Recently, we have noticed increasing debate about issues that touch and concern the entire community and some other topics that matter more particularly to a section of the island’s people.
Many have been the topics of discussion: They include the economy, the rights of homosexuals, the rights of workers, the future of the offshore sector, the development of agriculture, the Alexandra School matter, the right mix of tourism planning for the future, and the pros and cons of arguments about economy in relation to the society!
The debate on the economy, and in particular, the cost of living, has been sustained and discussed time and time again in the public sphere; and the debate has been civil and, for the most part, rational, with a fair degree of emotion as would be expected when people are directly affected in their ability to put “bread on the table”.
It is one of the signs of a maturing democracy when these issues can be vigorously discussed across political lines, with each side holding its point, and eventually, the disputants agreeing to disagree. And the discussion has not only taken place between those people charged with the duty of running this country’s affairs; for wherever two or three are gathered, the peaceful discussion goes on.
As Prime Minister Stuart mentioned last Sunday at Belleplaine, there is “a battle for the minds of the people”.
Few will disagree, and it is proper in a country manifestly committed to democracy and to upholding the traditional and hard-fought rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association that this should be so.
As the countdown to the election continues that debate will intensify and will get even more heated, and we anticipate an election campaign in which vigorous and muscular debate will be the order of the day whether the debate takes place on the platform or in the streets.
We have long had a tradition of vigorous debate conducted in a mature and peaceful manner, and this is not the time for us to import any of the negative aspects of political campaigning that takes place beyond these shores.
Particular colours have long been associated with political parties here and abroad, and we have observed in the main a very respectful tolerance by our local people for the right of opposing supporters to wear and tout their party colours.
Recent reports concerning objections to the wearing of “red” clothing, at a non-political function held by a state corporation, simply because it is the colour associated with the Opposition party, is a matter that should be dealt with maturely by the authorities, and the undisputed freedom of all Barbadians to sport clothing in colours identified with any political party should be upheld and maintained without let or hindrance.
We are far too mature a people for such small foxes to infiltrate our high reputation for serious, rational, peaceful political arguments at election time. We must not allow the silly season to become the incubator of foreign habits contrary to our traditions.
We must nip these irritants in the bud, and prevent clothing or other apparel of a stated colour from ever becoming a flashpoint for foolishness in or out of election time!
