Submitted by Kammie Holder
What can the government, security services and people of Barbados learn about the current riots taking place in Kenya?
Perhaps this will earn me another red mark by those who prefer the ostrich cop out and bury their arrogant minds in the sand approach. Unfortunately the media houses are all compromised in the little dot Barbados. No longer can we expect the media houses to interrogate the facts seeking to encourage good governance and transparency.
In Kenya we are seeing police and soldiers refusing to fire on protesters and helping them to deal with the effect of teargas. Perhaps something reminded them they are not immune from the austere measures. How do peaceful protestors incur the wrath of trigger happy military personnel? A soldier without a philosophical grounding is a potential criminal who will carry out lawful commands even when they violate human rights. Politicians will have all the independent answers and charm when in opposition then carry out the wishes such international partners like the IMF when in office.
I have followed Ruto’s political career and his statements in the past showed a level of recklessness of a leader grounded in self promotion. Kenya with high unemployment among Gen Zs was a powder keg awaiting to ignite. How silly could a government be to add a high VAT on essentials like bread, sanitary napkins then a 40% fee on remittances?
A worthwhile observation is the high number of young females in the protest. Perhaps the old intelligence heads in Kenya failed to inform Mr Ruto that people power among digital youth is now more powerful than people in power and are not fearful of death. Strategically the youth published the contact and address of politicians and security personnel to unmask anonymity.
The death of over 20 protestors and extra judicial abductions by the security forces have only inflamed a once peaceful protest with protestors now resorting to destruction of property. I am all for dialogue and peaceful protest for tyranny has no place in orderly societies. Unfortunately all it takes is some overzealous security person with a large ego to please his political master and reckless militant protestor for Rome to burn.
Even a blind and deaf person knows the current government of Barbados popularity is at an all time low. For the current government to rely only on the self serving bias feedback of its blind loyal supporters is a recipe for social chaos. The church needs to get out its colonial rut believing that prayer which did not work under the DLP national day of prayer as the downgrades were coming or during 400 years of slavery will mitigate pain in society.
Let those who have ears put arrogance aside, focus on the message and accept everyone knows everyone business in a country where somebody went to school with somebody, is a friend, family of a friend and that blood is thicker than water. Let’s, do everything possible to mitigate any contagion from Kenya despite Bajans are docile.
This may be be time to look at your mirror imagine and consider what you will say when asked by future generations of Bajans, what you did in defense of an orderly
Barbados!
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