ORGANISERS OF THE celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Barbados’ Independence have ramped up activities.
Last week, they unveiled a series of major events which will be held in November, including a performance by international superstar Rihanna as part of the line-up for a mega concert which will be held at the Garrison Savannah to climax the year-long celebrations.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart asked Barbadians to decorate homes and businesses in the national colours to set the tone for the celebrations. But for those who have to livewithout water and are lamenting the decline in basic social services like the collection of garbage and timely arrival of public transportation, it is adding insult to injury.
Antheia Springer-Williams: My time and resources have gone into looking to find other means of getting water. Since September 23 I have not seen or heard a drop of water in my house. All like now I have some bottles in my vehicle which I would like refilled and am too embarrassed to keep begging people to allow me to use their tap.
Danny Colombian Clarke: Sorry Mr PM, the money I would use to decorate my house has to buy bottled water, ’cause I ain’t getting none from my pipe and pay the high taxes you got on every single thing. You can afford to waste $10-plus million of our money. I can’t waste the two cents I got.
Cecilia Patricia Sanders: This is the worst Independence. How can the Government of Barbados spend all that money throwing a big celebration and people suffering – no water, no jobs, bus shortage, garbage pile up, high taxes, infrastructure in bad shape such as roads, bridges, the bushes overtaking the roads?
Dwight Smoke: What happened to holding a small party? Why it gotta be so big? Why so much money have to spend? Too much things need to be fixed to be spending so much money on a big party.
Anita Winter: I wonder how many Government people are without water. Maybe they all take their bottles and containers over to the PM’s house.
Orson Sandiford: I hope that most of you don’t look back, complain and say “I should’ve participated in the 50th Independence celebrations”, because most of you won’t live to see the 100th. I agree that the funds being used can be directed to more pressing issues. However, this is once-in-a-lifetime event.
Gob Smacked: Bajans need to get serious and boycott the Independence activities. Imagine him talking this foolishness and other important things need his attention. People need water.
Peter R Rock: This is Barbados’ worst Independence ever – water shortage, bus shortage, garbage truck shortage, income tax shortage, pension shortage . . . . What is there to celebrate?
Gen Greene: He really doesn’t know what is going on outside his bright, shiny, ultramarine and gold bubble, does he?
