For many Barbadians 2009 will be defined by that moment when Ryan Brathwaite won the gold medal at the World Championships. It was the first time Barbados had achieved such a result on the world stage. Its significance months later has not entirely soaked into the psyche of the Bajan. The Brathwaite achievement gave hope to many Bajans who doubted because of our size and limited resources showed that with dedication and commitment along with a good support structure, the sky is the limit. His victory continues to awaken the hopes and dreams of ordinary Barbadians.

Other Barbadians may vote for local Pop and R&B Diva Rihanna who continues to monopolize global song charts, win numerous awards, sign multiple deals; and importantly sustain a level of popularity on the world stage which is unprecedented. Of course 2009 will be remembered by Barbadians as the year when an American lout Chris Brown beat Rihanna and left her battered and bruise. It was a moment in the career of Rihanna when Barbadians and others wondered if she would have the mettle to comeback.

Months later Rihanna seems to be back stronger than before according to those who understand the world of the Pop. R&B and the bright lights of show business. A significant observation concerning Rihanna’s fightback after the physical abuse she suffered can be noted in the following comment attributed to her in the Press: everyone wanted me to see a therapist to just talk about it, and I refused. In Barbados we don’t do that. We keep it in our family, and figure it out and move on. I just put my game face on and went on with my life. The unique characteristics of being a Bajan yet again demonstrated by one of its now more famous daughters of the soil.

The many successes led by Ryan Brathwaite, Rihanna, Shontelle, Hal Linton and many other Barbadians in 2009 show when preparation meets opportunity the sky is the limit. What the successes of these young Barbadians have  shown is the importance of our government and policy leaders to shift thinking. It is obvious to those of us with commonsense the traditional productive sectors will NOT grow the GDP of a future Barbados. It is time our leaders move beyond lip service and understand the latent competitive advantage the cultural arts may offer given the successful penetration of the global market by Barbadians in 2009. It is unfortunate despite the promise by governments of the open doors the EPA EU would have brought for entertainers in Barbados and the region; so far BU is yet to see action. There is also a new sector which we can create by rolling out a renewable sector. Imagine the savings in foreign exchange, imagine a new industry which employs thousands of people.

The 43 year of Independence is being ushered in on the backside of a very challenging economic period in world history. Now maybe the time to lead a people more receptive to change. Some say the Barrow model has served us well up to now but it has expired.

Who will take the baton and run like hell with it?

Who do we turn to fill the void?