THE?STATE?OF?GLOOM which has descended over Barbados with the worldwide economic downturn, the untimely passing and burial of former Prime Minister David Thompson and the passage of Tropical Storm Tomas does not appear to be lifting soon in spite of the country getting ready to celebrate 44 years of nationhood in less then two weeks.
The usual displays of bunting proclaiming the national colours of black, gold and ultramarine are noticeably absent, with the vacancy most glaring on Government buildings. One remarkable exception is the Parliament Buildings, whose symmetrical use of the national colours puts on a beautiful display that might help to lift the sombre pall currently covering the island.Next door the Treasury Building’s paltry pennants do not inspire confidence in the economic status of the world and the same insufficient pennants are used at the General Post Office at Cheapside where the trees almost hide the weak attempt at displaying our nationhood.
The largest Government office, the complex at Warrens, is horribly bereft of any decorations, with a lone Barbados flag fluttering in the breeze being the sole distraction from the mildewed walls of the massive structure. The second largest building, Government Headquarters at Bay Street, displays some bunting at the entrance, but the much smaller Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Commerce on Fontabelle can boast of the same level of bunting.
Full story in the SATURDAY SUN
