Hold them accountable. That’s what one of Canada’s leading clerics, Bishop Peter Fenty, a Barbadian, the first and only black bishop in the history of Canada’s Anglican community wants the church in Barbados to do when it comes to the political candidates running in the next General Election.
With more than 100 000 registered voters waiting anxiously for the date of the poll, Bishop Fenty, said the church had a responsibility to speak on the economic and social issues.
“Looking ahead, I do hope that Barbados is able to have a government that is really open and willing to move the country forward, so it can face its serious and significant challenges,” said Fenty. “Barbados is really in a very challenging time in its life. The well-being and common good of the people are of paramount importance over any political ambitions which individuals or any collectives may have about where the country needs to go.”
The bishop said that on a recent visit to Barbados, he heard the “desperation” and “despondency” in the voices of Barbadians about the current situation, and he described it as “agonising” as he listened to expressions of helplessness as people spoke about the Government’s performance and a lack of communication.
He said people spoke about the failure to announce a date for the election, the poor economic conditions and uncertainty about the direction in which the country must go.
“What I think Barbadians are looking for is hope. They are looking for a turnaround of things and working with the people of the country to put the island back on a sound footing in all aspects of its life – political, social and economic,” said the 66-year-old cleric.
“I hope the church would see its prophetic role in speaking to those things and holding the politicians and those who offer themselves for public office . . . accountable for the way in which they speak and the way in which they treat one another, as well as the manner in which they govern,” he added. (TB)
