THE RECENT DEATH of the outstanding Barbadian statesman Sir Frederick Smith drove me into some moments of quiet reflection. As my mind floated, I became more and more proud of this our beloved country and how it has developed.
My love and appreciation were informed by three core elements. I am incredulous at the absolute simplicity and humanity of our leaders. I am amazed by the quality of life provided for our citizens and am manifestly proud to have the great Sir Gary Sobers as a countryman.
Sir Frederick was as Bajan as breadfruit cou cou! His close friend and political ally Errol Walton Barrow rose to heights unimagined and unattainable by the vast majority. Yet, he never lost the common touch even doing his own shopping and encouraging many aspiring young leaders to have a good meal at his home!
Both Sir Grantley and Tom Adams accepted their role as the manifestation of what good defined Spooner’s (Codrington) Hill. Despite their public persona, they freely interacted with neighbours from all walks of life.
They were always so supportive of the youth of the area and encouraged us to work hard and play even harder. They knew true bajan village life!
Sir Lloyd Sandiford has been the smooth and mellow meal cou cou and mauby that proves its worth in the satisfaction and enjoyment of the consumption. Many try to make it, but only the tried and trusted can succeed. He is not flashy but is an outreach of Bajan values.
Sir Harold St John was the absolute embodiment of a good Friday night steak fish and wedges. He had it all but never focused on anythingmore than what was in the best interest of his people.
Owen Arthur understands the inner workings of what is inherently Bajan. He is the veritable pudding and souse who can show his other side with a bowl of Bajan soup laden with dumplings and pigtail. He could dine with kings and still play dominoes with the common man!
The late David Thompson was a true Combermerian, and that meant friendship and loyalty. He knew how long to cook the split peas and how much water to add to the rice. As such, all were invited to his home, and he never knew how to decline an invitation to a good local party.
Our current leader Freundel Stuart is the manifestation of the Sunday baked pork and rice with all the accompanying salads. Most people long for and talk about it, but hardly get it. When they do, however, they absolutely enjoy the quality and Barbadiana of the meal.
All of these great individuals provided the high-class level of leadership that has allowed our citizens to live a good quality of life. We often take most of what we have for granted but, when compared to other nations of similar resources and others of immensely more, we are in a very good place.
We can be proud of our amazing health care with a sound public option that does not allow a lack of money to prevent good quality treatment. We have been driven by education that has been a beacon for all.
Every child from primary through secondary and into tertiary can be assured that the only drawback is their desire and drive to become the best they can be!
We are guaranteed religious freedoms. Our social services are as good as any anywhere else.
We have guaranteed paid maternity and vacation leave as well as an outstanding social security protective network that provides for all at the different ages.
This is a relatively small country, but we can still boast of having the greatest cricketer on “Earth or Mars.”
He was the genuine cricket maestro. Sir Gary, you are a colossus on the world stage and you are a bajan. Your cricketing ability was great but your humanity and sense of decency is even greater.
You are us! Barbados, my home, there is none better!
Jeff Broomes is an experienced educator, principal and community organiser who also served as vice president of the BCA and director of the WICB. Email: unclejeff2@hotmail.com