EDITORIAL: Speak out!
Back in February 2020, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau was preparing to attend the 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Barbados, where he would meet with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and other CARICOM representatives. Infrastructural work had already begun to ensure that the conference venues were in tip-top shape for his arrival and that of other regional and international political representatives, when the news broke that Prime Minister Trudeau had made the decision not to attend the conference because of a domestic crisis.
This crisis arose as the representatives of some of Canada’s indigenous peoples, referred to as the First Nations, were actively protesting the placement of natural gas pipeline on their traditional lands, causing disruptions on major Canadian train lines and having ripple effects on their economy. The protesters had been physically blocking the railway lines, making it impossible for trains to run and putting a spoke in the wheels of Canada’s transportation system, so to speak. The pipeline is necessary to efficiently move large quantities of natural gas across the country. The protest situation was described as a national crisis and the Canadian government was therefore forced to send its foreign minister as a representative to the conference here in Barbados.
This protest action is an example of intense social activism. Not only are the indigenous persons protesting, but their supporters are also reportedly assisting with their efforts. A minority group feels as if their rights are being abused so their representatives have taken action. This action is bold and cannot be ignored or dismissed, the Canadian courts even granted an injunction to prevent the protests, which has proven to be futile as blockades continued.
In recent times, Barbadians have not been a people who boldly stand up for their rights. They are meek and make small whispers of complaints at their dining room table or in the company of like-minded people. This is not necessarily a bad quality because it means we are a relatively peaceful people who are content to keep “fighting the good fight”, putting one foot ahead of the other and pushing through each day. There may not be a need for us to be as bold as the indigenous people of Canada, but we must still stand up for our rights in public forums.
We are a highly educated people and the opinions of individual Barbadian people should matter to our Government, no matter the party. There are times when a whispered complaint is not enough. Strong voices should be heard when groups of Barbadians feel as if their rights are being infringed upon. We should foster a spirit of unity, coming together no matter what race, social status or political affiliation to guide the administration of the country in the right direction and to ensure that as many Barbadians as possible are comfortable with the state of affairs in the country.
At present the crime situation is still rampant, although kudos must be given to the Royal Barbados Police Force for conducting efficient and successful investigations into some of the crimes. The food prices are oppressive and unemployment remains high, especially for the youth. There are also major issues with customer service in the public sector. There is little need to mention the onslaught of taxes on Barbadians who are just trying to make it from one paycheque to another. If there is no one to speak out with a loud voice and say that people are suffering, then the Government of the day is well within its rights to continue with business as usual.