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 Dick Stoute
Dr. Ronnie Yearwood delivered an excellent, thought-provoking, presentation on the proposal to make Barbados a Republic on Friday, July 6th. Thanks Ronnie, well done.
The talk was part of the “The Way Forward” series held by the Barbados Yacht Club. Ronnie was not in favour of the proposal. He feels there is a need for a fundamental rethink, rather than a simple amendment to our Constitution.
In the discussion that followed, a consensus emerged that Barbadians don’t criticise those in power. We are intimidated by the possibility of a backlash so we keep quiet. Is this a social hangover from slavery and autocratic colonialism? Or is it a positive feature of a Barbadian society that prefers a friendlier approach to reaching solutions?
“We need a balance of power” is the general consensus, as without this, a small group of people can exploit the rest, so let me ask a controversial question. Do we? The big danger, created by keeping quiet, is a creeping consolidation of power.
Transparency and anti-corruption legislation would mitigate this, but there is a growing fear that power brokers will not enact and enforce legislation that holds them accountable. Our present constitution provides a limited balance of power, but we are not convinced it is effective, as politicians appoint those who are responsible for keeping the politicians’ power in check.
In any case, if the people appointed to do this keep their heads down, this mechanism is ineffective. In a fear ridden society, a balance of power is extremely difficult. Attempting it risks creating social conflicts that tear a community apart. We have seen this in many countries, so we need to ask is there a better alternative for Barbados? My top priority is our own well-being. In pursuing this I realise our emotions do everything from torturing us, to making us feel we are on top of the world. Emotions that torture are all driven by fear.
At Ronnie’s presentation Sir Henry Fraser stated, “people call me all the time and ask me to write about some concern”.
They want their concern expressed, but they are scared to do it themselves. Fear motivates the concerns and fear motivates the reluctance to expose oneself.
Enslaved by these opposing motivations we experience emotional hell and health destroying stress. There can be no doubt that fear is dominant in our society.
Even within the group of discussants it prompted expressions of frustration and the feeling “somebody should start a petition”, but I do not think the people expressing these concerns were aware of their own fear, even as they demonstrated it.
To manage anything, you first have to notice and assess it. We can easily notice our own fear, but we are exceptionally good at not doing this.
When you feel frustrated, angry, annoyed, disturbed etc., you should recognise you are feeling threatened and your body is automatically generating the chemicals that prepare you for fight or flight. They make us belligerent, critical, defensive, aggressive, cruel and dominant, or quiet, withdrawn, and vindictive: or all of these. It can be a living hell.
When you see others expressing these emotions, recognise they are experiencing fear. See it in yourself as well.
Don’t be afraid to admit it: everyone feels it. As you worry about COVID, money, your job, sickness, your family, your future, your country… your body keeps responding by preparing you for fight or flight. Your blood pressure gets and stays high, diabetes may follow, along with the tribe of NCDs that plague our society.
Each of us can manage our own emotions, but we have to recognise them and make them our friends: “hello Fear, Anger, Frustration, I know you mean well, but can you just back off a bit?” Speaking to yourself like this can put you in control and produce an amazing change.
You still have the emotions, but you can manage them and avoid becoming their slave. I have experienced it and hope you do as well. (It will help you get over your fear of being vaccinated.) The British system of government was born out of the continuous conflict they experienced for thousands of years.
Rather than seeking to avoid conflict, their system brings conflict into their way of government.
It was imposed on the colonies, as if it was the only system of government possible, but it does not fit our culture, as it induces high stresses that make us sick, creates prejudices and drives us to antisocial acts.
We have an alternative way of living that works for the majority of us. Let’s pay attention to it, develop it, and package it for the rest of the world. Our PM is onto it.
“We don’t live that way” summarises what we do not want: now we need to identify more clearly what we do want.
Can you summarise what Barbados wants in less than 1000 words? Think of it as the preamble to our next constitution.
What is your vision for Barbados and how can we achieve it? If you manage to control your fear, post your preamble on your page and send me a link, I would like to read it.
I hope some will propose an unconventional approach that avoids, rather that assumes conflict. It is nonsensical to start a fight, by assuming it is inevitable, and then figure out how to ensure no one wins. We need constructive engagement, a system that assumes we want to cooperate and build solutions, and provides a means of achieving this.
Bob’s “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery” keeps echoing. Really listen to it, examine your own emotions, and write your preamble.
Dick Stoute is a social commentator. This column was offered as a Letter to the Editor.
