TODAY WE CRY SHAME on the vandals who destroyed one of the 3Ws’ busts at Wanstead Park, Cave Hill, St Michael. The decapitated head of Sir Clyde Walcott’s, which once sat nestled between that of Sir Everton Weekes and Sir Frank Worrell, was left on the ground.
It is a shameful act of vandalism that should be decried by all in society. It smacks of lawlessness and disrespect for property.
This is the second time in the last three years that one of the busts has been targeted by vandals. In 2014, the bust of Sir Everton was damaged in a similar fashion. Fortunately, another bust was recreated and erected the year after.
Some Barbadians seemingly have little or no respect for those things that we can proudly call our own. How sad it is when our own monuments and treasures, instead of being preserved and kept in a pristine state, are either neglected or destroyed by the hands of hoodlums. Society should be crying out against these delinquent acts and pushing for the offenders to answer for their actions.
We side with the Member of Parliament for St James South, Donville Inniss, in whose constituency the busts are erected, in crying shame on the attack. He said it also showed the level of ignorance some people had of the contribution of the trio of batting greats.
What is unfortunate is that very often, many travel, pay homage and show more respect for the heritage and sights found in other parts of the world. Yet, in their own country, they pay little attention to, or do not even seem to recognise the importance of, our own “wonders”, which should be preserved and respected.
Shame!
The destruction of this bust also comes as we mark Holy Week, when so many people reflect on the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Today, Good Friday, we must take sober and solemn reflection on what is important to us, not only as individuals, but on us as a people and society.
Respect for each other, respect for property and respect for our country must be high on our priorities.
Good Friday marks the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It was the ultimate show of love. It would serve us well to remember the story of the Crucifixion today when the suffering endured by the Son of God also represented a chance for salvation for the entire human race. Today is a chance to renew one’s faith and do unselfish deeds for those around us.
As many across the country head to church today commemorating the passion of Christ and Good Friday as the day that He gave His life for us, let us pledge to turn a new leaf and make wrong things right. This significant day in the Christian calendar also offers another chance to forgive and ask for forgiveness.