EDITORIAL

Even though we in Barbados often boast that we are a close-knit society – mainly due to the country’s size – occasionally we still encounter challenges with each other. However, it is comforting that at the end of it all, in the time of crisis and/or sadness, we come together and there is always a sense of brotherhood that we must embrace even when life is ‘good’.

During the past few months, Barbadians witnessed incidents that were unusual in Barbados’ culture; and many complained again about the importation of the negative aspects of other cultures into this island along with the state of the economy and the increase in violence and crime as a result. There have been calls from all sectors to find solutions to the gun violence that have seemingly increased recently. These complaints have merit, but what is needed more than ever is a recognition of basic values.

There have been ongoing improvements in technology and hence the standard of living, but with these improvements the threat of “increased secularism” is seeping into our midst.

However, aside from the usual expressions of alarm, we have not seen a real effort to teach our youth the responsibilities that come with what they are now exposed. We acknowledged the trend toward a “modern and multi-cultural society”, but as Pope Benedict stressed in 2010, and this statement stands true for Barbados, “always maintain respect for those traditional values and cultural expressions that more aggressive forms of secularism no longer value or even tolerate”.

We have made many strides in our economic, technological and social development, but the traditional values that governed the actions of previous generations is less evident than it was in decades past.

Appearances before the courts for escalating acts of aggression and senseless behaviour are challenges that society as a whole have to deal with, and even though Barbados does not have the volume of offences that are apparent in other countries in the region and around the world, there is still a dire need for some solutions to these problems here, and soon. We must get back to the basics. It is disturbing that some of us in this society have focused more on what we can acquire and less on how we can become more productive in order to help the country out of its economic woes.

We can now find information with the touch of a button in a split second, but we stand to lose some of our youth just as quickly if we do not teach them how to use the power of knowledge that we have for good. Even though some of the intentions are good, as far as we have been taught, our compassion and capacity to love fall short because the values that have been the backbone of this country’s success have now been put on the back burner by those who do not understand or have decided that this value is not of consequence.

At this time we need to turn to one of our best resources – the community. Our ancestors progressed because they believed in being their brother’s keeper. Therefore, we too need to let this camaraderie and sense of community be present always for our prosperity.