Minister Denis Lowe bowed to public pressure last week and commented on the inability of his ministry to efficiently collect and dispose of garbage in Barbados. The minister delighted in the usual political rhetoric, histrionics and the media houses were happy to acquire fodder for reports to foist on the public.
Lowe’s episode with the media highlighted the inability or is it unwillingness of Barbadians to hold government (ministers) accountable. An example: this government discontinued the fuel subsidy to Barbadians and replaced it with a policy of passing on the ‘true’ cost of fuel to consumers on accepting office. In the last six months the price of crude oil has plummeted to the lowest since 2008. A reasonable expectation by Barbadians, give or take a few basis points, is that the price point of fuel to the consumer should be reflecting market price. In response to the concern by Barbadians Minister Lowe was quoted last week in the press, “I am quite sure that every consideration would be given on the part of the Government to ensure that any benefits and savings are passed on to consumers”. Has the government shifted from its policy of passing on the market price of fuel to Barbadians?
Some have obfuscated this issue by highlighting that Barbadians need to conserve energy by changing consumption behaviour or by investing in renewable energy solutions. This is true but is it the point? The government’s unwillingness to honour its ‘enunciated’ fuel policy defines this issue and others. Although citizens have expressed disapproval via BU and other social media platforms, the government has failed to coherently satisfy public concern on the matter. Yet another issue stoking disquiet in a country suffering from economic AND social fatigue.
Another takeaway from Lowe’s media event was how comfortable he was taking an aggressive position to calls by Barbadians he should resign given the deplorable state of garbage collection and disposal in Barbados. A quote in the press tagged to him was that Barbadians, “don’t have any power over my appointment, so they can call from now till the cows come home”, is a disrespectful position to be taken by an elected servant.
Another insightful quote, “Should I go around and call for the removal from this country of every single Barbadian who litters? Should I? If people want to react to circumstances not caused by the Government, the result of the habits of some Barbadians, then let me make them an offer. Let them agree to leave the country and I will agree to resign.” Is this man for real?
BU has observed that local politicians and other public officials have been slow to adjust to the reality that with the advent of social media they have to manage in a fishbowl culture where feedback will be swift and unforgiving. Although traditional media practitioners, especially the old school players, continue to focus on the negative of social media, they ignore the rising influence of this medium at their peril.
It is unfortunate Minister Denis Lowe has not seen the need to respond to allegations circulating on social media that he deposited significant funds to his late mother’s bank account.
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