#BTEditorial – Some traditions Bajans must retain

For all the claims of ‘despotism’, ‘dictatorship’, autocracy and the like being bandied about, Barbadians must feel a sense of pride that their democratic institutions, despite any inherent flaws, have served this country well.

This has been so especially in the post-independent period. Barbados has been blessed to have leaders and politicians who respect the directives of the people to stay or to go. Long may this last.

Of course, there are flaws. But in which democratic jurisdiction are there no institutional inadequacies?

We are currently faced with a pandemic in which a general election is to be held. Rather than acknowledge that these are special circumstances, and that creative, legislative and pliable measures are needed to ensure all eligible citizens have the opportunity to vote, authorities have not risen to the occasion.

As a result, thousands are unlikely to be able to exercise their franchise. The pandemic has been going almost two years and should have been a consideration before the general election was called. This is a situation, though it might never occur for another hundred years, should occasion legislative arrangements to deal with such circumstances in the future.

Persons employed in the public service who want to give political service to their country often have to resign to accommodate this. This is a condition that needs to be reassessed as there is significant talent in the public service with the capacity to make tremendous contributions to the advancement of Barbados.

But they are loath to do so because of the restrictions. Of course, this is not to say that some public workers have not taken an active part in politics and general elections, but it always helps when their exertions are for the party in power or that wins the election. The rules of the public service then go swiftly through an open window.

But perhaps the most pleasing aspect of Barbados’ political season is the peace and relative tranquility with which it is conducted. It speaks to the maturity of Barbadian voters that they can passionately support one candidate, vehemently oppose another, and yet conduct themselves in a completely non-violent and inoffensive manner.

Indeed, some Barbadian homes are split politically during the silly season with one section firmly focused on George Street and the other on Roebuck Street, only to return home and resume peaceful family relations.

Such is the culture of Barbadian voters that often at every five-year cycle they are faced with the same politician seeking their support, having broken all the promises he or she had made to them five years before, and shamelessly making more promises that history proved they failed to keep.

Outlandish promises are made that garner votes from many skeptics but who are still determined to exercise their franchise given the limited choices which they have. And they give their support once again without acrimony.

Politicians inflame the passions of their supporters with tales of corruption, thievery and all manner of malfeasance allegedly perpetrated by their opponents.

Often, those within earshot are unemployed, underemployed, or living from wage packet to wage packet. Yet, they place their mark on the ballot paper for these persons who may or may not be betraying their trust, or whose actions bear no relationship to providing opportunities for the voters who put them in their exalted positions.

There are many Barbadians whose socio-economic situation has not changed as a result of the political party they have supported. But it might be easier to develop a sea in St Thomas as one politician once promised to do decades ago, than to get those individuals to leave their particular political camp.

Political violence is a scourge that affects many jurisdictions, some in the Caribbean. We live in an era where with social media, the truth, falsehoods, scandal, memes, and all manner of communication are utilised by politicians, their strategists and supporters to belittle opponents and gain advantage.

Whether it be a politician mimicking a dog, one struggling with the Queen’s English, or another spouting invectives, these images hurt, offend, and sometimes amuse.

But when the hurly burly is over, these political ‘enemies’ revert to being friends and results are respected and calm is restored to these shores. It is the Barbadian way and may it last forever.