THE GENERAL ELECTION constitutionally due in the second quarter of 2013 will not be held until the governing Democratic Labour Party fulfils one of its most cherished promises to its most loyal subjects, namely the people of St John.
This struck me as I drove through the parish a few days ago and, upon passing the St John Polyclinic at Glebe Land, realized that this project must still be very dear to the heart of this Government, which would not want to make as defining a decision as the calling of a general election without finishing what was restarted with almost messianic fervour during the St John by-election.
It is a project, in my view, that poignantly reinforced Government’s commitment to the parish and the choosing by its people of Mara Thompson, the greatest reminder of their beloved representative and late Prime Minister.
During debate on a resolution on the polyclinic in February this year, it is noteworthy that the projected opening was set for the last quarter, with some estimating it at October this year, which is the anniversary of Prime Minister Thompson’s transition. The resolution was for $4 million to be granted from the Consolidated Fund and placed at Government’s disposal to supplement the 2011-2012 Estimates, specifically to provide for the payment of invoices for the construction of the polyclinic.
With this in mind, if the polyclinic is ready to be opened by monthend or yearend, it will mark the completion of a $16.3 million priority project that will cater to a general practice, HIV/AIDS programme, pharmacy, ambulance service, school eye clinic, dental clinic and a community mental health programme among others – giving Barbados’ most primitive parish its most ultra-modern facility.
Furthermore, the opening of an institution that was dear to Thompson and to his loyal St John family would be a significant way to mark the possible end of a reign and the ringing of the general election bell.
It would also be more than a passing insult that would cut deeply into the DLP to risk the possibility of a Barbados Labour Party prime minister stating, at its eventual opening, that even this polyclinic for the DLP’s most loyal subjects could not have been finished by this Government in its five-year term. It would be a shame; galling for any DLP supporter, to say the least.
The polyclinic, which had its share of controversy, has fallen under the radar as Barbadians focus on The Alexandra School Inquiry, Al Barrack, CLICO and BAICO, the Four Seasons Resort and a plethora of issues. But once the facility is completed, I believe any number can play.
I DIDN’T ATTEND The Garrison School but I was just a stone’s throw away when it opened its doors.
And even before then I had watched as it was being built, and shared the excitement of the people of Paddock Road, King’s Village, Dayrell’s Road and its environs at the coming of this brand new secondary school in our neighbourhood.
I was already in my third year at another institution when I watched several neighbourhood friends enter this new school, including boys who had sat beside me at Bay Primary, some who hailed from Harts Gap, St Matthias, Brittons Hill and the Bay Land and who all pitched marbles and played cricket and basketball, or swam off the Hilton jetty and in the Marine Hotel’s pool.
That’s why I feel as if the renaming of the Garrison Secondary School to the Graydon Sealy Secondary School is as much a celebration for me as it is for past students who are in essence my contemporaries.
It represents a place where, in 1975, the desire for excellence was immediate; for the reputation of Mr Sealy had preceded him. He was a disciplinarian who had taught beyond these shores and would eventually make his mark on the school that would go on to produce more than a few distinctive Barbadian attorneys, business gurus and Members of Parliament.
The school brought life to my neighbourhood; with its auditorium being the venue for youth and cultural events, and the adjoining hard courts being the scene of thrilling basketball showdowns under the watchful eyes of coach “Cocky” Browne and senior players of local and regional acclaim.
Imaginary chasms are still being placed between Barbadian schools; but as I saw students from the Garrison and other newer secondary schools make their mark, it reinforced the fact that the determination to excel goes far beyond the walls of any institution.
• Ricky Jordan is an Associate Editor of THE NATION.