A RIDE on most minibuses gives one a demonstration of the minibus culture, which is characterised by loud, lewd music.
One dare not tell the drivers anything about the playing, as I dared doing one morning. I was reminded about my age, retardation and not being with it.
These drivers were the ones socialised in the 1980s and 1990s when this type of behaviour, the emulation of the minibus culture in Jamaica, took root.
The parents of these progeny were unable to instil any of the values, mores, folk-ways of Barbados. Also, the portrayal of such behaviour, the popular dub artistes, and dance hall music – which was easily adopted by many of our young – ensured that many of our youth grew to dislike discipline and the police, who had a hectic task of catching minibuses off route, speeding or being overloaded.
Infractions
Several minibus drivers commit many infractions of the road traffic regulations, on any given trip. One driver was heard to say that he plays the loud music to keep his passengers under control. Passengers must be cattle.
The playing of loud music must be impacting on Barbadians, yet commuters sit passively in the face to this cacophony of garbage, sometimes at high-decibel levels.
The most recent practice is for drivers to get from behind the wheels, garner a spliff and continue his journey, or drive the vehicle while brandishing a Guinness – a frightening occasion.
But Barbadians have become more reticent, as though they are broken, or totally oblivious as to what is happening – in a perennial comfort zone.
We substituted our culture for material possessions. Incumbent administrations had mandates to stop this slide, moreso because Bajans are copycats, especially of things Jamaican and American. Urgent action was needed.
Essentially, we have to blame the media, the church and, moreso, the parents. Some sort of control is necessary to prevent the “deBarbadianisation” of our fair land.
Tougher policing, counselling of parents, control of what comes through the media – printed as well as visual and broadcast.
We know that there is a need for integration globally. We still have to maintain those things which are distinctively Barbadian. We can stand out as beacons although we have lost two to three generations.
– PHILIP HUNTE
