The greatest problem we as a nation face today isn’t the economy, foreign reserves, retrenchment process, internal issues of political parties, crime, unemployment, tourism or agriculture sector, foreign investment, education system, UWI tuition fees or the size of the Civil Service. Our greatest problem is leadership and within that, a lack of consistent and efficient communication.
Everything rises and falls on leadership and even though there are various leadership styles, all great leaders have a few characteristics in common: inspiration, motivation and influence. Based on my observation as it relates to the response of our people, it would be fair to state that our political leaders are lacking in these three areas.
I haven’t tested this theory, but I encourage you to try it. If you ask the average Barbadian, “who is the Prime Minister of Barbados?” most will tell you, Freundel Stuart. If you ask them, “who is leading this country?”, you will receive various answers. Some of these may include, Christopher Sinckler, Donville Inniss, Freundel Stuart, the unions, the devil, no one or the IMF.
Due to the seriousness of the reports as it relates to the unattractiveness and lack of significant growth of our economy and country, one would believe that all citizens would be letting their voices be heard and demanding dialogue and efficient representation from our political leaders. It might only be me, but there is a deafening silence that is resounding daily and travelling locally, visiting the eardrums and hearts of most citizens that concerns me.
Sense of apathy
There is an apparent sense of apathy, complacency and disinterest and there could be many reasons for this.
There are numerous economic terms and words being used daily that generally fly over the heads of average Barbadians and as a result, they really have no idea what is going on and how it affects us as a people or the future for our children. One could argue that each citizen has a responsibility to do his or her own research into these terms. Another will argue that our leaders have a responsibility to communicate in a way that is clear, simple, efficient and is easily understood.
Could it be that our leaders have lost credibility among the people and as a result they have lost interest and hope? We have been given so many promises and guarantees that have not materialised; we have heard the phrases “soon to come”, “in the makings”, “in the development process”, only to be disappointed when nothing is produced.
Could fear of victimisation be a factor that is influencing our lack of response or action? Could it be that our political system protects those in power making the electorate basically “irrelevant” after elections? Could it be that Barbadians are passive by nature and only react when we hit rock bottom and have no other options? Could it be that our society has been blinded and bewitched? Could it be that we actually believe that there are no problems?
We often hear that it’s the people that hold the power. Even though that is true to some extent, unless “the people” understand, accept, activate and utilise the “power” they have, things will continue as they are.
I find it quite amazing that the church collectively has the largest constituents in the nation and are the most silent of all the organisations. It is equally troubling that despite the mass influence the church has on society through its members, it isn’t even a member of the Social Partnership. We will talk more on this at another time.
As I close I want to address a nasty and filthy practice that has been going on for way too long. This polarisation of people into either B or D supporter, isn’t productive and is hindering people who have a valid contribution to make. It seems anyone who criticises the strategies of the Government is polarised as a B; anyone who criticises the B is polarised as a D and anyone who praises either is a member and yard fowl. This nonsense has to stop.
• Corey Worrell is a former Commonwealth youth ambassador. Email coreyworrell@gmail.com.
