#BTColumn – Beautiful Barbados: A reflection from retirement

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom, you made them all; the Earth is full of your creatures.” – Psalm 104:24

hat a privilege it is to return to the rock, my beloved Barbados, and bask in the beauty surrounding me during this cherished phase of my life. After years of wandering the globe, there is nothing quite like the comfort of home, especially when home is the gem of the Caribbean Sea.

Each day greets me with a different sunset, with the horizon painted in gold and pink hues. When the full moon rises, it commands the majesty of the sky with an ethereal glow, a reminder of the timeless rhythm of nature.

How long will the white sandy beaches and beachfront hotels survive the ravages of climate change? These precious stretches of paradise, kissed by the gentle waves of the Atlantic and Caribbean seas, evoke an equal sense of gratitude and worry. I swam with a turtle as if it were the most natural thing in the world, marvelling at their graceful, ancient presence. Above the waves, schools of fish break the surface momentarily, a fleeting glimpse of the lively underwater world that remains largely unseen.

The shades of blue that span the water, from the horizon to the shore, are unlike any other place on Earth. They remind me that despite the modern world’s hustle and bustle, there is still serenity in nature’s palette. Cruise ships pass slowly on their way to the Bridgetown Port, carrying visitors eager to experience the island’s charm. The northeastern breezes whisper through the trees, and at times, the symphony of nature is punctuated by lightning, thunder, and the refreshing fall of rain.

From the vantage point of my new home, I see a playing field always alive with activity. Whether cricket, football, basketball or road tennis, young and old get their daily dose of active or spectator sport. It’s heartwarming to see how this small island nourishes both body and spirit with its love for outdoor life. My routine now includes early morning walks – a wonderful daily ritual that keeps me moving and connected to the rhythm of the island. But I must admit, my knees are weaker now, and there are moments when I must humbly accept help as I battle the tide’s pull.

The island’s vibrancy extends beyond its natural beauty and sporting traditions. Many attractions, like Limegrove and Haymans Market, are tempting lifestyle centres to include in a weekend countryside drive.

Spontaneous visits from friends and family keep my days interesting, as do the wide-ranging conversations with local taxi drivers, who now frequently transport me to reduce the stress and increase the comfort of getting around. We talk about everything under the sun, from sports to the latest twists in local politics.

Even supermarket shopping has continued to be part of my regular routine, as essential as breathing. I manage the budget, enjoy fresh produce from the vendor who visits, and do my best to keep cool in the sweltering heat with the help of A/C and fans. Culinary delights punctuate the simple pleasures of everyday life, while the Atlantis submarine and the subterranean adventure of Harrison’s Cave complement the comprehensive, unforgettable experience.

Public lectures are plentiful, stimulating my mind and feeding my curiosity. And as I reflect on all that Barbados has given me, I eagerly await the arrival of friends and family. I look forward to sharing this island’s fulfilling experience with them, where the past, present, and future blend seamlessly like the waves meeting the shore.

Barbados, my forever home, continues to hold me in its embrace – an eternal source of joy, reflection, and gratitude that I now share with my partner.

Dr Basil Springer GCM is a corporate governance adviser. His email address is basilgf@marketplaceexcellence.com.