EDITORIAL - May the chain be unbroken

The organisers of the One People, One Barbados Human Chain Link have made an appeal for everyone to come together for this iconic event, scheduled for Monday November 28, 2016.

 

This initiative is being coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, in collaboration with the 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations Secretariat and two non-governmental organisations – The Power of Choice and Trident 10 TV. Those interested in participating in the Human Chain Link have long been asked to register online.

 

Deputy Chief Education Officer, Joy Adamson has stressed that the event is for everyone – visitors, members of the public, businesses, Government offices and of course, all schoolchildren. They have been asked to join hands and show love for Barbados, as the country celebrates 50 years of Independence.

 

Concerns have however been expressed about the “logistical planning” in relation to the event. Two teachers’ unions – the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) and the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) – have noted that they are “very concerned” about the many queries reaching them about the Human Chain Link and “the potential liabilities to which teachers are exposed in the operationalising of this event”.

 

The unions have stated that their members cannot be mandated to supervise students during this event. Word is that the unions feel disrespected since they were not part of the planning process and they see themselves as partners in 

education.

 

Truth be told, some parents have been lamenting that information has been lacking on the logistical side, as it relates to some schools and their planning for the event. The issue of adequate bathroom facilities for schoolchildren and even the elderly participating in the human chain has surfaced as well. 

 

We are not sure how the Ministry and other planning partners feel about the concerns that have been aired, but we do believe that they have the country’s best interest at heart in planning such an event, and we really do hope it comes off without a hitch.

 

It has been said that 92 000 individuals are required for a complete chain, and in the week leading up to the event it was revealed that there are still a lot of spaces available on the eastern corridor, from St Lucy to St Philip. In 1979, the Human Chain was attempted and 93 000 individuals participated. However, the chain was not completed because there were gaps in some areas, while other parts had four lines of persons.

 

It is hoped that this time around people will fill up the 90 points on the chain, which will be along the coastline. The major roads around Barbados where persons will link hands are: Highway 1; Checker Hall through St. Lucy’s Parish Church; Charles Duncan O’Neal Highway; Ermie Bourne Highway; Bathsheba; Horse Hill; Bowling Alley; Coach Hill; Sargeant Street; Bayfield; Long Bay; Crane; Gemswick; Fairy Valley; Oistins; Highway 7; and Bridgetown.

 

All participants are urged to get to their assigned point by 9:30 a.m. At a stipulated time, persons in the chain will sing the National Anthem, recite the National Pledge, and hold hands, while passing a trident. Over 300 tridents are being created by schoolchildren. The chain link should be completed by 11 a.m.

 

May the chain be unbroken!