RECEIVED FROM RAS SIMBA OF AFRIKAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION – Ras Jahaziel
In the past when gun violence was becoming a daily occurrence, politicians, the church and those who put themselves in leadership positions, cried out “how are the guns getting in”. The national conversation led by these leaders was focused on plugging the holes that were letting the guns in. In recent times a number of stabbings have been reported. However, I am not hearing the cry ” who is letting in the knives and cutlasses being used to kill”. The point being made here is, people kill people, and the national focus should never have been on the importation of guns.
Barbados’ Prime Minister in the hopes of appeasing the people has come up with an initiative to create a special unit to deal with crime. That is a colossal waste of time. Is this unit expected to be everywhere all the time to stop people killing each other? Clearly the government is at a loss for a solution to this problem.
The Afrikan Heritage Foundation has always put forward the idea that what is needed to quell the anger and violence in Barbados is the creation of a wholesome and morally healthy environment for our young people. What do I mean? If you listen to the average music listened to by our young people we will hear it is packed tightly with violence against brothers and sisters, advocacy to trust no one and do whatever makes you happy regardless of its impact on someone else, glorification of ignorance and stupidity, sexual objectification of women, the thumbs up to infidelity and a total lack of respect for the family unit. These negative influences can be heard in soca and dance hall, the two main types of music that flood our society. What is the government doing about this or can they do anything to influence more positive listening?
When looking at the rise in violence we must also look at the government’s national cannabis policy. With its attempted eradication of regional cannabis and the upgraded fight against locally grown cannabis, effectively clearing the way for the mass illegal importation of North American cannabis, Barbarians are now suffering the after effects of cannabis corruption mentality and economically. With the increased levels of THC and related concentrates in the cannabis that now floods our street, it is not surprising that violence is on the rise.
Barbados’ moral compass is broken. Money and fame have become prerequisites to become a national hero. The nations head cannot show us an example of a healthy family structure.
The education system has failed and continues to fail the majority of Barbadians who trust in it. Many are asking how does a child get 0 in a Common Entrance exam? Who is responsible of the illiterate reality of many Barbadians. Why are our school environments so violent?
Finally it must be said that the police must share some of the blame. Many of us when facing threats by others get little or no satisfaction. People are left to take matters of justice in their own hands. Courts take forever to dispense justice and the people either don’t care or are bound by laws that make them non effective to pre-empt violence, especially domestic violence.
Churches continue to go on their knees and pray and they have been doing as crime and violence rises steadily. Let us not forget throughout the Old Testament, God was the orchestrator of much war and violence. Maybe it is God effecting the blood flowing in Barbados as a rebuke for a government who has turned its back on all that is good and divine in its essence. We have read of the judgements given by God to leaders who have strayed from the truth and the light. Is Barbados’ leader standing in truth and moral fortitude?
Violence in the society is a direct result of an uncaring, unethical, immoral, corrupt and self serving government Be not fooled that heavier policing will help. Only a national conversation which leads to a national redemption song influencing those who can to do better, to do so for the sake of our tomorrows.
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