"INDEPENDENCE is the freedom of the soul, a perception of the mind and a feeling understood by the heart". Unknown

As Barbados celebrates 48 years as a sovereign state the concept of freedom, self-governance, patriotism and interdependence are intrinsic characteristics and ideals expected of this maturing nation and its people. After all, just two years shy of the big 50 commands a level of responsibility for charting one's future and determining one's destiny.

'Barbados we come from' - readily comes to mind, connoting a sense of pride and feelings of nationalism, as we stand at attention on hearing the national anthem or during the recital of the pledge of allegiance. Have we however taken stock and looked back at the what our forefathers bequeathed us? Equally, can we admit to being craftsmen of our path for the past five decades and being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us? These are pertinent questions to be answered at this time of reflection as we give account for the management of our affairs.

 

Pride and patriotism, while feelings experienced at a time of national independance, ought not to be limited to only the month of November. Similarly, our ability to embrace things Barbadian, whether delicacies like conkies or local programming on CBC TV, should not be done only in this month. In retrospect we have a responsibility as a nation to demonstrate like the 48 year old, what it means to really experience independence – mentally, financially and physically, to celebrate that independence in defining and promoting our culture, and building those relationships needed to advance in life.

But what is our report card? Our fiscal and economic status has taken a tumble with a smaller economy today. Massive job losses in the private and public sectors within the past few years have been far reaching, touching lives in every community. Unemployment continues to trend upwards, with the latest figure for June at 13.2%. Disposal income continues to decrease, negatively affecting the spending power of the consumer, and more people are on the poverty line compared to a decade ago. This is further compounded by the fact that the one social enabler used since asquiring independence, to enfranchise and build our human resources, namely free university eductaion, is no longer accessible to the poor in this country.

At 48 our heart hurts, yet as a people we must be hopeful – hopeful that we can turn around our fate. As true craftsmen we cannot lie down and play dead when rough times plague us.  This is therefore a time for spiritual intervention, innovation, creativity and resourcefulness.   This is a time for leadership – visionary and caring leadership. At 48, if we are to make it to a healthy 50, we must pull ourselves by the proverbial bootstraps.  A paradigm shift is in order.  

With a lot of brainstorming over Independence and its importance in our lives, it is not difficult to believe that our people are concerned about the issues of the nation. They simply need to be given a platform; they need to be heard, not passed off. They need to be motivated and encouraged not restrained and demoralised. This is the time for every Barbadian that truly understands what it means to be independent to stand in the vanguard for their nation. As the saying goes, a stitch in time save nine. In the words of Andy Warhol - they always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself. Do we know what time it is?

 

Happy Independence Barbados!