It is a public holiday in Barbados today and it gives many a time to pause from the hectic daily routine, which defines the day for many, including the blogmaster. The timeout has given time to scan the newsfeeds, listen to one or two talk shows and engage in a few leisurely activities.

There was a time not too long ago Barbados earned a reputation as an orderly and well managed country – our public service, education, utilities, even sports programs. One senses that the current state in Barbados is a departure from a time not too long ago.

It is reported the number of vehicles in Barbados is rapidly approaching 200,000. On every street corner there are for sale signs beckoning one and all to buy a used car. The drivers of Zrs and minibuses have become a law onto themselves and many private owners have been modelling the behaviour.

It is generally known that in the month of June the term ‘June rally’ has become a household reference over the years. Car rally events have become hugely popular. In Barbados there is the forerunner event, King of the Hill, that is scheduled end of May. Since the inaugural event in 2008 residents affected by the staging of the King of the have been voicing frustration about the lack of planning which has encroached on the rights of residents to reasonably go about their business.

The blogmaster is sympathetic to both sides of the issue, however, it is clear that logistical challenges experienced yesterday at the King of the Hill event are mere symptoms of a national dysfunction and ineffectual management of our affairs. We observe it daily how we use our roads. Our inability to fix potholes and bridges. We observe it daily at the Pine and other outlets to license vehicles, frequent breakdowns with equipment to process drivers license.

Members of the BU household have traveled overseas to attend live events with thousands of spectators in attendance, and evident at these events is the careful planning that supported quick entry and exit to venues – including visiting restroom facilities and securing refreshment.

The problem is not the racing event, it is the responsibility of the central authorities including conditions for issuing approvals. If the conditions for the approval are not adhered to the authorities should pull the plug in the same was the Barbados Police Service have had to with a ‘few’ shows.

This will not happen in Barbados because we are a country not fully committed to enforcing rules.