AS EXPECTED, I ruffled some feathers recently. Adrian, you said you were no historian. I agree, I know you as a talented spoken word artist. But in your column two Sundays ago, you seemed to join those historians who put their own “spin” on facts.
You asked me “Is it all history and historians to which we should be opposed or just black history and historians?” I don’t recall saying I or anyone else should be opposed to red, yellow, black or white history or historians. What I oppose is historians trying to pass off fiction as fact as was blatantly attempted some weeks ago in a letter to the Nation Editor. Why try to invent stories that can so easily be disproved?
I do have difficulty with those stuck in the past. True, you must look back before going forward and no one can deny that slavery was an atrocity. But why continue looking back? Wouldn’t time be better spent looking forward and ensuring such atrocities don’t recur?
And isn’t it time we stop equating “white” and “slave master”? I’m sometimes referred to as a “plantation heiress” but nothing could be further from the truth. As far as I’m aware, both sides of my family originated in Ireland – sent here in Cromwell’s time when some were given the choice of death or Barbados, and many atrocities were also committed on those Irish. But I don’t dwell on my Irish roots. I’m a Barbadian and try to use my energy in improving Barbados however I can.
You mention instances where “we only tell half the story”. Actually, you only told “half the story” when you said “a handful of farmers from Christ Church were no match for Shell” in the 1990s oil spill. The then government gave the farmers little support, but I can state categorically that the farmers stood up against Shell, because I voluntarily fought the fight with them for months or maybe a year, after which, as far as I know, they were awarded millions of dollars and no one was killed. So the outcome here was a far cry from the Ken Saro Wiwa situation you spoke about.
We know the former administration didn’t listen to those with actual experience in the Scotland District, but with perseverance of some, led by Richard Goddard, the Greenland project was halted “before a toffee paper was dumped in it”. Again, no one was killed and the Greenland site is still unspoiled.
We must ensure the Cahill story has a similarly positive conclusion for all Barbadians, their children and grandchildren, not only a few politicians and selected others. I note in your last column, you held a much more positive view of what public pressure can achieve. So let’s all hold hands and make sure the Cahill atrocity isn’t thrust upon us.
Ian Marshall’s contribution (or should I say column?) is another story. I can only give my opinion based on 45 years’ experience in the agricultural field which is that continued writings about slavery and agriculture have turned many a young mind from the industry. And who’s responsible for most of these utterances – not historians, black, white or whatever colour? How many parents do you hear encouraging their children to study agriculture?
Agriculturalists have tried to point out that agriculture is a science, and modern technology provides much more amenable conditions to achieve our objectives. Thankfully, in recent times, increasing numbers of youngsters are recognising the lucrative possibilities in agriculture. Government and all relevant institutions must therefore provide an enabling environment to allow these initiatives to thrive.
Marshall, in his ramblings, claims I’m trying to “shift the blame of the woeful state of agriculture on black Barbadians”. I don’t recall ever stating that. The reasons for the present state of agriculture are many, including, but not restricted to, the land speculators who run good agricultural land into bush.
People of all colours are responsible, but it couldn’t happen unless the relevant government institutions gave the necessary permission. It’s a sad situation when a “Johnny come lately” businessman allegedly says he has the head of one of these institutions “on a leash” – a very lucrative leash, no doubt.
Why not follow the Prime Minister’s recommendation in this 50th year of Independence and not only look backward, but also forward, inward and upward.
Dr Frances Chandler is a former independent senator. Email fchandler@caribsurf.com