It is not an original line but sirFuzzy reminded the blogmaster in a recent communication that if we fail to prepare; prepare to fail. We must in this context evaluate Barbados’ precipitous fall from the halcyon days of being regarded the jewel in the crown to a nation that has failed to effectively plan and manage our affairs. It is often said we suffer from an inability to execute.
During the debate of the 2019 Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals, Prime Minister Mia Mottley shared an exchange which occurred last week while touring Bridgetown with Prince Charles and tour guide Maurice Greenidge. Greenidge theorised based on recorded events Barbados is due a major hurricane every 67 years. Whether we subscribe to his theory or not, we should agree that despite our strategic geographical location on the archipelago, it makes sense to be prepared for what mother nature tosses up unexpectedly. Contrary to the widely held view – God is NOT a Bajan!
Although Barbados escaped relatively unscathed last year, the videos and pictures circulated that captured the devastation in Dominica and several of the neighbouring islands in 2017 should serve as an incentive to execute the Scouts motto – BE PREPARED!
Inquiring minds therefore must ask the 64K question.
Do Bajans take hurricane preparedness seriously?
“June too soon, July standby, August you must, September remember, October all over”
The official start of the hurricane season is less than three months off. The blogmaster is challenged to be optimistic about what will occur when a major weather system impacts Barbados. A heavy downpour which is not unexpected weather in the tropics always create flooding on the island. Sometimes of a life threatening nature. Our roads are in a poor state. We routinely engage in illegal dumping in our gullies and ‘irreverently’ and illegally construct in water courses. It is not unusual for a national shutdown call to be challenged by maverick players who see themselves slaves to the almighty dollar.
Many Barbadians appreciate the lack of financial resources will negatively affect national planning to prepare for the hurricane season, BUT, the blogmaster is also aware many Barbadians have become complacent because we have a generation who has not had to experience nature’s wrath.
A word to the wise AND as well as the indolent should be sufficient.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.