Anti-racism Resolution laid in Parliament

A RESOLUTION was laid in Parliament by Member of Parliament for Christ
Church South Ralph Thorne on Tuesday night, showing Barbados’
commitment to the anti-racism fight, and offering condolences to
immediate family and all those hurt by the death of George Floyd who
was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis in the United States of
America on May 25, 2020.

Thorne gave notice of the resolution as follows: “Whereas the central
theme that runs through the entire history of Barbados subsequent to
English settlement is the struggle to overcome racial discrimination
and oppression to eradicate the many negative racial legacies that
were derived from centuries of criminal enslavement of Africans and
people of African descent and to create a non-racist society in which
the fundamental human rights of all people are respected.

“And whereas the people of Barbados are conscious that the struggle
for freedom, human rights and the dignity of the human person
irrespective of race, or ethnicity is an inter-dependent enterprise in
which the entire human family is involved and as such recognising that
the United Nations has in the past adopted resolutions aimed at
eliminating racism and racial discrimination and whereas Barbadians
recognise that their history has bequeathed to them a duty to stand up
and advocate for the interlinked causes of freedom and respect for
human rights.

“And whereas in light of the Barbadians’ deep investment and see in
the struggle against racial oppression advance in strength and success
throughout the world in general and throughout Barbados’ geographical
region of the Americas in particular, the people of Barbados were
profoundly shocked and dismayed by televised images of brutal and
heartless killing of the African-American George Floyd in the city of
Minneapolis in the USA.

“Be it resolved that this House of Assembly, acting on behalf of and
in the name of the people of Barbados, A. Reconfirms the commitment of
the nation of Barbados to champion and advocate for the cause of
freedom and respect for human rights inclusive of the eradication of
all forms of anti-black racism.

“B. Extends sincere and profound condolences to the immediate family
of the late George Floyd, to his extended African-American family and
to all American citizens irrespective of race who are deeply hurt by
the tragedy. C. Expresses support for the principle that Black Lives
Matter and endorses the notion that it will not be possible to
unequivocally assert that All Lives Matter unless and until all black
lives are in theory and in practice treated with the respect and
regard that is their due; and D. Confirms that Barbados would be more
than willing to contribute human and other resources and to
participate in any regional hemispheric or international initiative
that is aimed at providing assistance to nations that are currently
struggling with their national efforts to eradicate racism in general
and anti-black racism in particular.”