EDITORIAL - We all should be thankful

Millions of people will celebrate Thanksgiving Day tomorrow in the United States of America (USA), in a tradition that is widely secular nowadays, but which nonetheless has its history in religious and cultural practices. 

 

Though favoured mostly in the USA, Thanksgiving Day is also observed near this time of year in other states such as Canada, Liberia and Norfolk Island, with similar festivities in Germany, Korea, Japan and The Netherlands aimed at rewarding labour, harvests, and generally giving thanks.

 

Even closer to home, in Grenada, there is a Thanksgiving Day commemorated on October 25th. However, unlike the aforementioned occasions, Grenadians mark this date as the anniversary of the US-led invasion of the island in 1983 after the execution of then Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. Though far removed from the established practices during the US Thanksgiving Day, the principle of giving thanks for what one has been afforded remains the same.

 

Here in Barbados there is no one specific day earmarked to give thanks but, if there was, November 30th, Independence Day, would be the occasion. 

 

We should all be thankful on this date because it was a remarkable achievement for this country to become an independent nation back in 1966, forming its own government and being led by Errol Walton Barrow at a time when only a few other neighbouring nations like Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago had taken that plunge, and with other larger countries like South Africa and nations like the USA still experiencing racial discrimination in the late ’60s. What a proud moment it must have been to witness the lowering of the Union Jack and the raising of the Barbados flag, along with the pageantry and excitement of hearing the national anthem and pledge.

 

This pride would have been evident also throughout the years with the various developments taking place in society – especially infrastructural and those based in technology – which have seen this country boast of being a leading healthcare provider in the Caribbean; a sports tourism hub – especially for motorsports and golf fanatics; an example of successful educational programmes and high literacy rate; and a model of stable democratic governance and free and fair elections. 

 

Therefore there is no question that Barbadians have a lot to be thankful for at Independence. And, with 2016 being the 50th anniversary of Independence, this year would definitely be the time for everyone to give thanks for all that they have. Despite those detractors who decry the Government’s focus on the occasion and, more to the point, the money being spent, 50 years is a milestone that must be celebrated. It cannot be allowed to go unnoticed or receive too little fanfare because too many may not be around to mark 100 years. 

 

Furthermore, being grateful for one’s country at the individual level would make people feel more appreciative of their personal circumstances. In this tough and uncertain economic climate, it is necessary that people do not only feel crushed by challenges, but instead see the silver lining and give thanks. Although things may seem dire, they are not the worst possible scenarios; for as long as one has life and health, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.