A GUY'S VIEW: Compulsive talking versus effectiveness
Challenging events seem to be following each other, making life in Barbados less than comfortable. Some say that this is divine intervention in the affairs of our land. Others have not given a thought to such an explanation. Without specul-ation, we can see that we have been presented with events that place us under strain, individually and nationally.
So much ash from the La Soufrière volcano has covered our country that one not knowing the geography could be forgiven for thinking that the volcano was in our island. It shows how short a distance is 110 miles.
The ash has disrupted our lives significantly and has spilled over into affecting the country’s economy. Whatever the state of affairs is in our country, St. Vincent must be worse. It is important, therefore, that we remember Vincentians in our prayers and support efforts to contribute to their relief. No Barbados Government has ever turned its back on a Caribbean neighbour and we will not start now.
Social media has been replete with stories of price gouging in the face of this latest event. Many of the responses to those posts suggest that Barbadians are exhausted with complaining about how they have been taken advantage of by supermarkets and other retail businesses. This is unfortunate, for there is much worse that can be done and may be done, if we grow weary.
We are behaving like our brothers and sisters in America, who march and demonstrate every time the police kill one of their neighbours or family members. And the killing continues unabated, simply because they do not understand the nature of the beast that is set against them. We complain without taking corrective action, so what should we expect?
One of the latest videos which received attention was of a young man who complained about the price of masks on sale at Massy Supermarket in Warrens. But he bought them and then went on WhatsApp to complain. Since then I was told that Carter’s had the same masks on sale at $9.00 for one – one mask, not one pack. And Barbados Steel Works had one for over $11.00.
I have heard the comment that the fact that these prices could be charged and the items still purchased tells a story of more dollars than sense. I prefer to see it as persons becoming accustomed to the easy life and the death of innovation in our culture. Those who thought that they had no choice but to buy those masks, obviously did not give a thought to wearing two regular masks and limiting their exposure to the ash.
As has become the normal practice of late, our officials have had a lot to say about the volcanic ash and related matters, but their talks had little useful content. They continue to speak as experts on matters of which they know nothing. It seems that our governors now believe that they always need to open their mouths, even if only volcanic ash falls out.
Many Barbadians continue to complain about the way our officials speak down to them. They continue to insult the people’s intelligence. But could there be a more sinister reason? Could it be that they are trying to dumb down the population and create an attitude of absolute dependency, not only on handouts, but on what they are told? Barbadians have been told when to clean their houses, how to clean their houses, when to go outside, how many times they should shower, when to use water and when not to use water. Lord, have mercy. We must be dumb or being made dumb.
The lot o’ long talk is often empty and meaningless, and yet it continues. Our leaders seem to have been infected with a dose of logorrhea unlike anything we have ever seen before. Alright, we understand the strategy employed against the last administration of painting the last Prime Minister as one who did not speak enough. It seems to be a terrible thing to speak only when there is something to be said and not usurping others’ responsibility and opportunity to speak. So we have gone from responsible speech to extreme logorrhea.
It is clear that talk is being used to replace action. Nothing positive is happening in Barbados. Why? Whether through nature fighting against us or incompetence, depends on what one is speaking about, but, except for the business of a chosen few, this country has ground to a halt.
The long speeches are designed to create the appearance of activity, but there is no productivity. As is the case of faith without works, talk without action is useless.