To whom it may concern, thanks for the assist – Blogmaster
There is no doubt Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has become one of the most prominent leaders in the Caribbean since being elected in 2018. She reinforced her elevated status with an impactful delivery at COP climate summit in 2021, the consequence of which she is regarded internationally as the preeminent champion for climate change issues. On the local front history will record her aggressive and contentious push to acquire republican status in 2021 naming local pop star Rihanna as a national hero which fueled public debate.
After two terms in office and in all likelihood headed for a third term the question of the day is – do global accolades make Prime Minister Mottley a stateswoman? And of more concerned for natives — has she governed Barbados with the required skillset that achieving statesmanship requires? Do you know the ‘What is Mottleyism‘ is one of the most read blogs on Barbados Underground.
The Promise of Statesmanship
From basic research a statesman, in this case stateswoman, should not just be a brilliant speaker but also be able to demonstrate the capacity to:
– tackle the country’s most difficult challenges head-on
– lead with an eye on the long-term
– put the country before party and material change before self aggrandisement
– leave institutions, policies, and ‘values’ [BU’s emphasis] that outlive term in office
Mottley checks many of the boxes. She is confident, eloquent, and unafraid to speak some truths to global powers. There can be no doubt she has grown brand Barbados on the world stage and created a ‘sweet feeling’ for many in Barbados and even regionally. Especially coming after Stuart’s tenure, his style was polar opposite. HOWEVER, when we shift the focus from international to Whitehill and Silver Hill, answering the question about Mottley achieving stateswoman status becomes interesting.
Crime: The Crisis that Won’t Be Spun Away
The rise in violent crime since 2018, particularly among young men, is not just a public safety issue – it’s obviously a symptom of deeper social and economic problems. Barbadians have become numb to the violence, while government policy appears to be knee-jerk therefore compromising Mottley’s legacy. Her lack of success (inability) to treat crime as a national emergency continues to leave a blot. She seems reluctant to invest significantly in community-based solutions, addressing mental health issues, education continues to be a political football (by the way, why does a minister of education have to be involved in sharing 11 plus results?). In other words from the ground up? We need to move with haste from pretty talk to action. Imagine the programs that 50 million solidarity giveaway could have created.
Economic Diversification: All Plan, No People
Barbados’ economy remains deeply dependent on tourism and financial services, sectors vulnerable to pandemics, climate shocks, or what the economists refer to as exogenous shocks. Mottley has spoken frequently about the need to diversify into renewable energy, digital services, and creative industries. Are we there yet? Yes it will take time but do we sense any urgency in pursuing these laudable goals for the country? What about the creation of a pharmaceutical industry with the assistance of Rwanda floated in 2021?
The reality is that many ordinary Barbadians feel disconnected from the so-called macro-economic success. We hear Mottley’s ‘believe you me’ speeches but see no material changes happening on the ground. If the benefits of diversification don’t reach the block, what we have is a recipe for the rise in crime we are presently witnessing.
So, Is Mia Mottley a Stateswoman?
She could be. She has the intellect, the charisma, the historical timing, and a global relevance. But she will not earn that title based on what she says to the United Nations. She will earn it based on whether crime in Barbados declines because young people feel disconnected to the national goals. Mia Mottley may earn the title of Caribbean stateswoman BUT only if she delivers on the plan to transform where it matters most—not in the international arena but in the hearts of the natives.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.