Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today Inc.
by John Goddard
Having listened with rapt attention to the throne speech which was excellently delivered by our Governor-General, I wish to make a few comments about some of the proposals.
First of all, let me congratulate the government for its decision to seek republican status for Barbados.
This is a long overdue move, needed to complete the break from “mother” England.
Those who question how we stand to benefit from the decision should understand that not everything a country does is to be measured in dollars and cents. Sovereignty is the right of all people who place a high premium on independence and self- respect.
We cannot claim to be independent and still want to hold on to the apron strings of a foreign monarchy.
I support the decriminalisation of small quantities of marijuana, but it seems illogical for us to take this step and still implement a ticketing system to punish persons caught with the herb.
I have long argued that pursuing users of marijuana is a waste of police manpower. Furthermore, too many of our young people, especially males, are incarcerated, at great loss to their families and the society.
Education and rehabilitation are better options for those addicted to the drug. It is also my view that prison ought to be reserved for violent offenders. Alternative punishment should be used for non-violent offences.
Now to some shortcomings of the throne speech.
Once again promises were made to deal with gun crimes, but. there were no clear strategies outlined to curb the increasing number of murders.
It is time for the talking to give way to effective action.
Criminals are not afraid of, nor will they be deterred by speeches and empty threats. What has become of special advisor to the Attorney General, Darwin Dottin?
It is unfortunate that her Excellency, Dame Sandra was placed in the awkward position of having to utter the partisan, “lost decade” refrain of the party in power.
The Governor-General should not appear to be ridiculing or condemning a political party. The government needs to focus on the running of the country and stop throwing red meat to its base, and Barbadians must not allow themselves to be treated like the sheep in Orwell’s Animal Farm.
Finally, the issue of same sex civil unions. I am on record as being an opponent of the position expressed by LGBTQ activists that gay rights are human rights.
On this occasion, I am disappointed that our government is using as its reason to legalise same sex unions the fact that the “progressive” countries of the world have already done so.
Thus, the following extract from the throne speech: “If we wish to be considered among the progressive nations of the world, Barbados cannot afford to lose its international place and reputation.
Nor can a society as tolerant as ours allow itself to be blacklisted for human and civil rights abuses or discrimination on the matter of how we treat to human sexuality and relations.” Barbados has a far better human rights record than most of the countries which threaten to blacklist us because we have not legalised same sex unions.
Furthermore, I know of no man or woman who is persecuted by the state or other institutions in this country because of their sexual orientation. Are we going to jettison our values in exchange for a few crumbs from “progressive” countries. On the one hand, we claim to be a sovereign state, but on the other, we are ready to mimic what the “big” states are doing. V. S Naipaul is right: we are mimic men.
Where is our country headed?
John Goddard is a retired educator.
