IN A DEMOCRACY, a proper balance needs to be struck between the conflicting values and principles – the value of security of the state and individual rights. Very often the court, in its endeavour to strike a balance between the conflicting values, attracts criticism from both sides.
It is perhaps in this middle ground that the unions, particularly the Barbados Workers’ Union, have been most strident in their opposition to an industrial court. Current events suggest that its time may have come as we cannot continue to allow the Minister of Labour or the Prime Minister to settle labour disputes.
During February 1990, the Rotary Club of Barbados South sponsored a discussion on the economy titled Boom Or Bust – Which Way For Barbados? at the Frank Collymore Hall. It was attended by a wide cross-section of Barbadians who were concerned about the country’s economic problems.
The main purpose was to sensitise the public about the problems facing the Barbadian economy and to offer some solutions for its continued survival. One of the panellists, Dr Grenville Phillips, drew an analogy between Barbados and a corporate entity with all Barbadians as shareholders.
The message was obvious: we all have (and still do) a stake in the ultimate survival of the economic health of Barbados; otherwise we will all be losers (or be dead). We have reflected on this period to demonstrate that the more things change, the more indeed they remain the same.
It may also be of note that Sir Roy Trotman was a member of that panel and it is instructive that he is now at the centre of a dispute that could harm our country. It is one of the paradoxes of our time that we have more experts but more problems; more medicine but less wellness.
Sometimes we get the feeling that there is too much politics in negotiations and some egos are too big so the message is lost and the messenger is the focus of attack. In times like these, the good of the country should prevail.
By whatever standard we are to judge a situation, the lack of an apology should not be a sticking point in resolving the problem. It adds more to the paradox: we have conquered outer space, but not our inner space. We have split the atom but not our prejudice.
All around us there are situations that call out for leadership and direction. Government continues to abuse the Land Acquisition Act and fails and/or refuses to compensate owners. It was recently reported that there is about $174 million due to owners.
If that were all, it could be excused but the recent 2013 report from the Auditor General should make us all recoil in shame. In respect of the Transport Board, the report sated that the contingent liabilities were being understated by $13.2 million.
There was also $124 million advanced to Government-owned Clearwater Bay to settle a loan to guarantee in respect to the Four Seasons project.
When Government continues to flout the law, it should not expect compliance from its citizens and this invites lawlessness.
