The coat of arms depicts two animals which are supporting the shield. On the left is a “dolphin” which is symbolic of the fishing industry. On the right is a pelican which is symbolic of a small island named Pelican Island that once existed off the coast of Bridgetown. Above the shield is the helmet of Barbados with an extended arm clutching two sugar-cane stalks. The “cross” formation made by the cane stalks represents the saltire cross upon which Saint Andrew was crucified. On the base of the Coat of Arms reads “Pride and Industry” – Wikipedia
There is a lot Barbadians can fathom from reflecting on what our Coat of Arms defines. It seems appropriate in the month of November – Independence Month – we should examine those three words which are emblazoned at the base of our Coat of Arms which state ‘Pride and Industry’. If only we could re-embed into the psyche of the Bajan the importance of what Irvine Burgie penned so many years ago with the same ease with which it has been allowed to fade: We loyal sons and daughters all, do hereby make it known, these fields and hills beyond recall, are now our very own, we write our names on history’s page, with expectations great, strict guardians of our heritage, firm craftsmen of our fate – [Audio http://www.navyband.navy.mil/anthems/ANTHEMS/Barbados.mp3%5D. The message emitted from the words of our National Anthem should always*serve as the guiding light to how we develop our small and proud nation.
Here are the web definitions of pride and industry which resonate the most with BU in respective order: “the specific mostly positive emotion that is a product of praise or independent self-reflection” – “the organized action of making of goods and services for sale.” The amalgam of the two definitions given where Barbados finds itself in history creates reason for pause and provokes some on the eve of celebrating 44 years of Independence (whatever that means) to reflect.
While it is true a tiny country cannot operate immune from the vagaries of the global environment, Barbados must hold true to the rallying cry of our nation. Our expectations must always be great. We must always be strict guardians of our heritage while being proactive by being firm craftsmen of our fate. If we are able to instilled in our people what our Coat of Arms was meant to represent by the crafters, the forfeiting of all things Barbadianna for everything which is foreign would become greatly diminished.
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest” – Proverbs 6:6-8
It is 2010 and many would agree Barbados has achieved more than most especially if we measure in economic terms and against the several indices published by global agencies. However policy formulation by our leaders to ensure we sustain success must be informed by the exigencies of the moment. The recent collapse of the Irish economy should serve as a gut check for Barbadians. A matter which was recently highlighted by BU family member Adrian. How easily a service based economy can get screwed given the volatility of the global economic market. We live in a period where former colonies are fully exposed to shark infested economic waters. Our value to the former colonial masters is no more. Even the quotas and other preferential hand outs have been replaced by EPAs, OECD, WTO, IMF, IADB and other global institutions which are designed to feed the manufactured mendicancy well entrenched in developing countries.
The current state of Barbados tosses up a country which is one of the highest import nations of commodities in the world. Food security is not a national priority. In 2010* we are being informed that our government negotiated financing from the IADB to pursue options to promote the use of alternative energies.
What are we doing to mitigate against the many risks? What would our forefathers using only commonsense have to say about the design of our service-based economy? We should not place all of our eggs in one basket maybe?
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.