The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) led by Freundel Stuart won the 2013 general election by a 16:14 margin, collecting 51.2% compared to 48.3% of the eligible vote. However, the statistic which stands out for BU is the 4,539 votes that separated the two parties in the first past the pole system of democracy we practice in Barbados, that is, 74,027 for DLP and 78,566 for the DLP. Another statistic civic minded Barbadians should take note of is that voter turnout continues to languish in the low 60 percent except for the general elections held in the period 1966 to 1986.
Although the system of democracy we practice in Barbados is described as “a universally recognized ideal” because it purports to protect the individual rights of individuals and ‘encourages the distribution of political power’, it is not perfect. It should be obvious to many our democratic system needs a revamp, we need to improve the quality of individual attracted to public service but more important, we need to have a system which holds politicians and public officials accountable to the electorate.
For the last 10 years, or so it seems, there has been too much twitter and not enough doing to build a better Barbados. Since 2007 which coincides with the global meltdown, the country has had to endure incessant complaining from a demanding public dissatisfied with an uncommunicative government. A government that appears not to accept the responsibility of being representative of ALL Barbadians.
Bear in mind less than 4,600 votes determined the last general election. Any organization that wants to be successful implements a mechanism to garner feedback from employees, and will build an action plan to appear responsive. Those who comprised the government of Barbados should take heed if it wants to be true to the role of public servants.
A big challenge for the government has been its inability (unwillingness) to be alert and intelligently respond to what is trending in social media. Barbadians have joined global John Citizen to give immediate feedback on any and all issues affecting the country via the Internet, the latest, an exclusive Muslim community given Town Planning approval over Queens College way. The historical, slow, bureaucratic and archaic approach to the government managing information is now being challenged 27/7 by social media savvy Barbadians.
Surely the fractious and garrulous relationship between ministers of government and a growing segment of the public is not conducive to growing the confidence required to move Barbados forward. Now more than ever we need our leadership to be conciliatory when necessary, that is, build partnerships.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.