EDITORIAL: Keep up the positive vibes!

BARBADOS recently completed a series of celebrations to mark its 50th Anniversary of Independence. The events started from early 2016 and concluded over the last weekend. They were well thought out to a large extent, and sought to pay attention to the areas where progress was made since the island parted company with Britain in November, 1966.

 

Those programmes were also fitting to match this historic occasion. They drew on the strengths of individuals and performers who have excelled in their chosen fields. Tributes were also paid to others who would have contributed in no small way to nation-building and national development over the course of the last 50 years.

 

 One outstanding feature throughout the celebrations had to do with the return home of several of our nationals based in North America, Europe and elsewhere. They made it their business to be here for the celebrations. From the reports which have filtered through about the participation at those events, the attendance was tremendous and highlighted their patriotism. All of this is in spite of the difficulties the country faces.  

 

From all of this there is something to carry forward, and that is that a lot of Barbadians still think highly of their country. 

 

However, going forward it would do the world of good if some  Barbadians, having recognized the road where their country has traversed, the challenges along the way, and the creation of the institutions to guide that progress, would do away with the negative behaviour.

 

For amid the outpouring of support and goodwill for Barbados and things Barbadian, one still finds that there is a lot of negativity and bad-mouthing of this place many of us call home.

 

The simple truth is that people are complaining too much and like to bellyache a lot about things they cannot change. This is not the way to go and the sooner it is realised that Barbados does not function in isolation the better it will be for all of those indulging in such behaviour. 

 

Independence means that Barbados, and for that matter any other country, has to chart its own path in an environment that continues to be hostile. The opportunities to hold on to the coattails of the former colonial power are no longer there and there is no “godfather” this country can look to for sustenance.  

 

Barbados has made enormous strides. When it is considered that this country lacks the natural resources which some others in the Caribbean can claim, then as a small country we have much for which to be thankful.

 

 So whatever yardstick one uses, the island has done well over the last five decades. It has made strides in the socio-economic areas; the school system has remained for the most part relevant to our needs – although there are calls for some changes to the present structure; there is still respect for law and order; many of our institutions have done as well as they could; and considering what existed 50 years ago, Barbados and Barbadians have come of age. These achievements have come through the dint of hard work and sacrifices. Not everything is perfect and there will be hiccups and shortcomings in the system.

 

It is left therefore for our people to cherish the achievement. However, they must not rest on their laurels but rather, continue to make their country great.