A brief comment from a lowly blogmaster on the recent nomination of former minister of health Jeffery Bostic to be President of Barbados.
Bostic to be fair is widely respected across civil society. In fact his nomination for the presidency of Barbados was endorsed by Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne and other civil society heads. We were told that Bostic’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, his tenure as Minister of Health and Wellness, and his previous role as head of the Barbados Defence Force supported his nomination. That his credentials reflect a career rooted in public service, crisis management, and national security, qualities that many consider valuable in a head of state.
However, the blogmaster posits that it is fair to question whether these accomplishments alone should qualify him for the presidency, especially when viewed through a holistic lens. While Bostic was praised for his calm and steady leadership during the pandemic, Barbados was not unique in this regard from cursury research. Many other countries, some with fewer resources, managed their COVID-19 responses equally well it can be argued.
Moreover, Bostic left behind a health care system, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, that was not significantly improved than when he was appointed Minister of Health. Issues such as overcrowding, under performance at the A&E, staff shortages, a struggling polyclinic network, simmering industrial climate, long waiting list for surgeries to name a few remain unresolved. If the presidency is to symbolise national excellence and forward-thinking leadership, then the state of the country’s primary health institution under his watch deserves scrutiny. It is noted that the President’s role is largely ceremonial, UNLESS, the still born NEW Republic Constitution delivers an elevated role.
It is also worth considering whether Barbados, as a young republic, should look beyond traditional political and legal figures for the head of state role. A truly holistic approach to leadership should involve nominating candidates from diverse backgrounds, civil society, academia, business who may project a perception of a country willing to depart from old ways of doing things..
Yes Bostic’s service record is commendable in the traditional way of thinking, however, it is reasonable to question whether his nomination reflects the best possible choice for a modern, inclusive, and ‘forward looking’fit for purpose’ Barbados. We need to send a message to every nook and cranny of Barbados society that leadership should be measured in new and more relevant ways.
In an increasingly competitive and interconnected world, a small country like Barbados must be strategic in how we cultivate and showcase leadership. It is no longer sufficient to rely solely on traditional credentials, political tenure and patrimony. Barbados must highlight individuals who possess unique lateral skill sets, We have to be bold in recognising and elevating those whose talents transcend the conventional and traditional. Are we there yet?
“To boldly go where no one has gone before” – Captain Kirk
The blogmaster invites you to join and add value to the discussion.