As we approach the 47th anniversary of this country’s Independence, and given the circumstances confronting us, it is timely to look back and use those successful landmarks of the past as a guide to the possibilities of the future.
Our country has been such an outstanding and shining light ever since its discovery, that one wonders at the current situation in which some have become more than a little concerned about the future. It is as well that we remember at this time, and always, that track records, like reputations; matter.
A stellar indicator of how well we have done is the accurate observation by the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, that we “punch above our weight”.
Not only was that statement true of the achievements of this country and its citizens over the centuries; but that statement was made in the context of our record since Independence.
It should be our mantra as we face the challenging future with traditional Barbadian resilience. It is a heartwarming reminder of what we have achieved managing our affairs entirely as an Independent nation.
We were receiving praise for what we had done, doing it “our way” to steal an expression from the famous Frank Sinatra song.
It is equally an indicator of the heights we can once again reach even as we are faced with mountainous current challenges in our economy, and we must let those among the population who are of tender years hear of the distinguished heritage to which they are worthy heirs.
The legacy of wholesome nation-building values willed to us by our elders should be the ladder of upward mobility, and ethical aspirations which we ascend, day after day, year after year, in honouring the good name of this country, as we let our light so shine that we refuse to copy bad habits bombarding us from other places.
Yet, in reflecting on our history we must not photo shop the past. The indelible ink spots of past ignominious deeds committed on this soil in the name of slavery, and latterly in the name of colonialism must not be forgotten, nor should we attempt any revisionist rewriting of that period to soften the reported impact of those evil times.
The atrocities of those centuries of controlled oppression and denial of dignity required that our forefathers should risk limb, liberty and life in pursuit of achieving what we celebrate this week. And that is our Independence.
National Heroes Sir Grantley Adams and Errol Barrow were destined by history to complete the last laps of a long and arduous relay. Their fight for freedom and Independence has led to our victory and our Independence. The baton is now passed to another generation more fortunate in many ways than earlier ones and the battle continues, though in different ways.
Now, our main battles are to fight the penetration of perverse cultural habits which can destroy young lives; and to prevent our economy from being managed either from Westminster or Washington, which as Mr Barrow used to remind us, would destroy our freedom.
In winning these battles, we may continue to write our name on history’s page with expectations great, and return to punching above our weight.
Happy Independence, everyone!
