What is your mirror image? Barbados as a sovereign nation became independent from Britain 44 years ago. As an island we have achieved much in the last 44 years, thanks to the foresight of our past leaders. Most Barbadians, enjoy a standard of living which is the envy of many of their neighbors and others. Free bus fare for school children, free lunch for primary school children, free health care and free education.  How much better can it get? A per capital income of $19,300 and a Human Development Index Rating of 42 out of 169 countries. However, have our progress and successes blinded us from being strict guardians of our fate?  Probably a case of complacency and ignorance replacing Pride & Industry! Many man hours lost due to water outages and construction work being carried out on highways during peak traffic. Some may complain about my highlighting of the creeping cracks which threatens our accomplishments over the last 44yrs, but my responsibility is to my son and to Bajans not born yet. Therefore I will never forfeit my right to freedom of speech and expression; too many of us want to win a fight without fighting! Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself who or what am I fighting for.

In 2010 we have the major telecommunications companies being foreign owned. Where are the local black businessmen who brag about how much money they have? The power company is about to be gobbled up by a Canadian Corporate giant whose only motive may be supernormal profits. Will the Barbados Water Authority be next? Why would we consider a Waste to Energy plant in Barbados with the toxic Dioxin being a byproduct, when we can utilize the free sunshine we receive 300 days a year for energy generation.   How much smarter are we in our 44th year of Independence? Where are the investigative journalists in our 44th year of independence or is it a case of media houses putting commercial interests before reporting relevant news?

It’s a sad reflection in 2010 of who we are, after government spends so much money on education, to think there are no locally owned Banks in Barbados – and most are headed by foreigners. Oh how things have changed as black Barbadians were employed in the Banks from the late 60`s now to be relegated in 2010 to be just employees. Banks, still find it easier in 2010 to give the working class persons loans to purchase cars easier than for land purchase. After 44 years of Independence or semi independence we still have a Governor General.

Why are we in 2010 in the 44th year of Independence producing so many academics that are ignorant entrepreneurially? Are we fooling ourselves about being Independent or are we so caught up with Americanism and its corporate culture rather than its entrepreneurial culture.  Every black and white Barbadian should seek to plant the seed of hope and promise for the future.

I am the result of black defiance from Bussa, Marcus Garvey, Rosa Parks, Errol Barrow, Grantley Adams, Samuel Jackman and Clement Payne making a stand. Black Barbadians are the conclusion of 400 years of resistance. Every Barbadian Black and Redleg are the descendants of hope and inspiration of past black generations. We are the exclamation point at the end of every civil rights speech from “I have a dream” to “By any means necessary.” Barbadians of all classes’ race or creed must co-exist in peace and harmony and those entrusted with our heritage must ensure a fair share for all.

Thus I say, let us work together to rectify these social creeping cracks before it’s too late. Let’s be inspired by the beauty of our history and inspire our families with Courage, Strength, Unity and Pride.  However, I dare say our culture must be maintained and we must never surrender our culture to those who have made Barbados their home.