First, I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her newly elected Barbados Labour Party Government. I wish them the very best as Barbados navigates the very precarious waters in which we have found ourselves.
It is clear that the road ahead will be challenging, but I am comforted by the level of communication and consultation that the Government has engaged in since taking office. It is not only refreshing, but it is reflective of one of my favourite quotes.
“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts” – (Abraham Lincoln).
In light of the wind change, I would like to ask Barbadian men in particular, if they have noticed or indeed accepted that the glass ceiling that kept our women out of the boardrooms is either shattered or broken beyond repair.
The sun is clearly setting on the proverbial “old boys club” and I wonder if as Barbadians we have noticed that the paradigm is shifting and that the revolution has begun.
I, for one, find no fault, or indeed have no fear of this paradigm shift simply because I work tirelessly to remain competitive. I am, however, concerned about some of our men and boys who, in several respects, seem to be less motivated than their female counterparts.
There is the real threat that as our women soar to new frontiers some of our men may be challenged to function effectively in the new roles that are emerging. I wish to encourage all Barbadian men to take cognizance of this paradigm shift. I also encourage them to get help, raise the bar and remain competitive.
The world makes little provision for prisoners and just like our Caribbean women continue to go where none have gone before, as men, we must do the same if we intend to remain relevant and if we intend to retain our seat in the boardroom.
– SEAN ST CLAIR FIELDS
