Around 100 Barbadians took to the streets yesterday for the Mek More Noise Protest March – Barbadians Stand Up for Rights & Justice, a demonstration organised by social activists under the banner, The Loyal Opposition.
The march, spearheaded by cultural activist and film-maker Marcia Weekes, was aimed at highlighting injustice, unpopular laws and what some protesters described as increasing disregard for citizens’ rights.
The procession left Kensington Mall, Fontabelle, St Michael and wound its way through The City before culminating at Independence Square, where a “roadside parliament” was convened.
From the lead truck, speakers kept the crowd energised with chants and political commentary, directing criticism at Government over a string of recent controversies.
Among the issues raised were the new tint regulations which participants described as a “bad law” unfairly targeting motorists, and the sudden resignation of Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance Dwight Sutherland which they said required fuller explanation from Government.
“We cannot sit quietly when the people’s voices are being ignored,” one speaker told the gathering, insisting the tint regulations punished ordinary citizens while failing to address deeper issues of crime.
The high cost of living was another dominant theme. Several participants linked rising food, fuel and household prices to “poor policy decisions” and
urged Government to act urgently.
“Every trip to the supermarket feels like robbery,” one woman declared, drawing supportive chants from the crowd.
By the time the march reached Independence Square, onlookers had swelled for the open-air “parliament”, where individuals freely voiced grievances and proposals for change.
One marcher, who declined to be identified, told reporters the turnout reflected growing frustration.
“People are tired of feeling disrespected, tired of being told what is good for them without consultation. This march is about reclaiming the voice of the ordinary citizen,” she said.
Yesterday’s march is the latest in a series of public demonstrations led by Weekes and other activists.
(CLM)
