This is a momentous year for Barbados.
Yes, we are hoping that the economy records strong growth, that more jobs are created than lost, more students pursue tertiary education, the illegal drugs problem is contained, and that there is a sharp reduction in crime, especially that involving the use of guns.
These are just a few of the things we should want to see during the 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations.
There will be sceptics and critics but few will dispute that it has been a great start to the celebrations. The public has obviously bought into the idea given the response and reaction to the events held to date.
But, there ought to be some additional activity outside of what is on the official calendar that would involve the public in significant ways. After all, the widest involvement is crucial from Barbadians at all levels. This point has already been well articulated by former newspaper editor Carl Moore and community activist and one time sports administrator Maurice Foster.
Even at this late stage, it is hoped that someone at the secretariat charged with rolling out the various activities will consider some of the worthwhile suggestions being made. With six months to go, there is still time to get other things on the national agenda.
The point made by Moore for a national clean-up campaign is one which should be explored and embraced. It would indeed be a good thing to have Barbados cleaned up before November 30 and that there be a plan to keep it that way thereafter.
Just imagine if the service clubs with their tremendous reservoir of talent and access to resources could lead such an initiative. Youth groups, sporting organisations, churches and constituency councils should all be roped in with the Barbados Defence Force giving logistical leadership.
The tipping fee should be abated for the duration of the campaign while supervisors of the Sanitation Services Authority and environmental health officers should be utilised to help execute the programme but not take the lead roles. The fleet of trucks available to Government should be effectively utilised for haulage of the garbage to the correct locations.
It will make little sense undertaking this type of nationwide clean-up without having the right type and size garbage cans to place in communities. The planting of appropriate flora at schools and public spaces should also be undertaken. It is the ideal event to involve the Future Centre Trust in an active role.
A public education campaign using traditional and new media and face-to-face initiatives would also be required to prompt behavioural change.
A series of discussions should be held to hear from Barbadians on some of the things that they would like done to take the country forward. It would be in many ways a manifesto from the people for the people, rather than just one from a few elites and the political parties.
Six well organised and publicised meetings should provide an opportunity for people to outline their ideas. Just imagine the top 50 recommendations being formulated in one booklet and online. As part of this process, a special session of a representative group of students drawn from all public and private secondary schools and tertiary institutions should also be held.
After all, the next 50 years will very much be about them.
Then there should be 50 recipients, chosen independently of the political parties, to receive special jubilee awards. The honours should be offered to men and women who have made significant contributions to the country over the past 50 years in all spheres of endeavour. (ES)