BUSINESSMAN RALPH “BIZZY” WILLIAMS has expressed dissatisfaction with at least one aspect of the launch of the 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations last Wednesday in Independence Square.
According to Williams, there was a marked absence of the mention of contribution made by white Barbadians to the development of the country since Independence in the video presentation. He also took exception to a statement in the piece that “Barbados was the freest black country in the world”.
He said his comments could “cause a firestorm”, but he was not afraid to tell the truth and added that white Bajans “love Barbados more than they love life” and “deserve some credit for the way Barbados is today”.
Online readers shared their views in the firestorm of discussion that ensued.
Chris Nel: I’m a white Bajan/Australian. I see Bim as being very socially advanced when it comes to race. However, stuff like this makes me sad. Would be great if we didn’t have to say black or white. We are all the same species. Just say human or homo sapien.
Tony Excell: I don’t understand what the problem is. Barbados is primarily a black country; surely that is something worthy of celebration. This does not mean that it does not recognise or welcome the contributions of other minority groups. The primary concern of Barbados surely must be to ensure the social, political and economic prosperity of all Bajans.
Harriette Barker: Although Barbados is predominantly black, as we celebrate the year of the Jubilee, the contributions of all of our citizen groups should be recognised.
Danielle Reid-Melillo: The British prime minister tells the Caribbean to forget about slavery and no one makes noise. Now Barbados is called a black nation and all hell breaks loose.
Kito Codrington: If I were to ask for a list of white Barbadian pioneers who fought and suffered for things such as universal suffrage, Independence, union rights, equal distribution of wealth in Barbados . . . I would be met by cold silence. Amassing land and wealth isn’t the same as making contributions towards Independence.
Bajan Sebastian: I wouldn’t be so quick to jump on the race card ’cause it runs deeper than people know. But let me point this out: I don’t see white Bajan police officers; are any of them in the army? I don’t see them doing certain service to the country. I see them as benefactors, children of the plantation owners from the slave trade.
Jah Elder: They need to stop separating themselves from us and interact, combine and collaborate more. In this case, contribute.
Tricia Mondore: Imagine that he is keeping a fracas about that, but answer this Mr Williams: how many of the Whites in Barbados supported that event or any events that are held here?
Kirstin Layne: The day we can all see each other as “Barbadians” and not “black Barbadians” and “white Barbadians” . . . that will be worth celebrating.
Sherrylyn Toppin is The Nation’s Online Editor.