#BTSpeakingOut – Double standards

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

Historical records show the proverb “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander” coming to life during the 17th Century when English theologian and scientist John Ray compiled a book of English proverbs in 1670.

The website dictionary.com explains the saying is about equal treatment, specifically about double standards and hypocrisy.

Another website merriam-webster.com points out that one person or situation should be treated the same way another person or situation is treated.

Merriam-Webster presented an example, “if he can go out with his friends at night, then she can go out with her friends at night too”.

On several occasions between 2008 and 2018, there were calls by members of the public as well as opposition politicians of the day, requesting the resignation or firing of the then Attorney General and the Minister of Finance.

There were hardly any objections or disagreements with the calls for the resignations of the two ministers then.

Since the recent survey given to first-formers was found inappropriate owing to a lack of “due diligence” within the Ministry of Education (MOE), appropriate apologies have been subsequently offered.

However, a significant number of concerned citizens are saying that apologies are not enough and the Chief Education Officer along with the Minister of Education – who has accepted responsibility for the faux pas – should resign or be fired.

Other types of apologists, including attorneys-at-law, are saying that the two leading figures withing the MOE should not resign nor be fired.

It is patently clear that under the British Westminster system of governance to which we are still attached, the custom and practice is for leading figures to tender their resignations with due haste where there are mistakes, missteps, misjudgment, miscalculation or any other “misses”.

However, the “million-dollar question” is,What is different calling for resignation or firingduring 2008 and 2018, and making a similar call during 2022?

On another matter, if not hypocritical, then anomalous; According to officialdom, It is true that any Bajan can aspire to be President of the republic, but can any Bajan aspire to be an elected member of the House of Assembly?

“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander”.

– Michael Ray