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 Michael Ray
“Republicanism and ignorance are in bitter antagonism” – Alphonse de Lamartine (1790-1869)
I am asking some questions and expect answers from any of the historians and activists who have been so unwavering and steadfast in their desire to have the statue of Lord Nelson removed.
I will not be asking any question about the removal of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital from its location at Martindale’s Road, but questions concerning the removal of remaining vestiges of Britain and the monarchial system.
• Will our primary health care institution be given the name of a Barbadian associated with health or medicine?
• Will Queen’s Park in the city and King’s Park in the parish of St.Philip be renamed?
• Will roads such as Princess Royal Avenue, Prince of Wales, Buckingham, Windsor and Queen Victoria be renamed after outstanding local residents?
• Will Princess Margaret Secondary School be renamed after some former outstanding pupil?
• Will Queens College be renamed the Elsie Payne College?
• Will the names Queens Street and Kings Street and Nelson Street disappear from sign-posts?
This letter-writer is almost certain that Queens Counsel will become Senior Counsel and the local constabulary will be relieved of its “royal” status.
As stated in the Throne Speech, “The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind” , therefore it is expected that citizens will be duly informed.
We should never forget that the word republic comes from the Latin term “res publica” which literally means “public thing”, “public matter” or “public affair”.
It is therefore incumbent on the relevant authorities to keep the public informed and updated on pending changes.
Republicanism is not only about designating a Barbadian as Head of State, but the understanding and the involvement of more Barbadians in the governance and business of the country.
Thankfully, we can benefit from the age-old statement of French statesman Alphonse of Lamartine when he recognized that republicanism and ignorance are incapable of a peaceful co-existence.
