A GUY'S VIEW
We are at the end of 2017. It is normal to look with anticipation at the year ahead, but we could learn a few lessons from the year that was.
As one matures, one comes to recognise the benefit of being positive in all aspects of life. It behoves me, therefore, to launch this week’s offering with some of the best news reported in 2017, although its effect will be in the new year.
A few days ago, the Prime Minister announced that Madam Justice Sandra Mason was his choice to replace His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave as Governor General of Barbados. Madam Justice Mason’s elevation is testimony to the best of what Barbados is ideally all about.
Barbados has long preached that we were in pursuit of an egalitarian society. Given our history, that has been a long journey on which we continue to travel. For sure, we are not there yet. We still have people who believe that their class entitles them to certain privileges. There are still many among us who place stock in race and believe that race and class should be deferred to. However, there are times when we cut through all of that and the best of Barbados stands up. On such occasions, people like Madam Justice Mason, soon to be Dame Sandra, receive their just deserts.
For her, it was not all smooth sailing. One remembers when she had to relocate to St. Lucia because there seemed to be road blocks in her path here. She showed the determination to progress and succeed regardless of what it took.
Dame Sandra is being elevated due to the retirement of Sir Elliott Belgrave. His story is similar to that of Dame Sandra in terms of the rise from ordinary roots to the highest office in the land. He brought the office of Governor General closer to the community without compromising its dignity and will be a hard act to follow.
Dame Sandra is not Sir Elliott and although she would have observed his conduct in the office, it is certain that she will bring her own influence to the position. One looks forward to her tenure. These two children of the soil evidence that many Barbadians, regardless of their origins, have a lot to offer their country. I wish her God speed.
In a similar vein, it was announced on Friday last that Donna Babb-Agard will be the next Director of Public Prosecutions in Barbados. Donna, if my familiarity may be pardoned, has distinguished herself as a competent, hardworking woman who continues to demonstrate that we have a cadre of young people in our midst on whom we can rely to take our country forward.
She will be the first woman to fill the position of Director of Public Prosecutions in Barbados. This country is blessed to be in a position to access the best that we have to offer, regardless of race or gender. There is no doubt in my mind that she will lead her team in the same professional manner as her distinguished predecessors have. Who knows, maybe she will be more outstanding in some respects.
Cleviston Haynes has been confirmed in the position of Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados. Mr. Haynes has had a long and bright history at that institution. He did not fall into his position from above, but has worked his way up, therefore, having the opportunity to be part of the inner workings of the institution.
The Central Bank is one of the better resourced public institutions in Barbados and this would be of great benefit to the new Governor. He has already demonstrated that he can be an assertive, independent leader of that important body.
My only concern is that we have heard threats that Dame Sandra, Donna Babb-Agard and Cleviston Haynes may be of short tenure if there should be a change of Government. But all they can do is take up their duties and perform at their usual high standards. God will have the last word in our affairs.
Still on the good news front, in the midst of a depressed world economy and a less than stellar resource situation at home, Government has been able to identify $49 million dollars to pass on to the workers as a coping subsidy. Given the straits in which we have found ourselves economically, this is a substantial sum of money. The detraction of their representatives notwithstanding, Barbadian workers will appreciate this effort to assist them.
Above the sum, what is clear is that the Government has not been unmindful of the fact that workers have been holding strain for a long time. It also speaks to the recognition that efforts to assist workers will not be reckless. So that, while a pay increase which would be a recurring expenditure could not be afforded, there was still the recognition that it was necessary to offer some assistance to those who remain in the service of their fellow Barbadians.
For another year, we have been spared the impact of a severe weather system. Some of our neighbours were not that fortunate. What was good about this is the way Barbadians responded to lend a hand to others who were in need of assistance in the region.
Without trumpet or fanfare, the Barbados Government quickly mobilised human resources from the Barbados Defence Force, the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Barbados Fire Service, as well as other resources, and moved to render assistance where it was needed most. There is no doubt that the people in the communities they assisted will be grateful.
Further, Barbadians drew on their personal resources to send food, water, clothing and other essentials to Dominica and other affected countries. Churches moved from raising funds to build bigger buildings and car parks to actually thinking about the needs of persons in unfortunate circumstances. This was Barbados at its best.
At short notice, Barbados hosted CARIFESTA XIII in 2017. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth was responsible for making this challenging project come together in a manner that would be befitting of the outstanding reputation of Barbados. From all objective reports, they succeeded.
The cultural performances of the many countries were colourful and gave those who saw them a taste of the cultural history of our neighbours. The items which were offered for sale, such as clothing and preservatives, were just as enlightening.
Crop Over 2017 was a fantastic success. This year’s event was truly a spectacle of which we could be justly proud. The Calypso King’s performance was an act of genius and the songs he presented captured the imagination of all observers.
Like other carnivals, for the most part, our costume bands are little more than panties and brassieres, but the limited opportunity for creativity that this affords still allowed band designers some room for interpretation of themes.
The year 2017 gave us the opportunity to recognise that we have the human resources to appropriately deal with whatever confronts us. We faced down our challenges and overcame them one by one. With that experience behind us, 2018 awaits the blessings that Barbadians will add to it.
In the spirit of compassion, we should sympathise with those who can find nothing positive or good about their lives or this country. Some persons who fit this description will always be with us. A blessed and prosperous 2018 to all.