“Relatedly, these same sociological forces also explain the rise of so-called ‘third parties’, parties of businessmen, parties of parties, none of which are true parties, but opportunistic, farcical diversions, contributing to further institutional decay.” – Columnist Dr Tennyson Joseph, DAILY NATION, Thursday, April 19, 2018.
According to Dr Joseph’s gospel, there are “signs of decay evident in Barbados over the last decade”, along with sociological forces giving rise to the presence of Natalie Harewood and political third parties.
If it has taken “hail-ups” or even high-fives by cheering supporters of convicted murderers to have a number of other parties and a personality such as Natalie contesting the upcoming general elections, then maybe it is a sign of things to come, though it took a stretch of the imagination to find the linkage.
However, another volley has been shot across the bow of the third parties.
It is clear from his writings that Dr Joseph is at odds with the prime minister of his native land who was once described as unable to communicate effectively in the native language of the St Lucian people, and furthermore, being a businessman.
Based on academic study, research and work, Dr Joseph is well aware of the symbiotic relationship between business and politics. Strong economies require strong businesses and strong trade.
What is so wrong with businessmen being involved in politics or conversely, politicians involved in business?
Truthfully, for almost three centuries, the politics of Barbados was conducted mainly by businessmen of the plantocracy and the mercantile class, with an influx of members from the legal profession in latter and more recent years, yet there is need for meaningful change.
It is indeed surprising that a number of persons who have traditionally been advocates for change are showing less passion while holding on to the archaic and outdated customs and practices.
Now more than ever before, Barbados needs change in the form of fresh and new ideas.
American author and writer Chad Michael Murray once said: “Our biggest regrets are not for the things we have done, but for the things we haven’t done.”
– MICHAEL RAY
