Monumental disrespect!

A SIGN propped up against the Independence Arch in Historic Bridgetown, highlighting a city bar and restaurant’s happy hour specials, is being frowned upon by at least one Barbadian.

Barbadian-born, Atlanta, Georgia resident, Antonio Goring, was bursting with pride as he surveyed the Independence Arch and nearby Independence Square recently, but when he stopped at the south end of the Chamberlain Bridge, to take a photo of the National Pledge erected on each column of the Arch, to show his family and friends in the United States, he was appalled by what he saw leaning against one of the columns – there was a restaurant sign outlining the prices for pina colada and various brands of beer.

“As we were walking by one side, I took a photo of it, because it means a lot to me. We used to recite this Pledge of Allegiance when we were in primary school, and when I looked to see what was on the other side, it was actually this,” he explained, showing The Barbados Advocate the photograph he took last Saturday.

Goring added, “I got immediately disgusted. This is our 50th year of Independence; this is our Independence Square; this is our Independence Arch, a place visitors come to admire... how dare this company, this bar, this restaurant, put up a sign that is advertising their daily special and free wifi, and then at the end of it, it says have a wonderful day? How can I have a wonderful day when you have that sign in front of my Pledge of Allegiance?”

Contending that such disrespect towards a national monument would not be tolerated in many countries across the world, including his adopted home, Goring, calling for the sign to be removed, maintained that it is important that the entire society speak out against such disrespect, as to do otherwise would be unpatriotic.

“It is just not cool. Not on our 49th year; not on our 50th year of Independence... not good at all,” he contended.

His comments came as he spoke glowingly of the many things he loves about this island of 166 and a quarter square miles, from its culinary delights such as cou-cou, to the values Barbadian parents instil in their children.

“I love that people say good morning, good afternoon and good night to each other on the street – you know what I’m talking about. You and I can walk down the street, we don’t know each other, and I say, ‘Hi, good afternoon ma’am,’ and you’re going to say ‘good afternoon’. That is something I pray will never go away,” he added.

Goring, who is set to return to Atlanta soon, is looking to come home again at least two more times this year: To jump for Crop Over and to celebrate the country’s golden jubilee with his family and fellow Barbadians on November 30. He is hoping to bring his six-year old daughter on the former trip, and possibly let her participate in Junior Kadooment. (JRT)