#BTColumn – Be strict guardians of our heritage

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today Inc.

Speaking with intent gives clarity. Forethought rather adds value and tone. And when the promise is genuine, it is inspirational.
Acceptance and understanding are automatic. Only a few will have questions. Communicating with purpose and not impulse transforms and deepens messaging and relationships.

The government of Barbados proposes a parliamentary republic date of November 30, 2021. This has met a roadblock. There are more questions than answers. The moment is pivotal. The situation is real.

Everyone should stop, pause and reflect on the purpose of a constitution.

Barbados has a constitution. It is a sovereign framework that delineates laws, rights, boundaries, and privileges. It also determines the norms and limits of political power.

It is also a fact that over two hundred republics and different forms of presidential authority exist. In today’s world that information is easy to get.

Therefore, any proposed amendments should point to existing weaknesses in the constitution, and make comparisons with other existing forms.

Meaningful change cannot occur without a proposed blueprint for the people’s approval. In fact, no discussion can and should take place until any proposer makes a concrete proposal.

A constitution is not returnable computer hardware or software or a pair of shoes. What parliaments do cannot be undone in a moment of time.

Statute books still have faulty pieces of legislation – not updated or in the interest of the common good.
The proposed change is a marathon.

Over the years, in their self-interest Barbadians protect and nurture young plants. Bird-pick mangoes fall from a tree and rot.

When the seed births a young tree, folk build a shield. The shield of sticks or recycled buckets prevent sheep and goat from eating the plant, and passers-by from trampling it.

That protection secures the plant’s future. When the mango tree matures and bears fruit the animals and passer-by return for shade and fruit. The people of society must also shield its seeds and ideas.

The constitution of Barbados sprung to life in the pouring rain, to grow. Like the mango seed, it needs protection and preservation: advocacy, ceremony and symbolism among other things.

Advocates are the watchdog groups who lead public education and resist impromptu change.

Ceremony restates and reinforces the independence ideals with the help of symbols. For example, the independence parade should feature the launching site of the flag at the Garrison Savannah and Independence Square. They should acclaim living legends like Sir

Phillip Greaves who was a delegate to the London conference.

He is still alive. He should get tired of retelling the story. The father of Independence has passed but young children should hear the voice and write stories about what independence means to them.

Heroes Square has become the heir apparent. The late Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow is a National hero.
However, he is primus inter pares.

Among Heroes, he has equals. But his contribution to Barbados deserves the settled distinction of respect through separation.

The United States of America is a non-monarchial republic. It has a balance of power structure: Congress and Senate and President.

The events of Jan 6, 2021 show the wisdom of the framers of its constitution. Its preamble says in part: “ We the People of the United States, to form a more perfect Union.” The framers chose to clarify sovereignty as the will of the people, not the Federal or State government.

The Barbados National Anthem speaks to the role of the will of the people. It mandates Barbadians to be “strict guardians” of their heritage.

It compels them to be “firm craftsmen” of their fate. And reminds Barbadians that the Lord has been the people’s guide. And with Him still on their side, there are no doubts or fears.

Clarity requires a second government announcement with prompt and ceremony, and with a preamble such as: Barbadians, after consultation with social partners and the church… After fifty town meetings… And after the referendum… Both houses of parliament will read, amend, and approve legislation.

Clarity also requires that opposition parties do more than demand a referendum or chastise haste. As governments in waiting opposition parties must state what kind of republic they think is best for Barbados.

Post-COVID-19 Barbados is now at five major crossroads – cultural, economic, political, social and spiritual. Each needs to be addressed by one and all.

Walter Edey is a retired math and science educator.