est. 2007

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Making Barbados Great Again: What Are You Doing Minister?

I have decided to adopt part of Donald Trump’s slogan. My slogan will be “Making Barbados Great Again.” I do not just wish to coin a cute phrase but to actually put forward workable solutions to make our nation great again. Many years ago, I visited my son at school, it was either when he…

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Submitted by Heather Cole
Submitted by Heather Cole

I have decided to adopt part of Donald Trump’s slogan. My slogan will be “Making Barbados Great Again.” I do not just wish to coin a cute phrase but to actually put forward workable solutions to make our nation great again. Many years ago, I visited my son at school, it was either when he was in Infants A or Infants B and as I approached the classroom door, there was a lot of chatter and I heard the teacher ask “What are you doing? Are you working?” I do not know if anyone responded as I was searching for that familiar face when I stood at the door. Some of the little boys saw me and ran to the door shouting “Kajani’s mummy!” The teacher bid me welcome and I entered. Only then did I set my eyes on the little boy whom I was searching and he did not even see me. Amidst all the noise and the disruption of my being there, he remained in deep concentration, so focused on getting the task at hand done that he was unaware of my presence until I called his name. From that day, I was in awe of him.

Now let us replace the above script with the people of Barbados, the Minister of Social Care and the work that is to be done there. Imagine me turning up at the Ministry of Social Care one morning to find out if the work that was set by the people of Barbados was being done. Would I find the Minister in the midst of distractions yet so focused on getting the work of the people done? Would I come away in awe of him? Based on the sum of what has been occurring with regards to social services in Barbados, I think not.

Recently, there were two separate and distinct occurrences that have added to the disaster of social care delivery in Barbados. The first was a story of a young woman whose new born baby was taken away by the Child Care Board due to the fact that neither she nor the father had suitable housing. The second was a story of two young men, one of who was chained and the other locked in a room of their home by their father. I have not heard of any utterances public or other wise of the Minister of Social Care regarding these two situations. As far as I am aware, the baby has not been reunited with its mother and the two young men are back with their abusive father.

I view both of the occurrences as the shame of every person who lives in Barbados and more so that of the Minister. For too long, the act of providing social care to special needs persons who are beyond school age have been ignored. Society has not done enough to help care for these fellow Barbadians and neither has the Government. I can but I have decided not to dwell on the inability of the Minister as he appears to be bankrupt of ideas to resolve these social problems. However, his ministry has witnessed the death of three young children and would rather use unenforceable legislation to imprison parents rather than resolve an age old problem of promiscuity. Added to the lack of performance are the two cases mentioned above. Since the State is either unable or unwilling to provide social care services to the population that are required in the 21st century, it should concentrate its efforts on creating the environment for others to do so, just as it does for business.

Therefore, if I were the Minister of Social Care, I would set about to enforce the following solutions as remedy for not only those three unfortunate individuals but to transform the current state of delivery of social services on the island. Even without a ton of money, these solutions can be implemented. We have seen government enter into public private partnerships where only the private sector benefits. Examples of these are the Villages of Coverley and the SBRC. It is time for the government to establish a public private partnership where the people benefit. The Ministry of Social Care sees it fit to spend thousands of dollars on football tournaments and the Government is spending $7 million in 50th Anniversary celebrations but yet refuses to undertake the required steps to enable all Barbadians especially those who need it most, a better quality of life.

Solutions

  1. That the government becomes a regulator of the provision of Social Services.
  2. That public-private partnerships are formed with several non –profit social innovation entities to provide care, housing, rehabilitation as well as preventative and respite services, services for homelessness, disabilities , seniors, childcare and other welfare services.
  3. That the government allocates grants for the provision of the above mentioned services.
  4. That the Non-Profit Organizations also seek funding from private and business donors.
  5. That the agencies will be referred cases by government, police, the hospital and members of the public.
  6. That the underutilized library buildings and community centers be used as places or learning for these persons; teaching them life skills and to utilize various computer programs and the Internet.
  7. A Volunteer Program is to be created for persons to help these individuals in their homes, until such time as funds are sourced to make their contributions paid services.
  8. Volunteers can be sought from the average of 1,500 persons who attend Q in the Community and therefore have free time on their hands.
  9. That the Government allocates funding for training volunteers.
  10. Government must set aside some of its housing stock for those who cannot care for themselves but do not need to be institutionalized.
  11. The Public private partnership can also assist with placing persons in temporary lodging until permanent solutions are sourced.
  12. The creation of economic based programs to help these persons supply their needs where possible; i.e. in terms on entrepreneurship or finding suitable work.
  13. That the Child Care Board is disbanded and that the services that it is intended to provide is provided by the created non profits.
  14. That a preventative programme be set up in all schools with social workers to prevent delinquency and promiscuity.
  15. That a respite service be set up for children in homes that are at risk. Trained volunteers can also be utilized in this area.
  16. That a Board of Advocates be created to lobby the government for the creation and advancement of public policy for Social services.

These solutions are not meant to be the complete package of what is required to transform the delivery of social services in Barbados but are meant to start a discussion with ideas to add to the contents. Without a visionary leaders and workers, the people will perish. We must be able to see what the Minister is doing with the responsibility that the people of Barbados have entrusted to him.

69 responses to “Making Barbados Great Again: What Are You Doing Minister?”

  1. ac Avatar
    ac

    Image ! A representation of one self in action or word.
    Not here to reconsider the word in its true context as barbadians has never been bashful of representing an image which supplements or make up for its short comings. ..an image of peace and tranquility which has worked well towards our endearment and boost a positive direction of trust from international financial markets.isnt that a positive
    However moving forward within a global community barbados /barbadians has to do more in expanding its skills or required knoweldge to present an image of self sufficiency

  2. Sunshine Sunny Shine Avatar
    Sunshine Sunny Shine

    @the intelligent AC

    The hallmark of Barbadiana is one of peace and tranquility. Couple with the fact that we are a relatively flat land mass that provides the desired incentive for attracting international business as it is automatically assumed that flatness means no major transport issues, I agree with you that peace and tranquility are two of a series of positives. But, it is not a stand alone. For example, Jamaica and Trinidad have significant issues with their peace and tranquility and yet they do not fail to attract international business probably due to their vast array of natural resources and ease of doing business. You will also agree, I hope, that with the financial rating agencies plummeting the fragility of our economic fortunes to attract international business to junk bond status, no amount of tranquility and peace will be attractive enough to entice investors to put a little into our shores. Therefore, peace and tranquility are all good, but continuity for ensuring that a good working model follows a set of prescribed establish principles must also be an accompanying factor if the continuation of what made Barbados excellent and strong remains on a trajectory that augurs well for the future. Do you agree?

  3. ac Avatar
    ac

    Agree!

  4. Sunshine Sunny Shine Avatar
    Sunshine Sunny Shine

    WWC

    Why do you query the whereabouts of that egomaniac? I am not impressed by him. He reflects too much of an egotistic disposition to be of any effective use. Plus he serves his country only true the eyes of a political party. Please do not call him ma girl, He is better left where he is.

  5. TheGazer Avatar
    TheGazer

    An excellent article.
    Let me applaud the members of the group who are able to maintain their focus and keep on fighting (even though it is an uphill battle). Sometimes I get tired after reading the various posts and my contribution becomes like that of the pedantic one, less than a dribble.

    But Heather, I wish to make a few comments and would welcome a response.

    I like the fact that you propose a number of solutions, but I must take issues with three of them (1) privatization, (20 a reliance on volunteerism, and (3) disbanding the child care board. Whilst I applaud those who volunteer, I think you would willingly agree that they may be an unreliable and limited source of help for children in need ;so I will not deal with that point any further.

    I am always afraid of those who would take responsibility from the hands of the government and put it in the private sector. The private sector often take shortcuts to maximize their profit. Their attention would be to the bottom line and not to the welfare of the children. I see a worsening of the current situation.

    Let me be a skeptic and state that If a fraction of what is written here is true, then privatization would just be a new avenue for corruption. I think regardless of it be B, D or a third party, the responsibility should remain with the government.

  6. pieceuhderockyeahright Avatar
    pieceuhderockyeahright

    @ The Gazer

    Hahahahaha.

    I laugh because you have voiced what de ole man thought when he saw this entry a submission that that while technically sound and linguistically coherent lacked the element of what government and good governance needs to be.

    You CANNOT LEAVE OLE MENSES AND WOMEN who now in that twice a child stage, to the hands of volunteerism and private sector management.

    There is no money in old people care so this essentially does what the elephant herd does with oths old and less physically capable, puts us out to die when we have reached the end of our usefulness.

    “To Govern a People you show how you Care”

    People confuse efficiency and operational efficiency with competition and seem to wholeheartedly transfer this to government becoming a competitor against its citizenry as opposed to being a facilitator of its citizenry.

    Free school meals post Barrow should have found a successor who understood the collaboration with Guyana as the breadbasket of the region like the visionaries Chiquita and Dole rape the banana producing nations of the world, so too should the Ministry of Agriculture led by a capable Minister of Agriculture, be able to propose and champion a hydroponics strategy during the 70 and 80’s that would now be blooming.

    But we only had one Barrow, one Eric Williams, one Burnham call the names and thereafter all waste foops.

    Hyenas and Jackals who, because of their numbers, are able to steal and feed off another’s kill
    but are incapable of finding their own.

    “Lord I know that you are a hard master so that which you gave me I buried” mentalities.

    @ Mrs Cole

    I am a stupid ole man who in my ole age see so much wisdom in the Good Book and, as if with clearer eyes, looks at things in terms of deeds, and what people have done, not said.

    Many ask why I am so anti-Mia in my sentiments and I say I really dont care what Mottley says I wish to see what Mottley has done.

    She is one of the longest serving politicians in St. Michael S.E probably only to be outdone by Denis Kellman but here is the thing that I look at, not what Mia gets up and talks about in her voice that is two clefs below mine, i like a lot of Bajans don’t really care whose fronts she is reputed to have bit out, what i care about is the community that she serves.

    How many men were on the street in Bush Hall and Waterford and Upper Spooners Hill when Mia Went in? And during the years how many of them are still on the block? Barring Hose & Hose, how many other men have benefitted from her interactions with the “common man/woman” in her cuntstituency, sorry my Ipad tends to act up when spelling certain words, and what are the numbers?

    I am a stupid ole man who is impressed by the living testimonies, not the lot of long empty talk.

    So when I extrapolate from that street level to the level of Parliamentary representation of Mottley in the HOA as Minister of Education, of Home Affairs, as Attorney General as Leader of the Opposition as owner of the Glock, all i see is fluff that does not benefit my country.

    And frankly your pieces are pretty much in the same vein, fluff, that regurgitates quite impressively what the problems are but, like Granville the II show that you have catalogued the problems very well but fall short in solutions.

    I am a stupid man who is tired of manifestos and empty utterances and to be frank with you, you seem to be proposing much of the same as the party waiting in the offing.

    For you and Alvin and fellows like Fumbles and Stink Liar and Lil Caesar and Mottley while you play lip service to the concept of country (spelt right this time) is would encourage you to these Jose Marti words “La patria es ara, no pedestal – the motherland is an altar, not a platform.”

    Once you move out onto “the national stage of self-sacrifice”, all men and women below you in the trenches see your works and sense the difference between all the talking and the sacifice, forgive me but until then you are just chanting more of the same.

  7. pieceuhderockyeahright Avatar
    pieceuhderockyeahright

    Sorry N.E North East, i was thinking of the other bungler in the S.E

  8. Well Well & Consequences Avatar
    Well Well & Consequences

    SSS…some things Alvin will not answer, that is one of them…lol

  9. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @pieceuhderockyeahright April 1, 2016 at 9:27 PM Once you move out onto “the national stage of self-sacrifice”, all men and women below you in the trenches see your works and sense the difference between all the talking and the sacifice, forgive me but until then you are just chanting more of the same.

    Dear pieces: a tough but wise assessment.

  10. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @Heather Colee “The first was a story of a young woman whose new born baby was taken away by the Child Care Board due to the fact that neither she nor the father had suitable housing.”

    Are you sure that the child was taken into care because the parents lacked suitable housing?

    Did you not infer from the newspaper story that perhaps that the parents are unlikely to be able to provide suitable housing?

    Did you not infer that the parents lacked necessary social support from the extended family?

    Did you not infer that the young mother was a special needs person herself and so perhaps lacked the emotional, psychological and social resources to raise her children?

    I think that if you had the opportunity to examine the situation yo will find that the Child Care Board acted as it is legally bound to do IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD.

    Sometimes unfortunately (for the parents) it is in a child’s best interest NOT TO BE RAISED BY ITS BIOLOGICAL PARENTS.

  11. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @Heather Cole “I view both of the occurrences as the shame of every person who lives in Barbados and more so that of the Minister. For too long, the act of providing social care to special needs persons who are beyond school age have been ignored. Society has not done enough to help care for these fellow Barbadians and neither has the Government.”

    And indeed you ought too be ashamed.

    Neither society nor government can provide optimum care for children whose parents cannot or will not care for them; nor for disabled young adults.

    Such care is best provided by loving competent foster parents.

    Why don’t you Heather step forward and say “here I am. I will provide the care.”

  12. Exclaimer Avatar
    Exclaimer

    @ Piece,

    Your critique of Heather’s policies was quite harsh.

    One way of making Barbados great again: improve the quality of your local media.

    http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2016/04/01/if-only-we-could-publish-all-we-know/

  13. David Avatar
    David

    @Exclaimer

    A creative media can get the message out by leveraging social media, enough said!

    The article is a cop out.

  14. Well Well & Consequences Avatar
    Well Well & Consequences

    I agree…when you have clothes hanging outside, you too have to look out for rain…lol.

    Smart people who live in glass houses, cannot pelt stones or someone might pelt back bigger stones, boulders…lol

    I can do this all day,

  15. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    @ the Gazer, I just saw your response. I will respond to your questions later today.

  16. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    @ Simple Simon, if the CCB can send the child to New York, yes I can look after it.

  17. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    @ Piece why are you comparing me to other people? I wonder why you are so persistent in discrediting my intentions.

  18. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    @ the Gazer,

    “But Heather, I wish to make a few comments and would welcome a response.

    I like the fact that you propose a number of solutions, but I must take issues with three of them (1) privatization, (20 a reliance on volunteerism, and (3) disbanding the child care board. Whilst I applaud those who volunteer, I think you would willingly agree that they may be an unreliable and limited source of help for children in need ;so I will not deal with that point any further.

    I am always afraid of those who would take responsibility from the hands of the government and put it in the private sector. The private sector often take shortcuts to maximize their profit. Their attention would be to the bottom line and not to the welfare of the children. I see a worsening of the current situation.

    Let me be a skeptic and state that If a fraction of what is written here is true, then privatization would just be a new avenue for corruption. I think regardless of it be B, D or a third party, the responsibility should remain with the government.”

    I am not suggesting privatization which is to be undertaken for a profit. I am suggesting that a system of non profit arrangements be set up with several entities not one. Set up in the right way with government as a regulator, it can be more beneficial as compared to the current system.

    I would disband the child care board as a provider of care and make it a regulator of the child care sector. At present it is self regulating and there has been no redress on several cases and that is a problem. There should be a body to complain to; licenses withdrawn or other penalties when cases of death or other injury occur when the care provider was not being diligent.

    In New York there is one care provider that I know of for sure who hires part-time staff that do not have degrees in social work. They are trained to visit homes in the evenings, send a few hours on the weekend with children. A few hours a week may be all that is required in some cases. However when funds are available these persons can be trained in social work. It is just to fill a gap that presently exists. Special needs teachers are also needed to work with the older persons who are past school age and in my example, I had suggested utilizing the library buildings and the community centers to instruct them on a wide range of areas.

  19. Sunshine Sunny Shine Avatar
    Sunshine Sunny Shine

    Heather Cole

    ”I would disband the child care board as a provider of care and make it a regulator of the child care sector. At present, it is self-regulating and there has been no redress on several cases and that is a problem. There should be a body to complain to; licenses withdrawn or other penalties when cases of death or other injury occur when the care provider was not being diligent.”

    Profound indeed and sentiments I have expressed and shared as well. Having the governmental establishment perform the task as-regulator- will create an environment for greater compliance. The same approach should be applied to government financing where the Auditor General’s office be given the necessary teeth and bite to not only audit government financials and point out inconsistencies via an annual report, but the power to affect criminal proceedings against any government engaging in inappropriate practices, and make the necessary changes needed to come in line with prescribed and stipulated good accounting and financial procedures. Such a system would make it very hard for the current eases at which taxpayers money are filtered into vested interests an impossible undertaking to undertake.

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