It was just over one year when the ascension of a Democratic Labour Party (DLP) to the government was heralded in the fanfare of song, dance and religious ceremony at the newly built Kensington Oval. All of those who were in attendance or viewed it on TV witnessed the religious flavoured ceremony, the spiritual upliftment was felt and welcomed by many. There was much back slapping and relaxing of frowns caused by a growing belief that there was rampant moral ineptitude overrunning our small Christian society.
Not since the disestablishment of Church and State in Barbados had a government been so bold as to bridge the gap between the two. Prime Minister David Thompson many felt wanted to send a clear signal to all that the time for moral atonement had come. His government would be giving priority to increasing the moral reservoir of the country.
It seems ironic that 1 year and some later the country has become embroiled in debate about whether we have become a country of too much feting especially during Lent, the number one Christian season!
Barbados is accepted as a Christian country.
For those who align with the view that government has no place legislating morals, BU agrees. For those who believe the decision rest with the individual, we disagree. The government, corporate community, NGOs, they ALL have a responsibility to shape a wholesome society which will lead to sustainability. Given the proclivity nowadays of our people to gravitate to what is popular and then embrace it as the standard has led to the orderly society which Barbados has become renown disintegrating. The fact that our society in the last ten years has transform to a pluralistic one has only compounded the problem.
At the recent 42 Independence Celebrations held at the Garrison the BU household observed with horror that there was no Scout troop on parade. A few minutes later the commentator alerted listeners that the Girl Guides was the largest group on parade. We have heard the statistic that 60+% of the student population at the University of the West Indies is comprised of females. What does all this translate to? The destabilization of the traditional family, the pivot of all successful societies is now under threat. Rude Boy DJs are being unleashed on an impressionable public by licensed radio stations. The chaos on our roads created by PSVs and private vehicles alike, a symptom of the moral vacuum in our society.
Minister of Family and Social Care Esther Byer-Suckoo has been given the task of creating initiatives to stem and shift the moral flow in the country. One year late we have not discern any change on the moral compass.
Can you see the weeds in the lawn?
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