EDITORIAL - Barbados has lots to celebrate

 

November is the month when this country celebrates its Independence. Therefore, from tomorrow the countdown will begin in earnest as Barbadians prepare to commemorate what will be a most historic occasion – the 50th Anniversary of the island’s Independence.
 
It is a significant event that will commence with the Lighting Ceremony tomorrow evening in Heroes Square. Several other activities are also planned for the month and it is expected that many from the Diaspora will be coming to the island to be part of the celebrations.
 
It is indeed a moment for celebrating, as this was the theme throughout 2016 leading up to November 30. And there is a lot to celebrate – including our economy and the changes that have taken place, where Barbados has come to emerge as one of the world’s leading small economies, as reflected in the United Nations Human Development Index.
 
But this is not all, since Barbados is well known for its cricket and other sporting disciplines where the country has excelled; our music, which has risen to the top thanks to our biggest singing superstar, Rihanna; and among other things the quality and the high standard of living which remains the envy of many, even in these times of challenges.
 
These are features of Barbados which demand celebrating, and no one can deny that this 166 square mile island has come a long way.
 
We believe that in spite of the several challenges which the country has experienced, Barbadians can be proud of the progress the island they call home has made since 1966, when Barbados attained nationhood from Britain.
 
It has gone through many changes. The island’s economy is certainly more diversified at this time than it was in 1966. Back then, the dominant areas of the economy were sugar cane agriculture, wholesale and retail,  tourism, and light manufacturing. Today, however, Barbados boasts a highly competitive tourism industry which is the lead economic sector, manufacturing, international business and financial services, transportation and the same wholesale and retail trade.
 
Many have dubbed Barbados as a small country but one which carries a big punch for its size.
 
The scope for employment opportunities which was somewhat restricted back then has broadened, and today Barbadians are functioning in all aspects of the economy. Important pieces of  social legislation enacted by both the Democratic Labour Party and the Barbados Labour Party have ensured the socio economic progress in the country.
 
Planning for the future a must
However, while the month of November will be a period of celebrating, there will always be a need to look to the future to build on the gains the island has made. Currently, the country is experiencing some economic setbacks brought on by a global economic recession of 2008. The impact from that downturn has been seen in dwindling employment numbers, economic indices declining, and government having to manage in an environment where some austere measures had to be introduced. This was not restricted to Barbados alone, however, since many countries the world over have had to grapple with similar issues. 
 
Thankfully, it appears as if Barbados has seen the worst and the situation is gradually improving. What is required now is to plan for the future because the road ahead won’t be easy.
 

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000