Those of us who experienced the Barbados of the 70s and 80s participated in the transformation of an agrarian economy to service based. We can debate if successive governments have erred by deprioritizing agriculture and manufacturing by giving the international business/offshore sector pride of place to pay the bills. What is irrefutable is that Barbados by any definition moved the economic needle indicator in the right direction- the middleclass segment grew and in the process Barbados achieved model status as a small Black developing island state. In the last decade Barbados has emphatically answered the question ‘what is cyclical’?.
The pride many Barbadians felt until recent has deflated from our bosoms once swollen with pride largely because of profligate consumption expenditure habits coupled with a lazy approach to national productivity.
One of the many criticisms the Barbados Underground blog has had to suffer from its detractors is that we focus too much on the negative. In our defence, we promote the view that is encapsulated in BU’s motto, “for the cause that lacks assistance, the wrong that needs resistance, for the future in the distance, and the good that [BU] can do”. Barbados is a small island and the inhabitants are related, loyal to the school tie or participate in an activity which work to influence how decisions are taken on the island.
Au contraire, the BU household sees our spotting of the light on the underbelly of Bajan society as positive. Sustaining a democratic system of government is a serious business that calls for eternal vigilance by some like the BU household who are impervious to RH.
No biase, no bullshit!
In recent years what has been the source of embarrassment to members of the BU household has been the deterioration of our infrastructure. The most visible is the road network. It is not about the odd pothole which can be dodged as they appear. It is about multiple potholes tactically located to ensure tyres, rims, life and limb are constantly under threat for those who dare to drive to venture out.
Bajans understand that the current financial state of the country must translate to efficient allocation of the national budget. What the BU household does not understand is the inability of the political directorate to publicly demonstrate by decisions and actions that they want to lead the country. How can you ask Barbadians to tighten their belts until the bellies of many touch their backs, yet from the prime minister down the line want to drive Mercedes, travel first class on the taxpayers dime, attend every conference, wear $1,000 Italian suits to list a few. Good leaders understand that the best way to change the mindset of people they lead is to act in ways that emotionally resonate. For example, suppose Stuart announced tomorrow he will sell the two luxury vehicles he has office is allocated and instead travel about the 2×3 island in a Toyota Corolla or Suzuki Vitara? And we do not want to hear any BS about the PM’s vehicle must be bulletproof. What about the members of the Cabinet donating their allowance to the Alma Parris School to continue the work of catering to special needs children? By these two acts alone many disengaged Barbadians will be tempted to ‘up de ting’.
The job of wanting to serve in public office is soaked in a commitment of being selfless.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.