Looking back... then forward
Today, July 26, 2017 marks the 80th anniversary of the 1937 riots, which resulted in a period of sustained change in this society, arguably ushering in the rise of the majority black population into electoral prominence and social mobility and status.
It should make us pause and reflect, but as usual in this country, we have to look backwards before we can even contemplate moving this island forward. Too often, within the last few years, we have heard of a country, which is falling apart at the seams. We hear of suggestions from political figures, those who want us to believe that they are not political and others, that this country is or has lost its way. We hear laments about how tough things have become and that some are struggling to survive. That may all be true, but those who seek to get into that frame of mind, might even do some research before making pronouncements about the state of this country and its prospects.
I will always maintain that history provides us with an understanding that everything happens for a time. For those who have suggested that Barbados is on its sick bed and close to death, let me suggest some reading before you continue to make yourselves look silly. Look for a book called ‘Caribbean Freedom: Economy and Society from Emancipation to the Present: A Student Reader” edited by Hilary Beckles and Verene Shepherd, and search for an article by Arthur Lewis entitled ‘The 1930s Social Revolution’ and actually read about the conditions in the region prior to the 1937 riots before you suggest that this country is ‘on its last legs’.
It is interesting that while this current leadership is protesting what they term as an onerous tax and chanting that they are being disrespected, they need only look back to the period leading up to the 1937 riots and the way in which labour was treated. Perhaps I will leave them with this statement from the aforementioned article, “One of the succeeding middle and working class ferment the Barbados Progressive League was born in August 1938. Its main purpose is on the one hand to organise trade unions and on the other to run candidates for election in an attempt to force the government to provide adequate social services, to assist emigration, and to promote land settlement.”
Today, provides us with the change to look at where this island came from and to appreciate what we have worked so hard for over all those years. Slavery was abolished in 1834 by act of British Parliament, and ultimately ended in principle in 1838, but in the intervening century, a new slavery emerged. This slavery was one of ‘supply and demand’. The economics of a new societal arrangement which sought to reaffirm dominance now not based on legal subjugation of a numerically strong group of former slaves primarily but economic hindrances to their growth were enforced. These included property requirements for voting, but also the requirements of them to look at the minority which controlled the economic power, also presented the greatest threat to changing the status quo.
Therefore, when I hear the talk about this current generation speaking recklessly about the decline of this country, I get annoyed. Maybe some should read the Moyne Commission report which provided a template for the changes needed to take not just Barbados but the post-slavery Caribbean forward into the 20th century, before dropping apocalyptic assertions about this country. See what the pre-union Barbadians faced in this country and stop talking as though this island has not moved significantly into the 21st century.
Maybe unions should move into the 21st century. We need to have working MOUs established between statutory boards and unions to eliminate the need for wildcat strikes. We need to move past efforts to undermine our economy such as what was occasioned with the Port actions, not just last week, but last year as well regarding the move to bring Customs under the Barbados Revenue Authority (B.R.A.)... no we have not forgotten this... we need answers. Who pays for the lost revenue which these actions caused? Please provide an update.
Unions have accomplished much in this country. I have always stated my support for any effort to improve the lives of workers in this country. My stock is from workers in this country, from the sugar industry to both grandmothers working as maids, so I am not opposed to efforts garnered to improvements in conditions of employment, however, when the vision seems misguided, I will speak out. Again, I state, what is the intent? One union leader stating that they will bring Government ‘to a Christian understanding’ is a threat to the economic and social stability of this country and should be condemned. Clearly, the intent is not for meaningful dialogue or am I wrong?
What is the role of the teachers’ unions in this effort? The BUT has recently seen hundreds of its members appointed within the teaching services, so what is their grouse? Is it the NSRL or is it something else? Same issue with the B.S.T.U, tell us what your challenges are, which led to the support for this march and follow up action? Tell us, without increased revenue, how can Government afford repairs to schools, provision of equipment and supplies and everything else you require?
Surely the mentality of marching up and down as opposed to rationale dialogue must stop. MOUs and Collective Bargaining Agreements would led to a more harmonious arrangement within the industrial sector. It would eliminate the view of union leaders emerging from their air-conditioned offices and cars to speak to workers who bear the hot sun, just in time for press coverage. Oh shoot... things real hard... let me not forget that phrase.