REVEREND DR LUCILLE BAIRD may not be a favourite of some people across Barbados, but given the position she holds, hers cannot be about being in a popularity contest.
That is why she must be applauded for her frank comments about the devious “block” culture that has for too long been a negative dent in this society.
Rev. Baird has had the audacity to echo publicly what is a concern to many Barbadians. They see no good coming from the “block” culture but will only voice their opinions behind closed doors, sotto voce, during a general discussion or behind the shield of anonymity.
It was only last month that an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) study pointed to the same concerns the pastor has now reiterated. The IDB findings identified such gatherings as being responsible for serious criminality. The message is indisputable given the glaring evidence from these blocks over many years.
Much of the problem is in the hopelessness in which many of our young people find themselves. Some would have left the educational system totally unprepared, others have found it difficult to get into the formal economy, and some are from homes that simply cannot offer them the correct guidance required to lead productive lives.
These youth are often ill-equipped to find productive jobs and live in a vicious revolving poverty cycle. The “blocks”, which offer opportunities in the informal and the underground economies, are places of acceptance amongst peers.
Rev. Baird suggests a get-tough approach to dismantle these blocks, but her method will be pounced upon especially by activists looking for a cause célèbre whilst demanding that the rights of the individual not be infringed. Keeping the “blocks” under constant surveillance by joint police/military teams may be a better psychological response.
But the best way to deal with the “blocks” and their negative culture is to introduce meaningful programmes for all our youth so that they have a better chance of entering the official labour market. Most of those who now congregate at these spots of idleness would willingly move on if legitimate opportunities become available.
An important part of the solution process must be for a review of the existing education system which encourages at the secondary level an approach of “ promoting out” those deemed unable or unfit from the system as soon as they reach the mandatory school-leaving age of 16. This approach solves one problem but creates numerous others.
The IDB report and Rev. Baird’s comments are calls to action. It therefore behooves the entire society to look for reasonable solutions and not just leave it to the Government and, by extension, its agencies, particularly the criminal justice system.
There is good reason for the various state organisations to work with the schools, churches and non-governmental organisations to resolve the current reality. It must not be allowed to become a nightmare on the entire landscape.
