ON THIS final day of 2013, one resolution that should not be ignored is the need for consensus by the people of Barbados to make this nation a better place for living.
That goal would require much more than bland New Year wishes or sloganeering.
It presents stern personal and institutional challenges to overcome social, religious and political prejudices. These too often result in negative consequences that mock resolutions to influence positive changes in family life as well as the workplace.
Casting blame may not require special energy, but striving to improve social relations, encouraging attitudes that inspire unity for building better communities and avoiding spreading divisiveness certainly call for some critical self-examination as we prepare to usher in 2014.
Given some of the harsh social, economic and political realities experienced in 2013, it should be apparent to all the people who comprise this nation that, irrespective of class, race, religion and politics, a better life in 2014 could well prove a mirage if resolutions are simply made to be forgotten, or ignored, instead of commitment to transform them into realities.
Beyond the personal commitment, success in achievements at the community and national level would clearly require of our political parties, our parliamentarians and Cabinet ministers, as well as leaders of the business sector, religious denominations and social organizations to also engage in critical re-examination of their own commitment to making this nation a better place.
Stubborn opposition to financial corruption, sexual immorality, honesty and efficiency in the workplace – whether within the public or private sector – and most definitely in the functioning of law enforcement and judicial services, must be a constant feature if there is indeed an honest desire to make Barbados a better place to live in in 2014.
Bitter complaints and anger, often expressed about the efficiency of the police in dealing with varying categories of criminality, must be objectively re-evaluated, as well as the need for our courts to be more efficient in the delivery of justice.
At the political level, the parties, parliamentarians and, most certainly, Cabinet ministers, could help in some cleansing of the environment by arresting their strident, divisive rhetoric and, yes, false promises, that so often contribute to bitterness and tension that poison social relations and impact on productivity.
So far as our current economic woes are concerned, it may be wishful thinking to hope for fundamental changes in economic policies and fiscal management in 2014 – irrespective of the reported unavoidable coming Cabinet reshuffle.
What cannot be avoided, in Barbados’ national interest, is the urgent need for what remains a rarity in our political system – structured dialogue between the Government and Opposition. And, relatedly, to restore with integrity the agreed concept of consultation that had resulted in the creation of the social partnership mechanism.
