#SpeakingOut – Wearisome and worrisome ‘snap’ election

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

by Dr. Veronica C. Evelyn

Barbados has been subjected to a wearisome and worrisome election. The rationale for this remains mindboggling and does not inspire confidence.

Why would a government controlling 29 of 30 seats in Parliament decide to announce – in the middle of a pandemic, in the middle of Christmas celebrations, on a bank holiday, 18 months ahead of time – that ‘disunity’ in the country calls for fresh elections? How exactly a rushed election will bring unity to a divided country, only God knows!

No provision has been made for persons in isolation or quarantine to exercise their right to vote. Little notice was given for persons to ensure that they were on the electoral list.

A COVID-weary population, many of whom are politically disillusioned, anxious, apprehensive and financially distressed in their personal lives, has been burdened right at the start of a new year. For some, it is a no-brainer: vote party. For others, three weeks is insufficient time to weigh the issues and make a reasoned choice between political disenchantment, political disgust and political uncertainty.

In the context of an imminent New World Order, this election is essentially a battle for the soul of the nation. Barbados is traditionally a faith-based society and it is reasonable to expect that Godly values govern the country’s post-Republic development. However, we are now capitulating to another god.

One vocal group would even have ‘no monarch, no massa, no God.’ Perhaps this is the real dilemma: Should Barbados be founded on principles that acknowledge the supremacy of the Modern World or principles that acknowledge the supremacy of the Eternal God?

The September 15, 2020 Throne Speech made this administration’s position clear as to whom it deems supreme: Barbados “cannot afford” to lose favour with ‘The Modern World’ – a collective term that seems to refer to Canada, the USA, UK and a few countries in Europe. But can we afford to lose favour with the eternal God?

No one can serve two masters. The development of social systems cannot be founded on both ‘Modern World’ and faith-based philosophies where these are poles apart on issues such as justice and equality, the basis of human dignity, the sanctity of life, fundamental human rights, human sexuality, the relative value of money and morals. Whereas the mindset of ‘The Modern World’ constantly evolves, God’s word is forever settled in heaven. There is no reconciliation between the two.

Over the past three years we have seen the incremental but systematic dismantling of Godly values by this Administration. There have been enough yellow, orange and red flags to raise alarm about the direction of the country, and by extension, the legacy that we will leave for our children.

Will the Republic of Barbados be reset to establish allegiance to the modern world, or will we continue – even nominally – to make the Lord our guide?

There is more in the mortar than the pestle. As I see it, on January 19, Barbados will elect not only its government. The nation will also tacitly elect its god.