Submitted by Kammie M Holder,FSS,LUTCF,MBLAS,DOSQ

Perhaps my message is a little long, and may yet face the editor’s scalpel, risking the loss of its full context. Nonetheless, I will persevere. Allow me to say—titles mean very little to me. What matters deeply are honor, dignity, and a sincere commitment to championing the cause of the vulnerable and my fight for a just, equal and transparent Barbados. .These ideals, while perhaps idealistic and even a touch altruistic, remain close to my heart. The Sunday Sun is often filled with many who wanted more time to make a difference but live`s were cut short.

In truth, I consider myself a common citizen one who is unafraid to speak openly in pursuit of transparency, fairness, justice, and equality.

At a St. Philip Speaks forum 2  years ago, I shared what I believed to be sincere concerns voiced in hope, not criticism. My aim was to spark deeper reflection and to encourage policy discussions that lead to meaningful change.

As we reflect on our national priorities in 2025 towards 60 years of independence , serious sober reflection must be had. it is worth noting that we are among the countries with one of the highest per capita expenditures on education. This investment must translate into empowering every citizen to acquire tomorrow’s skills to meet today’s challenges and ensuring critical thinking is part of the school curriculum.. We must also move away from viewing challenges solely as destructive problems. Instead, we should see them as opportunities for creative and even profitable innovation.

There are lessons to be learned from recent events. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, led to the rise of home delivery businesses. Even the infamous Fatman van incident gave rise to creative entrepreneurial ventures like novelty T-shirts and mugs bearing the “I want my mudda” slogan. These responses highlight how adversity can drive innovation when met with the right mindset.

It is time we move decisively toward the establishment of non-aligned community think tanks. These should be independent, grassroots entities, free from political interference, and designed to tackle pressing community issues such as high rates of non-communicable diseases, rising crime, and persistent poverty.

Our communities are rich with talent, skills, and social networks. But unless we insulate these think tanks from political influence, they are unlikely to reach their full potential.

My vision is for each think tank to be governed by a board elected by peers within the community, serving two-year terms. Central government can provide initial seeding capital, but only after a submitted and reviewed budget from a duly elected board. These think tanks must produce annual audited financials to be presented in Parliament, following their AGM and board ratification.

Further, they should be empowered to raise funds, launch social enterprises that create local employment, and spearhead projects that enrich the community environment and quality of life.

I do not claim to possess infinite knowledge—only a strong desire to contribute to positive, inclusive change. My goal is to serve all citizens, regardless of color, class, creed, political affiliation, religion, or sexual orientation. After all, those who say one person cannot make a difference may not be familiar with the concept of “patient zero.”

In closing, I sincerely hope our ever-energetic Prime Minister, affectionately known as Auntie Mia, might ignite the process to craft the necessary legislative framework for the formal creation of Non-Aligned Community Think Tanks. The fight against poverty, non-communicable diseases, and crime is best led by the communities that live and breathe these realities every day. Madam Prime Minister, I treasure the many conversations the many conversations we had while you were opposition leader. One such conversation surrounded the need for an active third sector to be engaged with government and for the creation of an active non aligned movement. Lets make it happen!