Many weeks ago I enquired on Brass Tacks about progress on the Barbados/Trinidad and Tobago fishing agreement which, according to late Prime Minister David Thompson, could be settled over a bowl of fish soup in Consett Bay.
A caller sounding very much like then Caricom Ambassador Denis Kellman responded, asking whether anybody was having difficulty getting fish.
At that time flying fish were plentiful. Since, however, flying fish and indeed most, if not all, fish have disappeared from Oistins market.
At least twice weekly I go there seeking fish. The report has been the same every time: “Skipper, the fish gone.” I saw a fisherman saying on CBC TV that this has been the worst fish season in 40 years. My bespoke supplier tells me he has never known it to be so bad.
I got into a conversation recently with some fisherfolk who also wanted to know of progress on the bilateral agreement since they had heard there was no shortage of our national dish in Tobago.
Law-abiding citizens, they would only go after them if approved by the appropriate authorities.
Since fish is an essential part of a healthy diet and it is being relentlessly repeated by a variety of spokespersons that we should eat more fish and less fatty animal proteins, I must again ask those charged with the responsibility of finding a solution to this longstanding problem if there is any progress to report.
I do not expect to hear from Mr Kellman, who has been elevated to Cabinet which has put a gag order on his frequent calls to Brass Tacks. Since, however, he worked under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it would be deeply appreciated if someone from that august agency would update the public on progress.
I am not aware that the ambassadorial post formerly held by Mr Kellman has been filled.
My twin-island sources tell me that the Tobagonian fishermen are anxious to sell off their catches to Bajans, but only if there is an agreed formula between the two sovereign states.
The Trinidad and Tobago coalition government has been in office for over a year and it is to be hoped that time can be found to settle this issue.
Warm welcome to Rihanna
I have been challenged about dwelling on the heavy economic difficulties facing Barbadians struggling to pay increased Light & Power and other essential bills when there was a rush to gobble up tickets for Rihanna’s August 5 show at Kensington Oval.
While I understand the felt need of Barbadians to turn out in their thousands to welcome home their first international singing star, I too was struck by the crowds shown on CBCTV rushing to buy tickets. Particularly noticeable was the large number of teenagers.
The cheapest tickets are $75 and move through $200 and $500 up to $1 000. I am told all the tickets will be sold. I am also told by a friend that when he enquired of a relative how she could afford to pay $500 for a Rihanna ticket, she was quick
to say she would seek an accommodation from her bank on her mortgage and nothing would stand in the way of her being at the Oval.
Her priorities may be confused, but there is another aspect that is worthy of mention. People under severe pressure often seek some form of what social scientists call escapology, the practice of freeing oneself from certain restraining constraints. The pressure for most people living here has hardly ever been greater, buttressing the need for escapology.
Joining the thousands at Kensington will be an opportunity for thousands to indulge in an act of escapology where they can turn out to honour one of their own who has risen from humble beginnings on our mini-state to conquer the whole world and cover herself and Barbados in glory. The psychic returns on their investment are invaluable in restoring a feel-good dimension, no matter how transitory.
It is good that the international superstar has found space in her overstretched schedule to come home and perform for those who produced her and gave her early succour, then deeming her an honorary ambassador.
To whom much is given much is expected and the home drums may have taken a while to beat, but will beat loudly at Kensington just around the corner from Westbury Road where she grew up.
I am an old fuddy-duddy not into Rihanna’s style of music accentuated by quite risqué stage props.
I too need some form of escapology but cannot afford it. I wish the central personality well, sure that the entire exercise will add a new dimension to live stage performances in Barbados.
