BARBADOS. The beloved Country.
This past week Barbados celebrated its 39th anniversary (November 30) as an
independent nation. It has been a long journey, one that gave joy to our people, the night
the Union Jack came down and our flag was raised.
As a teenager I did not understand much of it, I was just glad to be out late at night at the
Garrison Savannah with my friends. We thank God for the years past and hope for a
continued good future. We remember Sir Grantley Adams, the father of our nation, and
our first Prime Minister, Errol Barrow. We give thanks to them for their wisdom and
insight in leading the nation in those early years. To look at our country we can safely say
we have grown to be a nation that all who dwell and visit this land can be proud of us.
In the past few years Prime Minister Owen Arthur and members of his government have
been pushing for the nation to become a Republic, which in reality means nothing. In a
technical sense, instead of calling our ceremonial head the Governor General, he will be
called President.
This break away from the monarchy means nothing to the nation. While the Queen of
England is technically the Head of State, she's not paid, makes no decisions, but keeps the
line of stability open.
This move is unwise. Independence gave us many things. Barbados depends on tourism
and the good will of those who travel to our beautiful Island to enjoy themselves.
Becoming a Republic will mean nothing, just a lot of mindless paper work. We are British
and proudly so. Except for the first few years of British rule in the 1700s when a few petty
tyrants (I'd say) came -a- calling, we have enjoyed the coverage and protection of the
motherland. The Anglicans (The Church of England) came too and gave us a strong faith
to hold on to. They gave us schools, made education available to all (those benefits this
still ring true) and literacy is at 99%.
Then why now try to change things? If Barbados should be attacked by some comi-hat
wearing, green- claded dictator from somewhere, we'd still have to call on Britain to
defend us. If tourism should dry up it is the British who will come to our aid. So this
Republic thing carries no weight in our continued development of the country except for us
to call someone "President".
Barbados, in recent years has been influenced by the network of television, especially
coming from the United States. We have imitated much of the ways of North America,
which is good for that continent, but not for a little island that is 166 square miles. We
cannot stop the importation of television, but we can keep our traditions alive and
continue on the path that was given to us. The British has never been a burden to us, in
fact they are a constant reminder of stability. The monarchy, even with some of its
personal dysfunctional family members, brings with it a cause of calm.
Most commonwealth countries once ruled by the British have moved on to call themselves
a Republic, but as history shows most of it does not work, especially where petty tyrants
over throw each other every week. There was one joke that in some countries in Africa,
people have to call each day to see who is the president. A Republic, unless you are fully
self supported by your natural resources, in every aspect of life means absolutely
nothing; thus not a good idea for Barbados.
Bimshire (or Bajan), as we proudly call ourselves, gave me birth, independence, gave me
the title of Barbadian, but the British gave me a sense of well being and security. It is
there I stand. I am not a monarchist, but a true believer in stability. The monarchy created
this.
The Anglican church also gave us a sense of stability of our faith. In a community where
people do not travel outside of their community to worship because there is a church
where they are, keeps the people together. The head of the monarchy is the head of the
Anglican church wherever there is one, but never tried to control us through religion, just
again strength and stability.
As this talk of referendum to republic goes on, the people have been asked to decide, and
so we shall. Whatever the majority decides in the end, all of us who love our country will
go along. I urge all Barbadians to reject this vote and let our great country remain in the
Christian values from whence we came. If the truth be told, we know who we are. The tiles
that those who push this referendum seek is to enhance their resume. It does nothing to
make us more of an independent nation.
Freedom will not be challenged.
Economic growth will not come from it.
The island will not grow in size.
Military dependence on others will not go away.
So why this? It makes no sense and only ruffles the stability given to us so long ago.
I URGE AND PRAY THAT THIS REFERDUM IS REJECTED
Our national anthem tells the story of who we are.
In plenty and in time of need ,
When this fair land was young
Our brave forefathers sowed the seed,
From which our pride was sprung.
A pride that makes no wanton boast,
Of what it has withstood
That binds our hearts from coast to coast,
The pride of nationhood.
We loyal sons and daughters all,
We hereby make it known
These fields and hills beyond recall,
are now our very own.
We write our names on history's page,
with expectation great
Safe guardians of our heritage,
Firm craftsmen of our fate.
Indeed as craftsmen of our fate a serious look must be given and we should continue on
this path
Pray for my beloved country.
