EDITORIAL - Looking forward to a positive 2018

As we approach yet another year, perhaps it might be worthwhile for us to do as older generations advise – reflect on the old so that we can move forward with the new in a positive and meaningful way. Every year, as we come to this point, many of us make resolutions with regard to improving our lives and, as we each remember the ups and downs of 2017, we acknowledge the need for a ‘fresh start’.

Last year was filled with speculation and anxiety about the economy and its failings, and some businesses suffered as a result, and by extension, the general public was impacted as well. Complaints were rife about the cost of living going up with the increase of the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) from 2 per cent to 10 per cent and the introduction of the foreign exchange fee, and many were forced into a challenging position of cutting back on their favourite foods and household items while supporting their families the best that they could.

The majority of preliminary reports about the amounts that were spent over the holiday season seem to indicate that shoppers generally tended to be cautious. However, this year, included in our resolutions should be that even greater determination to save more and to restrain from those excess frivolities which threaten to empty our pockets and bank accounts. Prime Minister Freundel Stuart is on record cautioning all Barbadians to focus on our needs and not just on our wants. He also reminded that there needed to be activity to keep the economy working. This advice, if heeded, will be the first step to recovery and sustainability of the economy as citizens choose which path to progress they will take.

Agriculture and its place in the Barbadian landscape was one of the issues raised this year, with officials stressing the need for us to realise its importance, while other officials in that field continued to make a plug for people to start growing their own food so that we can reduce our high import bill. This too, we must make a concerted effort to rectify this year. In addition, the hurricane activity that affected the Caribbean and left much destruction is going to affect property insurance and motor insurance rates in the new year. This is an additional challenge that we have to face.

Not surprisingly, our society continued to exhibit some changes over the past year as new and exciting ways of going about our daily lives were embraced, while incorporating the ever-changing technology, especially advances in the internet and communication generally. These technological advances were utilised in both positive and negative ways. There was a worrying increase in gun violence with the last incident occurring this week with the death of Tavon Alleyne.

Our children and the erosion of traditional values also came into the limelight, as several times people lamented the easy adoption of outside dominant cultures and the potential loss of all things Bajan if nothing is done to further Barbadian culture among our youth. We accept that with the world changing rapidly, our children need to be educated in order to be a part of the world’s progress, but the onus is on Barbadian adults to instil the proper values in their charges.

The year 2018 can be a positive year, but for that to come true, we need to bring positive attitudes to the table. If we put God first in all our endeavours, Barbados will continue to thrive.

Barbados Advocate

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

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