#BTColumn – My senatorial picks. . . and why

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

by Kammie Holder

Barbados is a very conservative society in which strong personalities are called arrogant and mavericks are called trouble makers.

The aforementioned was deliberate to frame my essay on who should be independent senators.

I think Barbados as a sovereign society will never accept mavericks as senators who are willing to challenge the entrenched status quo.

Very often persons who are appointed senators are sympathetic most often to maintaining the status quo, or prefer to sit on the fence of correctness but are never willing to challenge inappropriateness, in order to maintain their privilege position.

Mavericks have no loyalty to the establishment, or no desire to be likeable, only to do what is right and just in the eyes of society.

Therefore, if independent senators are to reflect the will of the people and advocate the concerns of society, then appointments to the senate must reflect many interest groups.

How do we get a true senate reflective of the will of the people, when we appoint senators rather than elect them? If Barbados is to continually punch above its weight, and be a role model of government of the people, by the people, then we must have an elected senate.

Thus in the absence of an elected senate the following would be my Independent senators.

Caswell Franklyn, to represent labour. Trevor Browne to espouse the urgent move to renewable energy. Tricia Watson, consumer rights advocacy.

Jeremy Stephens, to provide oversight of financial governance.

Grenville Phillips II to fight for social justice and best practices.

Dr Leroy McClean to ensure food security and sovereignty is a reality. Sandy Fields to continue her fight for the rights of children. Almost all the above are unafraid to ruffle feathers.