights easily eroded. This submission has not used vicious words or phrases against any groups, neither has it been aggressive. It has just posed questions which can easily be explained if the evidence is there. I have studiously avoided personal attacks, as they are often counter productive in such an issue and generally serve no purpose.
This submission in “not” about a black person being President in another country and how race does not matter today etc. It is about “Barbados” and its black men/women having the opportunity to own and manage medium and large businesses in the country of their birth – with a level playing field – and in so doing be in control of the “economic levers” of their country.
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If entrepreneurial skills are deficient in the indigenous majority black population; how do we address those deficiencies.
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It cannot enhance the “self-worth” of the majority black indigenous population if they know – because it is evident – that they do not play a major part in controlling the “levers of economic power” in their own country.
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It would appear that young indigenous Barbadian black boys/girls are growing up in environment in which the “abnormal” is seen as normal, and their self-worth and entrepreneurial ability is considered 2nd rate, perhaps because of denied opportunities.
As an aside , one purpose of a “good blog” is to tackle issues the main stream media do not engage with. Not to grab headlines but to seek “truth” by asking searching questions, which some might be uncomfortable with, but that is no reason why those questions should not be asked.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.