There is always distrust between citizens and the state. The vulnerable believe government is never doing enough to create an adequate safety net to satisfy social and financial needs. The haves believe government sees them as a ready target to bolster the public purse among other reasons.
The middle class in Barbados, especially post the global financial meltdown of 2006-2007, took a big hit. Significant assets were wiped out overnight and the emotional trauma that was attached. The reality is that the haves must accept we have a responsibility to shelter the most vulnerable in society mainly through the taxes withheld and philanthropic activities. Competing priorities for limited resources, often compounded by mismanagement of the public purse means the struggle is real between for civil society.
Read more: Growing distrust in politiciansCurrent trends in Barbados suggest the level of distrust between government and the people has spiked in the last three to five years. The blogmaster is unable to fairly summarise the dynamics leading to the situation, BUT, intuitively suspects the debt restructure in 2018, introduction of a poorly implemented national (Trident) ID card, concerns by ‘average’ Barbadians about the cybercrime bill and the vacuum created by no parliamentary opposition maybe at play.
These four occurrences (there are probably others) in the opinion of a lowly blogmaster have served to be a catalyst for an unprecedented level of distrust in the country. There is hardly an initiative tabled by government (and private sector) that is accepted in principle by people and sometimes private sector entities. For example, the latest brouhaha is the Labour Clauses (Concessions) Bill, 2024.
There is a contradiction where on the one hand we self congratulate about the high level of education attained. On the other hand, we continue to demonstrate a lack of ability to dispassionately unpack and resolve issues without animus and acrimony.
We must find a way to facilitate public discussions to inform how we mature as a young nation. This is opportune at a time consultations on a new Constitution for the republic and parliamentary reform are in the pipeline. What is missing is the leadership factor to crystalize concerns in order to facilitate constructive engagement between stakeholders. We have reached a point where this type of intervention cannot be led by politicians.
Members from academia must step up, WE educated you, the time has come to deliver a higher ROE (return on education).
The purpose of formal education is a knowledge source to enhance students’ skills, methods to capitalize and motivate their curiosity to improve their wellness and understand how their environment works. The rigid formal health education system requires social actions.
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The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.