I HEARD ON the radio that over 15 000 people were coming in specifically for the Independence celebrations. Can you imagine? In 50 years for the 100th Independence celebration, most of us will not be alive.
I wonder what it will be like. Will cars be flying like in The Jetsons? Who will be Prime Minister? Will we even have a Prime Minister? Will we even be celebrating Independence? All of these questions ran through my mind.
Many people have complained about the amount of money being spent. These persons believe that it would be better spent addressing particular social issues. While I do agree that these issues need to be addressed, I also believe in the importance of celebrating such a milestone.
I want to suggest five things we should stop doing as we move closer to being fully independent.
Stop gossiping
Gossip has evolved from the days of Perlie looking out of her window. With technological advancements, information is readily available. As they say, “a story got more than one side” and everybody and their backyard mule has their version of a story. The first thing many of us do is logon to the local gossip sites to get the latest updates on the misfortunes of others. Perhaps, life is “too good” for some of us. Anytime someone has the opportunity to constantly be in other people’s business on a consistent and obsessive basis, it says that you are not living your purpose and you have too much time on your hands. Focus on your business. That is true Independence!
Stop looking for handouts
Now, my father is running in the next election but I want to make it very clear that my thoughts are mine and his are his. Therefore, do not curse him for my words in this article. I am all for politicians helping their communities. I am all for politicians assisting in crisis. However, we as a society have a nasty habit of holding out our hands to politicians and indeed there are some who have used this to their advantage.
A cycle now exists where many dependent persons are not inspired to go and fish but rather to sit and wait for the fish to be dropped at their doorsteps. They believe they have power but the bigger picture suggests how powerless this behaviour really makes us.
This notion is also seen when we rant on social media about Governments failing to provide us with the infrastructure to pursue our dreams and not raise a finger to go forth and do for ourselves. An example. I recently met staff at a pottery. Yes, they work for a salary but with the remaining clay, the women also make their own charms which they sell and split the profits with their bosses – allowing them to increase their revenue and form their own microbusinesses. There are countless stories I am told by students at UWI who have not waited to receive a scholarship or a donation from their representative. Many tell me how they have started side businesses to assist their parents or in many cases pay their fees themselves. This is Independence.
Stop testing God
Yes, we have a lot of issues but we still remain tremendously blessed when compared to other nations. Ungrateful behaviour and constant complaining are what really need to be put on a go-slow. In my opinion, it is testing God. When Hurricane Matthew passed us without any major damage we complained about the Met Office and all kinds of trivia. I would encourage all Barbadians to take a trip to Haiti to see how blessed our flat island has been since Hurricane Janet.
Stop living above our means
Someone recently told me that showing off is more prevalent because “everybody knows everybody and as a result people see a need to prove to each other more”. Debatable. My great grandmother always used to say: “Don’t hang yuh hat where yuh caan reach.” In such harsh economic times and amidst so many downgrades within the last two years, perhaps we should, whilst living and pursuing our best selves, abolish the need to prove that our lives are picture-perfect. This is true Independence.
Stop doubting ourselves
In abolishing the need to please others, we become more aware of ourselves. We become more focused on our dreams and the evolution and enhancement of not only our mirror images but what is on the inside. As we enter into another 50 years, may all of our fears be conquered and our dreams accomplished.
Happy Independence Barbados. God bless us all. Uh too love bout hay!
Toni Thorne is a young entrepreneur and World Economic Forum Global Shaper who loves global youth culture, a great debate and living in paradise. Email: Tonithorne@hotmail.com
