#BTEditorial – A question of leadership in COVID-19 Barbados

There are many side stories and debates on the COVID-19 pandemic emanating from Barbadians. And there is relevance to some specific discussions, even if the eventuality of a few suggestions is not presently possible. One of those discussions surrounds the overall handling of the crisis by the Mia Mottley administration and a comparison with the likely response of the former Freundel Stuart government had it been tasked with this responsibility. Of course, this latter possibility will not occur but the subject has been making the rounds as citizens remain restricted in their movements and have additional time for reflection – political and otherwise.

From the outset, the obvious must be re-established that the pandemic has not been the creation of any political party, individual or entity in Barbados. Those who have been charged to respond to the crisis find themselves in the unenviable position of having never faced such a health situation in their personal lives or in the country’s history. Our leaders at the political, health and other administrative levels have had to depend on historical references, prevailing examples and their intelligence. Even though our current leaders would like to give the impression to Barbadians that they have got their responses right at every toss, we know that not to be true. But the government cannot be faulted for its overall effort even though it appears at some stages to be reluctant to take the Barbadian public into its complete confidence with the absolute truth. There has been the occasional faux pas and there will be more, as is the case across the globe as governments and health administrators wrestle with this scourge.

However, what has stood out with the Mia Mottley administration is its skilful public relations strategies both at home and abroad. Prime Minister Mottley is an excellent communicator and always willing to engage the public at every turn. Some detractors might accuse her of too swiftly rushing into situations and stealing the spotlight from other politicians within her Cabinet. But Miss Mottley is no fool and hers might be a case of recognizing she has few angels, whether they fear to tread or not. Who knows? But like any good politician, Miss Mottley is acutely aware of the personality of the populace over which she rules. Barbadians like visible, articulate, responsive leaders. And if those leaders gain the respect of others outside these borders then that is an additional feather in their cap. Miss Mottley has ticked the box in all categories and is deserving of public praise. Such is the potency of the outreach machinery of the government that praise came recently from the captain of a docked cruise liner for taxi drivers and others with whom neither he nor his passengers would have or should have come into contact. But of course, the accolades can only serve to commend this country to future travellers and it again demonstrated our hospitable character.

Additionally, praise from international agencies such as the World Health Organization, as well as exposure in the international media facilitated through our overseas missions, not only assists in raising the profile of Miss Mottley’s leadership, but it also garners important exposure for the island, even in the midst of a pandemic that will not last forever. This appears to be a leader who has her finger on the pulse of what is good for Barbados and the ripple effect that can be created for herself. It is good politics. As a noted writer once said: “Everything is judged by its appearance; what are unseen counts for nothing. Never let yourself get lost in the crowd, then, or be buried in oblivion. Stand out. Be conspicuous, at all cost.” That Miss Mottley in short time is becoming the dominant personality in Caribbean politics is not happenstance.

One can only judge the possible leadership of Miss Mottley’s predecessor in a health-crisis scenario based on the past. The debate will continue in households and over cellular phones around the island, but based on his history Mr Stuart appears acutely opposite to the incumbent Prime Minister. Mr Stuart was an articulate speaker but reluctant communicator who had no qualms with being “unseen” or being “buried in oblivion”. Indeed, he appeared to care little for Barbadians’ inclination for visible leadership or the likelihood that “everything is judged by appearance”. Would the health crisis that has wreaked havoc across the globe occasioned a change in Mr Stuart’s leadership style? Would the prevailing circumstances have convinced him that this was not a time for a “sleeping giant”? Who knows? We can only speculate.

There are many who will accuse Miss Mottley of staying true to her political moorings by cleverly showing positive leadership while orchestrating a healthy slice of self-aggrandisement. But the question must be asked: what type of leadership fits Barbados’ purpose at this crucial stage; the one that walks willingly at the front of the troops and into the spotlight, or the one that fails to recognize that unlike health quarantines, political isolation is a hazardous thing? The COVID-19 battle continues.