In this year’s presentation of the Budgetary Statement and Financial Proposals, a sentence jumped out at me because of its worth and because it offers some hope for all of us who are distressed by the socio-economic conditions badly impacting on Barbados.
Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler, perhaps out of desperation, acknowledged that “every action we take is a small part of the puzzle that will eventually lead to the level and pace of growth we need” to turn around Barbados’ fortunes. Who would dare disagree?
Living in the St Philip area and often traversing across other rustic parishes, including St John and St George, I am often left bemused at the way once agricultural lands are being left to the growth of wild bush and cow itch. When these are not present, there is a barrenness as if Barbadians are no longer interested in agriculture and, more pointedly, not interested in their food security. How can a Government be acting responsibly when even lands owned or managed by the state are left void of crops?
Barbados has gone so far as to nominally adopt a greening approach to its development, as was stated in the Coping Study. However, I am unclear if the authorities see the necessity for “greening the agricultural sector” with the relevant agencies “increasing the use of farming practices and technologies that simultaneously enhance farm productivity, reduce negative externalities and rebuild ecological resources”. I believe that Barbados can do better by following the very pronouncements being made by the Government and other entities on greening the nation.
Crops need to be planted not only for our food consumption, but to feed the livestock on island. New projects using the modern technologies can be piloted by our entrepreneurs as well as some of the guys liming on the blocks with little opportunity for anything else coming their way. Wastage should not be an option.
Annually, Barbados spends millions of dollars on the importation of food, much of which can be offset by providing incentives and encouragement for local farmers to produce more. More households can plant more of what they will eat, and a system of self-help must be afforded our youth so that they can contribute positively to the society. What has become of farm lands for the landless farmers, or are the boys on the block dissuaded from such uplifting ventures?
As a caution, we must remember that for many years, the practice of praedial larceny (that is, the theft of agriculture produce) was widely acknowledged in Barbados. Crop and livestock theft have traditionally been stumbling blocks for many people in agricultural production.
Theft has negatively impacted on individual livelihoods and the development of the agricultural sector in Barbados. The few who are desirous of working in agriculture and look to help in Barbados’ food security have tended to suffer heavy losses and are hesitant to invest and expand their enterprises.
The Government, and particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, must be more supportive of our farming community, and must do considerably more to engender growth in agricultural production and local consumption of indigenous crops.
We cannot be wasting resources of any kind, especially when there are several recommendations for working towards a green economy.
Another thing that peeves me, and is directly related to the greening approach, is how Barbadians are failing to keep their communities clean with well-manicured gardens. It ought not be a waste of time to ask Barbadians to keep their communities and country clean.
There are other implications and it is not surprising that with any heavy rainfall, flooding becomes a problem. Some regular weeding with the proper disposal of the trash, composting, and having an awareness of “greening” are some actions that will help eliminate wastage, put resources to better use, and overall make a stronger contribution to our national development.
Barbadians must debush, plant crops, keep livestock (for meat and manure), and save millions on our food import bill.
– ANDREW GLASGOW
