#BTEditorial – Never doubt the power of a single voice

Accountant Olujimi Clarke, who has used his social media platforms to bring attention to matters of concern, must be praised for his most recent efforts.

For some time now, he has engaged audiences on Instagram and Twitter with his thought-provoking videos on a wide range of issues. Essentially, he uses his space to keep those in authority on their toes while pushing for better for the average Bajan.

In addition to his social media stage, he joined a panel on Starcom Network’s Sunday BrassTacks radio call-in programme on June 6. On that occasion, he called on Government to give an account of the unaccounted money which the Auditor General Report had highlighted.

At that time Clarke said: “For a very long time, a lot of things have gone unnoticed and a lot of things have gone unsaid. My mission is to raise awareness and to get people to start holding persons in power accountable. We are the ones who have put them there, and as the Prime Minister rightfully said, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.”

In recent times, his focus has shifted to the rising cost of fuel in Barbados. He created and incited the #388 movement. The #388 campaign encouraged fuel users to spend only $3.88 at the gas pump at any one time. Although heavily criticised for it, Clarke was adamant that he needed to bring awareness to the issue. He said that was the only way to get the Government to listen.

He reasoned: “Barbados has the 13th highest gas prices in the entire world, that is in comparison to 177 countries. Even if you look at the Caribbean, Barbados actually has the highest gas price in the entire Caribbean by a whole $1.20, but while it may be true that there are rising fuel prices across the world, you also need to understand the breakdown on how the price of fuel in Barbados is done.”

Since the campaign, he has had interviews in the national media. During one such interview, he revealed that he had received a call from Prime Minister Mia Mottley about the issue.

“Barbadian people are way too passive,” he said in one interview. “I find that we are a society that mumbles under our breath and we forget very fast. We complain about something for two or three weeks and then we forget.”

In response to the cries of the movement and road users, Minister of Energy Kerrie Symmonds said that while Government would look into options to ease consumers, Barbadians should drive less.

The minister said in part: “I appreciate that people would want to express their own individual concern as it hits them in the pocket. I caution them to apply the best possible analyses and prudence in their decision-making . . . If I can make a suggestion, it is wiser wherever possible to limit the amount of driving you do.”

Clarke responded to the minister with a video that broke down how much of the fuel costs goes to the Government’s coffers.

He declared: “For people that boast that Barbados is an educated society I find that people in Government does treat we like we is idiots and I do not appreciate it. This $3.88 per litre is broken down like this: the product cost to get the product here in Barbados is $1.28 per litre.

“Secondly, the terminal fees in terms of storage is eight cents per litre. The dealer’s margin is 31 cents per litre, that is the gas station operators. The marketer’s margin (i.e.) SOL and Rubis is 23 cents per litre. Let me tell you what Government takes 58 cents per litre for VAT, $1.00 per litre for excise tax and 40 cents per litre for fuel tax. That is $1.98, so 52 per cent of the cost of fuel goes to the Government.”

Last weekend,  the PM addressed the issue of fuel and told the country that if the cost continues to rise Government would consider putting a cap on the tax.

During a press conference last Saturday, she said that such a move will be necessary to avoid Barbadians feeling the pinch of the rise in oil prices on the international market.

But Mottley, who indicated that she sympathised with, and understood those who were calling for a reduction in fuel tax, noted that Barbadians must understand that the public’s purse is currently under severe pressure.

“I feel your pain, we will cap if oil prices continue to go up but I begging you to understand our position too,” she said.

The Prime Minister’s call to Clarke, her acknowledgement that there is an issue and her subsequent promise that something would be done if the cost continues to rise, come as no surprise.

If nothing else, our leader is one who listens and tries to deal with matters as they arise.

But this moment belongs to Olujimi Clarke for drawing public attention to the issue which is affecting many. Hats off to Mr Clarke for standing firm and valiantly carrying the fight for better fuel prices. We salute you Mr Clarke for not relenting on the issue. We especially applaud you for letting your single voice be constantly heard on these social affairs.

And while some may say nothing has changed as yet we beg to differ. Something major has indeed happened. The country now has the Prime Minister’s assurance that she will address the issue. History over the past three years has proven that the PM’s word is indeed her bond. An ease in gas prices is surely coming.

So when next you doubt the power of one, remember Olujimi Clarke, citizen.