EDITORIAL - Capitalise on November celebrations

In our 50th year of Independence, all those businesses producing local products should recognise that they can use this period to push their locally- made quality products, whilst capitalising on the feelings of nostalgia that exist at this time.

 

More Barbadians should show their patriotism by buying local as well. We must debunk this myth which suggests that foreign goods are always better than locally-made ones. Now is the time to put our money where our mouth is and support industrious and hardworking Barbadians who have built their businesses from the ground up; or who are carrying on a legacy, having inherited their business from a relative or friend.

 

Soon we will be officially celebrating our 50th Anniversary of Independence on November 30th. Barbadians should be pleased to date with the celebrations that have started, especially the recently held Lighting Ceremony which signalled the start of the month-long countdown to the big day.

 

The turnout at that event in Bridgetown was phenomenal. Scores of locals and visitors alike converged on National Heroes’ Square to witness the 21st annual Sagicor Life Inc. Lighting Ceremony, and to see the switch flipped on to light up City buildings.

 

The schools have really been out front so far in launching their month of activities for Independence as well. Annually, great focus is usually placed on all things Bajan at the level of the schools, as the children get busy learning  Independence pieces; students are allowed to wear the national colours on select days; and a whole host  of activities are put on that seek to highlight our culture and heritage. Little by little, we are also seeing some companies leaning towards Independence themes and promotions to also capitalise on this period. Even some stores are doing their bit, advertising Barbadian T-Shirts and other forms of memorabilia to encourage Barbadians to purchase these items to show off their national pride.

 

We understand that businesses have to focus on making a profit, and as such there is a push to get out of the blocks ahead of others in promoting offerings for the Christmas period, which can be a big money earner. However, this year, there seems to be a mix as businesses are pushing products for Independence, along with their Christmas offerings.

 

It is truly heartening to see the Bajan response to date to this year’s celebration of Independence. Not only are Barbadians decking out themselves in Independence colours, but they are  wearing Independence pins, displaying Barbadian flags on their houses and cars, and they are also decorating their workplaces and business for this period. Patriotism at its best. The radio stations are also playing a variety of Bajan music, rather than Christmas tunes, and this augurs well for us going forward.

 

What is needed now is for us to capitalise on this period by encouraging citizens to work together in all spheres, to really build a better Barbados so that generations to come can have something to celebrate in another fifty years.