‘HAVE SOME RESPECT’

CHIEF Magistrate Christopher Birch holds the view that respect is one stage of development Barbadians must work on.

He believes that there is a need for Barbadians to respect themselves, each other, and the country at large.

Though not directly commenting on the crime and violence situation in the island, the Chief Magistrate said when dealing with the littering, broken windows and lawlessness that is being seen across society, it comes down to lack of respect.

“One of the strangest experiences you can have is that you read charges to somebody and you begin ‘Mr so and so…’ and you see his head suddenly fly up and you ask if there is something wrong. ‘No, but I here in handcuffs and chains, I didn’t expect to be called Mr.’ I say, ‘But, who are you? If you are innocent until proven guilty and you get off, would I not have to call you Mr. when I see you on the street?’

Chief Magistrate Birch made the remarks on Tuesday evening, as he delivered the feature address at the Urban Development Commission’s Annual Public Lecture, titled “Challenges Facing Urban Barbados beyond the Physical”.

He also outlined that there is a problem with how the education system is viewed and the fact that particular careers are not as respected as they should be.

Chief Magistrate Birch said it is no secret that there are certain jobs that are not highly regarded or respected.

“I think that for our development in any sphere, it starts with respect. I cannot disrespect you and then expect you to hear what I say, because you will be vex.

“When it comes to education, let us give due respect to that kid who may not have walked out with five CXCs, or three CAPE, or a first class honours degree, but he would walk toward your car with a laptop and a USB cable and purpose. Let us not disrespect him,” he said.

“Let us not disrespect that boy on the block that we think ‘oh, he just by the side of the road selling coconuts, because he carrying home more money than you and me. Let us not disrespect the seamstress because the seamstress is who got we looking good.

“Above all, let us not disrespect each other. You know why? All of us in this room, whether by birth, naturalisation or choice, start with a privilege beyond measure. We are Bajans. What more privilege you want than that?

He also stressed that Barbadians must be mindful that the “block” is a natural breeding ground, not just for crime and violence, but also for some of the most brilliant, vibrant and entrepreneurial people in society.

However, the Chief Magistrate indicated that there are some willing “block kids” who are in need of the necessary assistance to develop their skills and talents.

“There are kids on the block with nine CXCs and Associate Degrees and no one can look at them and say that they are failures. I think it is not so much education, but how we look at it,” he said. (AH)