#BTSpeakingOut – Are Bajans feeling guilty or shame?

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

by Patrick Gittens

It is perhaps a nation’s shame that after four years of blunders, missteps, failed promises and the cost of living being so astronomical, that Barbadians seem loathe to level the type of strident criticisms of government that it deserves.

From Bajans not being able to cash in Government paper in 2018, the vaccine scandal, the advisors and consultancy surplus abomination in a struggling and basically broke economy, inability to pass legislation through Parliament without first having to withdraw it having signed off on it, rubbing shoulders with convicted and known drug men, out-of-control violent gun crimes, through to the latest IDB ‘toddlers’ questionnaire saga, it is as though the people are feeling guilty about 2018 and 2022 and saying “we did this!”, “we cause this….twice!”.

The IDB is conveniently taking blame for a misstep that should not have happened under the nose of the Ministry of Education. But this too will pass. We have our hands in the pockets of almost every lending agency known to man so we have to bite our lips when these things occur. And again do not expect too many criticisms of government because people feel a sense of blame… “we did this….twice”.

Following the IDB/state fiasco, I am earnestly praying that the National Rifle Association of America does not send questionnaires to our secondary schools – along with related accoutrements – to get their opinion on the right to bear arms and perhaps go “pow pow”!

Should that happen, though, the NRA would more than likely do an IDB.

Years ago, there was an ad where the late Wendell Smith asked the question, “Are you a boy or a girl?” It was all in jest. The IDB’s action was no joke. But the joke would be Government’s attempt to hide behind the IDB.

This Barbados I grew up in and was so proud of is now punching below its ankles but because of shame and height deficiency, we seem to be confused about our anatomy and where our waist is. Or should that be waste?