Submitted by Gail Kirton
That line applies to the two Barbados’s that presently exist, some living in plenty, and the rest, in a time of need.
Fellow Barbadians, more of us care for this country out of love than out of loyalty to any particular party. It’s about time that those of us who feel this way come together to support a group of qualified individuals, people capable of leading with integrity
and transparency. We need an alternative that puts the people first.
A few hundred individuals, out of a population of over two hundred thousand, are taking us down a path where we may no longer be able to write our names on history’s page with expectations great.
Where are the strict guardians of our heritage and the firm craftsmen of our fate? In 2025, we need new and innovative craftsmen, and craftswomen, who bring accountability and integrity to the table.
Let us reflect on the words of our pledge:
“I pledge allegiance to my country Barbados and to my flag,
to uphold and defend their honour, and by my living to do credit to my nation wherever I go.”
We’ve forgotten those words. We’ve pledged allegiance instead to parties and politicians who tell us what we want to hear at election time, then forget their purpose once given the mandate.
If we were truly all in this together, no one would feel hopeless, silenced, or that their civil or constitutional rights were being infringed upon. Issues should be addressed with integrity and clear, firm policies. What’s good for the goose should indeed be
good for the gander. When that happens, we’re all mentally aligned in the common goal of a better Barbados.
We often complain about poor customer service in both public and private sectors. But we fail to realise that, just like a child learns from their parents, our leaders mandated to run this country are setting a poor example. Right now, they’re offering
the very people who pay their salaries nothing more than poor customer service.
There is no excuse for anyone in power to escape accountability. We deserve transparency down to the last cent, and explanations from the Minister of Finance on how loans and tax revenues has been spent. Having a mandate doesn’t mean major
decisions should be made without public input.
I’m not saying we weren’t guided through COVID by capable hands but the lack of checks and balances in a 30-0 government, repeated twice, has proven detrimental to what it means to be a proud Bajan.
Barbadians are a proud people. We need to remember what made us that way. The work and sacrifices of our forefathers, who sowed the seeds of that pride. It’s a pride that binds our hearts from coast to coast, the pride of nationhood.
With all that said, let us look for ways to put country before party, and return Barbados to a place of proud, invested Bajans.
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