“The rich have become richer and more powerful, thereby extracting a greater share of the proverbial economic pie. Brexit is the light at the end of the tunnel. The workers are beginning to see that the one per cent fully intends to grab everything in sight leaving only a few miserable crumbs for the 99 per cent to fight over.” – Louis- Phillipe Rochon (a contribution to the Globe and Mail).
THE WINNING GROUP Brexit by their vote sent a strong message to the Conservative Party in Britain. We in Barbados can take a lesson from this. For too long now the ordinary people have been told to hold strain as their purchasing power is sedulously eroded.
I mean we have seen an increase in the VAT that was promised to be only for a short while; all house owners have seen that expenditure on a house, no matter for what, cannot be claimed in spite of increased taxes; a known myriad of benefits erased but taxes increased. And the cruelest cut of all, the Government restored their pay cut. Politicians and their friends cream off the little gravy that floats at the top.
Brexit sent a strong message. People will not be silenced forever, and when those at the top feel that their voices will be heard all of the time, Brexit is a reminder that politicians’ power does not last forever.
But what is there for the future in the Caribbean? Will we have a Brexit? I hope not. The previous effort at unification ended in disaster and left Jamaica and Guyana all the poorer. Jamaica should have learnt a sobering lesson from the stance it took. From JAM$1.20 to US$1 now JAM$125 to US$1. Well, as for the Guyana dollar, one can hardly buy a patty.
It is too early to say what will happen to Britain. It seems that along with the message that we the forgotten people are sick and tired of being left to flounder, there is a period of uncertainty in which we now have to refocus. Perhaps Brexit has been swayed by the old belief of ‘Rule Britannia’ and surely some Brits would like to see them ‘rule the waves’ like in the olden days. Or is there a xenophobia message?
Although this may be an unfair judgment. Did we not react similarly in Barbados when we were flooded with Guyanese seeking opportunities?
It is much too early to predict what will happen to the United Kingdom in terms of division, and there is no point in speculating. However, we may be able to take steps to get in a few punches while the uncertainty lasts.
Above all, there must be a decision to increase efforts to lure tourists whatever the sacrifice. The rich in Britain will get richer and will want to find a place to park their increased wealth. We must go after that park. The not so rich must be enticed by attractive fares and rates so that our South Coast hotels can increase business. Tours, competitions, conferences and other attractions must be advertised as interesting events not only for summer, but also for the winter tourist season starting in December 2016.
Forget all the foolish talk coming from Government about being a republic. The debt portfolio and the many accusations of corruption may categorise us as a fruit. This is the time to stand shoulder to shoulder with the “mother country” in its hour of need and uncertainty. Just like in 1939 when the Wild Coot was born. What are we to gain from a weak United Kingdom? The only ties that we should want to break are the ties with the Privy Council, as we have proven over and over that we have a capable court of ultimate jurisdiction – although the system in Barbados is suffering from constipation.
Strengthening the ties of the countries of the Caribbean is necessary. Broadening these ties should involve those on the fringe. More alignment with South and Central America for exchange of information and goods should be a priority in anticipation for whatever the United Kingdom or the European Union decides. Is this pie in the sky for the present administration?
Above all, we in Barbados have to show some resolve in halting the ever-widening gap between those who have and those who have not. The destruction of the middle class by virtue of removing things from its reach must be halted. All too often now we hear of people falling through the cracks as the cracks increase and widen.
Brexit is a wake-up call for the politicians. One day Cameron was flying like a kite with “nuf mountings”. The next day, he was bobbing and weaving with “pullings” and pitching out of control, his kite tail shortened. He was threatening to pop the hemp chord. When a kite “pop”, somebody can “make” twine’!
• Harry Russell is a banker. Email: quijote70@gmail.com