EDITORIAL: Proud to be a Bajan

Now, more than ever, Barbadians should be proud to call this country home and value all the things that make this island a true “gem of the Caribbean”.

 

For nearly a full year, celebrations have been ongoing to highlight  this country’s culture and promote nationalism as we get ready to mark 50 years of Independence. And with two weeks left to go until November 30th, it becomes more apparent to anyone watching international news broadcasts that despite any challenges we may experience, there is still a lot to be thankful for as Barbadian citizens.

 

For the past week the headlines across the globe have mostly referred to the surprise victory of Donald Trump in the United States’ Presidential Elections and the subsequent reactions of a divided nation. Images of masses of protesters, stories of verbal harassment and increasingly more instances where racism rears its ugly head, have all shown that even an economic powerhouse like the United States has societal flaws and deep-seated issues that need to be overcome. 

 

Yet, the US is far from the only one. A few months ago the United Kingdom reflected a similar division as it voted on Brexit, leading the UK to move ahead with plans to separate from the European Union (EU). One of the driving issues behind Brexit was the unpopularity of proposed immigration policy being outlined by the EU and the resultant opposition to the idea of a “flood of foreigners” entering the country. Brexit in turn led to a drop in the value of the British currency and an uncertainty for many businesses that previously traded within the EU.

 

Still, there are even greater problems globally than social or economic unrest grounded in discrimination.

 

Further away in the Middle East and Asia there are numerous conflicts raging between nations on the grounds of political, religious and geographical differences, leaving billions of people displaced or trapped amidst chaos; or economic devastation leading huge populations to be without essential resources like food, water or medicines, not to mention necessary social rights like education.

 

In the face of this, when one considers the challenges we face in this country and compare them to all that we can be thankful for, there is no doubt that every citizen of this country would be “proud to be Bajan”.

 

Politically, Barbados has been blessed with a history of free and fair elections as a democratic country. All elections have been without violent conflict and even if there is political opposition, protest is reasonable and eventually resolves itself. Socially, this country has benefited from free education for generations and continues to provide free primary and secondary education for youths. And in addition to establishing free bus rides for students in recent years, the Barbados government also provides free primary healthcare to its nationals, amongst other social benefits.

 

These are just some of the reasons why Barbadians should be proud to call this country home – notwithstanding the obvious beauty of this island paradise. Although there are complaints and criticisms of the government and its management of the nation, overall there is more for which to be thankful. 

So in these last two weeks of celebration, reflect on the happy experiences that remind of Barbados’ uniqueness and get ready to make its 50th anniversary of Independence memorable.