THERE ARE MANY THINGS that I love about Barbados but every so often, I am reminded about aspects of the country and culture that produce a negative reaction. Nothing to do with seaweed but everything to do with a “Barbados knows best” approach to the world.
Matthew Farley advocates corporal punishment in educational establishments. For which crimes? Writing about literally setting the metaphorical cat amongst which pigeons. In the United Kingdom this is akin to footballers giving 110 per cent.
He hastens to add that he did not and would not support the abuse of children. However, he sincerely believes it is educationally essential to punish children by beating them. Maybe next time I’m in Barbados, Matthew and I could have a few Banks together and he could explain to me the difference between corporal punishment and physical abuse.
Somewhat unlikely I suspect, given that he is convinced there is nothing that the UK or the United States could teach Barbados about raising children or discipline.
The imperial mindset and colonial arrogance of England runs through this country like “Blackpool” through a stick of rock. Is Matthew creating and embracing a Bajan version that says nobody can teach the island anything ’cause it knows best?
– WILL COWBURN, Coventry, UK.
