Seldom do we hear from our senior career public officers offering insightful positions on matters which could stir national debate.
When Dr David Browne, the principal of Queen’s College, addressed the Democratic Labour Party’s weekly luncheon last Friday, he joined a select group of his peers by raising issues which must be addressed, far beyond the partisan political corridors in George or Roebuck Streets.
It was good to hear someone other than a politician or political aspirant speak to the topics – other than those obvious monetary and fiscal issues – which must be confronted. Unfortunately, because of the location of his presentation and even some of his suggestions, it is unlikely he will escape the tainted political brush. He must be undaunted.
Two of the points Browne addressed should be for immediate articulation. His suggestion that we be well prepared for any flooding in Bridgetown is a necessity.
While some of the work being undertaken with the Careenage may help stem such problems, there is no guarantee that it will eliminate the problem. What develops outside of Bridgetown will have a major impact on what happens in The City.
The major risk, in Browne’s viewpoint, is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. His recommendation that it be replaced with a start-of-the-art facility outside Bridgetown and also be a teaching facility with research facilities will raise eyebrows.
This is in line with the position outlined by former Minister of Health Donville Inniss. Where Browne did not elaborate is how best to fund such a facility.
The debate on whether this country needs a new hospital must be taken out of the rabid political arena. We need to look at the pros and cons and arrive at a decision based on what is required and best for Barbados.
Another of Browne’s points, that electricity cables be placed underground, is one we think should be a national requirement.
As an island within the hurricane zone, we must be prepared for a major hurricane to strike at some time. These are different times to those when the last major hurricane hit some 58 years ago.
We simply cannot do without power for any extended period as the negative impact on industry and commerce as well as health would be simply too great. The safety issues are also different today.
The argument advanced that it is too costly to lay underground cables does not make sense. Even with a committed and efficient Barbados Light & Power workforce and independent contractors, it would be a herculean task to restore power supply quickly.
Let the debate begin as we look for the best ideas which can be implemented. Well done, Dr Browne.
