#BTColumn – Post-COVID will be a steep hill

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados TODAY. 

by Walter Edey

Historically, problematic periods unlock doors of denial, rejection, and recovery. Additionally, the hidden underbelly of societies is exposed, and if the society chooses, affluence, confidence vision, arise. Turning points are change agents.

World War 1 redrew political borders and initiated the increase of new ideas.

Secondly, before the 1928 Great Depression, the United States of America had no unemployment insurance or social security. Congress’ 1935 Social Security Act filled the void.

Thirdly, adult suffrage, the political party system, and trade unionism in the Caribbean grew after the 1937 – 1945 disturbances and the Moyne Commission.

However, to move forward, clarity requires leadership to thoroughly define and assess the issues of the inflection moment.

“Reimagine, reengineer, and replace” from leaders are empty words to the anxious; hollow platitudes to anyone with a haversack on their back and an official notice to exit their shack, and certainly not comforting to persons whose employment is on hold.

Seldom are the solutions to core issues just economics. Loss of dignity, mistrust, unfulfilled promises, and expectations can quickly erase gains and dig deeper social and cultural holes.

The road back to the male as the family leader may now get longer.  That possibility will further endanger the return of the family as a foundational unit of the community – and by extension, will compromise the bedrock of every civil society. Furthermore, male identity is already punctured. Too many males become adults without male mentors and relationships. The absence or loss of a lob will therefore reduce his status at home and among his friends.

Student confidence is now also at risk. Several students faithfully followed the prescribed education program. Their dreams are likely to be unexpectedly halted. What happens if they question the said education system?

COVID has transitioned from the perfect storm to the unwanted hurricane. The reasons.  The collision of issues, the decay of values, the disappearance of intermediaries and mediation, the partisan nature of politics, and the transition from the village to the urban community. Many platforms are broken and cannot carry the new lad. However, this crisis may peel away old habits.

By design, life’s pathway to the green fields and meadows passes through a “lion’s den.” That road is paved with antagonism, hostility, and moments of disadvantage.  As scary as it may appear, history confirms that the “ lion’s den” is seasonal.

The path out of the den has no shortcuts.  Acceptance, patience, and understanding make it easy.  It is akin to hand carving a majestic clay bowl.  Using the clay and tools you have. Letting the clay show the next step. Knowing that no two blocks of clay are ever quite the same. Knowing that the furnace will be the final arbiter of the carving.

Post-COVID will be a steep climb. It will require significant leadership and lifestyle changes. The tools of effort are free: discipline, using what you have, helping those who don’t have, saving rather than spending, respecting and lifting up others, working with rather than competing with nature.

It is fair to say some big idea is needed and in the making.

If it is economic and social justice and enfranchisement then Barbados’ road to recovery will be easier and shorter than expected.

This article was submitted as a Letter to the Editor.