TODAY, BARBADOS REFLECTS on the life and times of late prime minister and National Hero, The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, on what would have been his 95th birthday. This is perhaps an opportune time to better understand and emulate his guiding philosophy which he used to help propel this island nation. Even as a partisan politician, he was driven by the grand ideal of building a united and better Barbados.
On this day, almost 27 years after his death and as the island prepares to observe 50 years (in 2016) of political independence which he spearheaded, Barbados faces serious challenges which Mr Barrow perhaps would never have anticipated. On our very doorstep have been the collapse of CLICO and the constant downgrade of the economy by the international rating agencies. They have all created havoc for this country.
These events represent the harsh realities which Barbados must confront and overcome, as they threaten to wipe out many of the gains made since nationhood.
Mr Barrow had a clear vision of where he wanted to take Barbados, but he could not have done it alone. It took a dedicated team of committed politicians, a corps of technocrats, and the cooperation of various interest groups to make a reality of his dream of transforming this country. The result was that Barbados stood out for all the right reasons in the Caribbean.
The late prime minister understood that political freedom was important but that economic enhancement was the key. Today, we can better understand why he constantly spoke of and compared Barbados with Singapore, an Asian tiger. His emphasis on universal access to education at all levels and the importance of a significantly improved health service were necessary to achieving that goal. Mr Barrow appreciated the need to bring about reforms in agriculture, and why a social security system was critical to providing a safety net for thousands. His determination was for the marginalised to enjoy the benefits of economic and social justice.
Mr Barrow was not for having a society of mendicants, nor those whose only goal was to be ostentatious. His desire was to have Barbados take its role as a leader in the Caribbean, built on a legacy of productive hard work driven by creativity.
As Barbados today reviews the contribution of this great son of the soil, it comes at a most unpredictable period as the entire society grapples with unprecedented change. The situation calls for a united effort to make this country a better place. It is the best way to keep Mr Barrow’s ideals relevant.
