Moral leadership represents the soul of any strong nation. There is that word again, soul. Yet, Barbados has stumbled through a series of startling misjudgments many have been arguing has propelled us to moral crisis in the country where there is a preponderance of focus on political spectacle instead of substance. The blogmaster wishes to offer three events as evidence of contributing to the moral decline in Barbados: a public clash over which Jamaican dancehall stars should have been welcomed here, closing schools to permit school children to listen to a band, and continuing to popularised the Trojan Riddim artists. These episodes, taken together, illustrate a leadership more enamoured with optics than ethics.
It began with a public showdown: Assistant Commissioner Bertie Hinds opposed permitting performances by Jamaican artists with lyrics steeped in violence and vulgarity. At the center of controversy was none other than Vybz Kartel and Movado, prolific dancehall artists whose lyrics often glorify gun culture and sexual aggression. Hinds warned that allowing such figures to perform risked transmitting warped values to the nation. Commissioner Darwin Toppin, however, brushed aside these concerns—prioritizing permits and logistics over moral clarity. The fallout? Conflict cracked the unity in the Barbados Police. When our enforcers of law and order clash publicly over a simple issue of guarding against indecency what moral anchor is left for citizens and youth? The rediculous spectacle of their disagreement eroded respect, implying that morality is optional when convenience beckons. In the end the concert fizzled but the damage was done.
Next came the education spin the wheel decision. The then Minister Mia Mottley closed schools to host a crime protest concert featuring Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah. Some believe that it sent a dangerous message: that education can be sidelined for political theatre, and that deep social fissures can be addressed with popular music and not substantive policy interventions.
The final act in this moral ungrounding was the Trojan Riddim situation. The local music video that featured Barbadian artists Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Mole, Screwface, Mallis, Lead Pipe, Brutal Crankstar, Chiief Diin, and Quan De Artist, rapping over a riddim filled with gun talk and sexual intimidation. Only after a public backlash did Mottley, now Prime Minister, declare herself “horrified,” demanding apologies and the video’s removal. the video was never removed and the Prime Minister and government agencies, including the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) have continues to contract these artists who continue to manufacture smut for local consumption.
There is no need to be prolix on this matter. The point is made.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.