#BTColumn – Barbados will not fall apart

The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

by Walter Edey

Cycles and seasons are essential pillars of decisionmaking for life in nature. These patterns of behaviour also exist in personal, institutional and societal life. Noting, observing and studying cycles improve decision-making.

Seasonal and cyclical awareness is a pillar of sustainability. Additionally, one of the family of cycles can assure hope. In times of disaster and unexpected disruption, it holds the key that can unlock a new pathway.

Some patterns of behaviour are easy to detect, recognise and respond to. Persons living in countries with four weather seasons know this. As tree leaves fall, clothing stores change their displays and add winter arrivals.

When the naked trees spring new leaves, store managers remove winter clothing. Customers get to see new arrivals.

The hot and cold weather cycle is in your face. Snow falls and melts, plants grow and die.
Some cycles are obvious but unclaimed. Barbadians generally change governments in 10-year cycles.

Barbados had only two 15-year term governments in 60 years.

Yet, the political class often sees themselves as smart.

They celebrate victory as an act of brilliance. If that were so, how come those who follow cycles know the difference? Another less talked about cycle is the repeated world energy crises.

Disruptions also generate cycles and seasons. The roaring twenties followed the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Money abounded everywhere, complacency set in and the Great 1929 depression ensued.

Divorces, accidents, fires, loss of a life often force reflection.
Then individuals and organisations make life changing decisions. Some move from complacency to an awaking.

Others from prosperity to service and servanthood. Still others, promise to change. They hesitate and return to their original pattern of behaviour.

A recent media story highlighted growth cycle. It reported opinions of operators in the public transport system. Its focus: the Barbados’ transportation system and pirating.

Pirating, the act of trespassing is part of Barbados’ history. That fact does not mean blind support for pirating.

Trespassing in the Barbados context is not criminal. It often arises from inequality and an unfilled need. A call for authorities to address and make policy; neighbours to share and be a brother’s keeper. The good book tells that it was against the law for farmers to reap and harvest the fruit that fell on the

ground. Way back then, passers-by trespassed and pick up the fruit on the ground.
Economic, social structural and cultural woes are consequences of any major societal interruption. The late 1950s was difficult for many. A few persons sought to better themselves. They built a relationship with person who needed transport for their goods.

They poached the routes of the transport system. Three routes along the highways to St Lucy, and St Andrew and St Philip sustained the adventure. But it was not easy. A policeman named Cyrus on a motorcycle chased the trucks and vans off the roads. He reported the pirates for breaking the law. Cases ended up in the magistrates’ courts.

The pirates paid the fines and went back to work – satisfying a need. The idea expanded. Some of these entrepreneurs purchased Acme- built Mini buses. The independence idea had taken root, and buses showed off the national colours.

Others, with the help of financial mentors, purchased smaller vehicles. That perceived chaos renewed public transport in Barbados. A new season of transportation ensued and endured.

The spokesman for the Alliance Owners of Public Transport’s (AOPT) appeal is interesting. He wants government authorities and the general insurance industry to curtail pirating. Mash the brakes of their vehicles. But right now, taxis are empty.

The owners of private vehicles have cars but no salary. Government electric buses have power and space but are too big for narrow streets. Young and old small business people are underground twiddling their fingers. Dreaming of busy transit points and zones with active vendor malls.

That’s why the cycle of hope and prosperity has endured for ages. It is simple. Five repeating stages: prosperity, complacency, awakening, crisis and renewal and back to prosperity. It has a key – faith, trust and effort. It abhors transactional behaviour and stinking thinking.

It despises those who live in the moment. Persons who only think of self. It loves those who think long-term. Those who abide by some fundamental principle, precept, or pattern. When choice opens the lock, inner confidence and self-belief glow and grow. The awakening is always lonely and personal.

Some things may get worse before they get better, but Barbados will not fall apart. You may be reluctant to accept the importance of cycles. But what is your alternative.

Tomorrow the sun will rise and night will come. Tomorrow you will eat and the next day you will be hungry. Are they not cycles of life.? And will day not run until night catches it?

Walter Edey is a retired math and science educator.