#BTColumn – Gag orders conceal wrong-doing

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

The entire population of Barbados should be proud of Ms. Marsha Hinds-Layne.

She must also be highly commended and fully supported for her role and stance as a member of the advisory Board of the Government Industrial School (Girls).

Holding true to the mantra “If you see something, say something”,  Ms. Hinds-Layne has broken the proverbial sound-barrier and has created a sonic boom that is reverberating across various media.

It is one thing to proclaim and protect the rights and the privacy of children, it is a completely different matter to institute any gag order that will cover-up wrong-doing and injustice – the two can easily and conflictingly overlap creating chaos.

Sadlyly, there is a subtle underground fear factor existing in pockets of the Barbadian society that must be eradicated if we are to make positive strides and the progress we so desperately seek.

The fear factor emboldens gag orders and is a hindrance to the achievement of desired  goals.

Noted religious and political leader of the Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan, once declared:  “There really can be no peace without justice.

There can be no justice without truth, unless someone rises up to tell you the truth”.

May all Barbadians stand in solidarity with Ms. Marsha Hinds-Layne and the supporting Youth Groups in their quest for Truth, Justice and what is Right.

This article was submitted as a Letter to the Editor.