We are friends of all and satellites of none . . . . we will strenuously assist the uprooting of vestigial imperialisms because our institutions are free. – Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow (1966).
THESE WORDS were spoken to the United Nations General Assembly on December 9, 1966 by the Right Excellent Errol Barrow, Barbados’ first Prime Minister and National Hero.
As we proudly soak in the essence of the Independence celebrations, while patriotically mellowing in ultramarine, yellow and black and dining on healing gifts of conkies and cou-cou, as an herbal educator I will engage your interest about our “silent doctors”. I shall focus on their economic benefit.
Sprouting into this paradise in November 1966, I was afforded the opportunity, being only three weeks old, to lie in my mother’s arms as these words were etched into my consciousness: “We are friends of all and satellites of none.”
I am therefore fulfilling my destiny, so I want Barbadians especially to pay greater care and attention to our “silent doctors”.
Indeed! economically, Senator Haynesley Benn advised Barbadians in the DAILY NATION of 2009-04-08 that “we need to set up a regional herbal association to capture a slice of the global herbal products market valued at US$12 billion”.
Pride of Barbados, cerasee, gully root, conga-lala, cow-itch and rice bitters are powerful herbs used for healing and they still occupy places in our homes and gullies. In fact, they are used in bush teas/bath or as other healing remedies.
However, Ledgister (2006), referring to herbal products and writing for the Jamaican Star OnLine posited: “What used to be a thriving enterprise for the average Jamaican is now being fiercely taken over by multimillion dollar corporations.”
We can study this Jamaican experience and ponder, whilst gaining conscious thoughts of the tremendous economic, health and relaxing benefits that are available from sprouting and nurturing Barbadian “silent doctors”.
Remember, our brave forefathers also sowed herbal seeds like tamarinds.
Strenuously uproot from our consciousness the belief that Barbadian “silent doctors” known worldwide are not healers and heroes.
Surf the internet for the Natural Product Institute, University of the West Indies, if you are curious about up-to-date empirical data.
Concluding, cherish and keep watch over our “silent doctors” to ensure they are nurtured in the best environmental conditions which Barbados can offer.
As death from pancreatic and breast cancer still preoccupy our minds, don’t remain shaken by rumours of more death from diseases.
Instead communicate with the Creator relentlessly; hope abounds through “silent doctors” and proper health practices.
Therefore proclaim: I am a “strict guardians of our heritage” and I have a vision to protect and respect what is written in Ezekiel 47:12 our interest, our ‘“silent doctors”!
Ponder on this in reference to “healing herbs’” make them “Friends of all but satellites of none but us”.
• Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator may be contacted at silentdoctors @gmail.com or telephone 250-6450.
DISCLAIMER:?It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempt to diagnose and treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care professional.
