Submitted by Wishing In Vain
The late Prime Minister, David John Howard Thompson, often argued that Barbados is more than an economy it is a society as well.
The late Prime Minister, David John Howard Thompson, often argued that Barbados is more than an economy it is a society as well. As the many tributes attest, he tried to live his life according to that mantra. David Thompson was a child of an independent Barbados, and whilst a citizen of the world, he was Barbadian to the core, and he had a clear vision for the type of society he wanted for Barbados.
The Late Prime Minister, David Thompson, was often held up to public ridicule for promoting his values based approach to Barbadian society. An approach that was unwavering through opposition and into office. He advocated, while in Opposition the idea of giving young people a stipend for working in the holidays. The then Arthur led administration pooh pooped the idea and sought to bastardize the concept. They even classified it as offering a bus fare and lunch money solution to youth unemployment.
He sought to raise the level of awareness of the potential fallout from an increase in Crime and Violence. His campaign on crime and violence was also attacked. The Arthur led government turned it into a parody which sought to mock the seriousness of the message. School children made it a mantra during those dark days. These are the same youngsters today who made David their hero and abandon the Barbados Labour Party to the political wilderness.
Of course, he was castigated for launching Families First, a concept that his adversaries accused him of apparently importing. The Arthur led government always hungry for power were the architects of the negative campaign. At every turn, Thompson could be seen focusing on people, respecting people and emphasizing the family as the bedrock of a developing Barbados.
As the 44th anniversary of independence of Barbados draws near, various efforts will be made at reminding Barbadians about what defines Barbadiana. It is interesting to note, we no longer see children playing hop scotch, skip rope, picks up or dodge ball. The boys playing a cricket game of tip me two or 26 a pump are all things of the past. Over time, we have witnessed a transformation in our value system as we struggle to keep our heritage alive. Some have argued, with the onslaught of information technology, we have evolved into a homogenous society across the globe. Authors on the topic often conclude that a global village has emerged where there are no more boundaries. The notion of no boundaries in a society has brought a sense of debased activity that seems to be gaining currency.
I ponder on the above and juxtapose it to the recent comments in the House of Assembly attributed to leader of the Opposition, Owen Arthur and conclude that he represents that small segment of society where no boundaries are the law. The political trail reflects a politician who makes up his rules and administers his own judgment despite whom he offends, publicly or privately.
Here in lies the dichotomy of political immorality. Have we allowed politics to define the values in society? Are we to assume that political immorality is now a concept that has to be studied by our future academics? What is emerging in an unbridled way is the manner in which politics seems to define our sense of purpose as a society. This concept of political immorality is at cross purposes with our basic home grown values that were instilled in us.
The advancement of society based on purpose driven non political activity becomes a moving target because of the messenger. The messages of family, values, crime, violence and youth engagement are all active ingredients in manufacturing a wholesome fabric within our fragile society. The essence of the value of the input is pirated by others because of their political DNA. How will our society remember our leaders? Will this new sense of political immorality be allowed to gain further currency? Will an institution stand behind a leader in the face of his public offences?
The role and function of the political directorate cannot be allowed to define our future social fabric. The notion of reaffirming our commitment to things good and pure must be allowed to resurface. As a small society, we must not allow our history to be smeared by a few in the political class.
The House of Assembly too, has a place in shaping values and ethnics about what is good and pure. The idea of publicly offending loved ones at a time of mourning because of political DNA has allowed the Parliament to carry the title of poor rakey. Owen Arthur knew what he was talking about when made the comment and he lived it. There can be no accepted logic as to why the need to offend took precedence over the request to pay tribute. I guess the concept of political immorality was engaged by the Opposition Leader. How do we as a society reconcile the issues presented here? These are not issues restricted to the political class but seek to equally define the institution the person represents.
We are witnessing globally and regionally an almost surrender of what defines public ethics and morality. Public officials are accorded iconic status even after they admit to offences. In some instances based on history, they seem to be rewarded.
Political history, in recent times is replete with examples of the struggles of political leaders. Has the concept of democracy mutated into something that has now turned on the majority. The concerns raised here don’t define the system but it defines the person who benefits and abuses the system.
The sad tale of our story over the past week begs the question of what have we surrendered as a society. On the eve of our 44 anniversary, our sovereignty cannot be more or less important than the social fabric that binds us together as a people. To have sovereignty without social values, ethics and a moral code is almost an abandonment of our hard fought for independence.
I am calling on all Barbadians to pour scorn on the action taken by the Opposition Leader in the delivery of his tribute. This week will forever be etched in my mind as a Barbadian; we have witnessed how a leader of this great nation has debunked the notion of pride and industry by delivering political immortality. Kudos to those from the same realm, who held to decency and decorum.
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