Submitted by Yardbroom
Now that our late Prime Minister Mr David Thompson has been laid to rest, in the parish of St John; a place that meant more to him than just a constituency. It is now fitting for us to reflect.
Before the last general election, there were concerns freely expressed on the blogs and other places, about the type of Barbadian society being constructed by the then Government. There were “allegations and I repeat “allegations”, that the meagre finances of our country were not being spent as they should have been. A few commentators made the point, that they were fearful of expressing their views openly, because of expected victimization. I will not suggest that the aforementioned were true but there was a perception held by many, there was currency to those perceptions.
During the elections, on the blogs, vile profanities and personal attacks were used to dissuade ordinary bloggers, who supported the then opposition. I am not suggesting this was done with official Party sanction. . . but the reality is it was done. Even official candidates, were subjected to personal attacks, not usually associated with Barbados’ elections, and in one instance a female candidate felt the “brunt” of such behaviour. In the spirit of forgiveness, I will now let that rest.
The people will always have the last word in a democracy, and out of that vortex of accusations, fear, and mental turmoil, they voted the Democratic Labour Party into government, with a substantial majority.
It then became immediately evident, that things had changed, there was a more relaxed atmosphere and the feeling a new dawn had awakened; Barbadians felt as if they had taken back their country.
It is true a country prospers by its economic success, but it is also true, that a society which is worth living in; makes sure that that economic success has been gained, not with a diminution of its mores and values.
David Thompson and the DLP sought to build that society. It was therefore necessary to share a different way of looking at Barbados. He believed that families were the “bed-rock of society”, for in those families could be influenced the youths of the future. No better example is there, than I will walk the way I think is right; judge me not by what I say, but by what I do; gravitas is added when the example is unspoken.
I will not seek to denigrate others, or lay false accusations without proof, as I am mindful of the fact, you cannot excoriate thousands because of opinion. . . even if firmly held. However, it is not wise to be blinded to reality, as one hides behind a cloak of loyal Party affiliation.
If it is that Integrity Legislation can be passed in parliament; and those whose responsibility it is to administer justice, can do just that, a metamorphosis can occur in Barbados. We can thus change the way we do things. It will need courage, honesty and above all “integrity”, but it can only happen if the social climate is receptive to such a change. I believe that that window of possibility is now open, the country is ready.
Are our politicians up to the challenge? can they carry forward the burning torch that was placed in their hands, by the late Prime Minister Mr David Thompson. If they can, they will be worthy of the trust he placed in them, and Barbados will be a better place for all of us. It is now a golden opportunity for our new Prime Minister Mr Fruendel Stuart, to carry forward what was bequeathed to him.
Their is no reason for despair or depression, just courage is required to hold that torch of David Thompson’s legacy, and you can be proud to say; I took the torch in the eye of the storm, sheltered it, and it glowed ever so brightly in the aftermath of it.
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