#BTSpeakingOut – For love of country

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

I knew I was right when I couldn’t understand why the non-contributory pension was raised as a vote-catching measure.

So many consultants in finance. Together they are getting big money but only contributing to the financial agony of this small open economy.

They are forced to listen to the IMF so an ordinary man like me can’t tell them that if they can’t earn foreign exchange they must try to hold on to what we have, using it wisely.

Thinking futuristically, combustible engines will soon be a thing of the past.

By now we should be warming the technical Institute to the idea of replacing the combustible in existing vehicles with battery operated ‘engines’. The discarded engines might be able to earn foreign exchange.

The operation might be seen as complex, but with appropriate training and methodologies it can be done.

As the electric vehicles age, they will require replacement of batteries. With training we will be able to replace broken modules and synchronise them with the functioning ones.

Imagine the foreign exchange saved by not having to replace the entire battery system using imported batteries.

I can see the creation of work for small businessmen in that area with them spread out across the country.

Let us move away from the old time mode of weeding the road to create employment. We can still care about the poor black boys on the block by using their technical skills through training in a multiplicity of areas to keep them employed and earning overseas paper.

We have to stop thinking short-term. We sold off the banks, the cement plant, ICB among others to get foreign exchange short-term not understanding the leakage factor would set in long-term.

As is known economic goals and political goals do coincide with disastrous and debilitating effect in countries.

Take note. Don’t only think, vote.

Petty speeches will get us nowhere.

Have we achieved anything with the so-called Republic, using basically the same Westminster-styled constitution (the 1966 charter) adopted for independence.

Is it the Royal Barbados Police Service or Police Force?

Why do we still have the regal red stripe at the side of the officer’s pants? Is it because a blue stripe will connote independence or affiliation to the other party?

Were we ready? Are we ready?

I can go on and on.

I am not a graduate so I will just put up and shut up as I can hear the yardfowls as they come out to feed.

Let us love country and not party.

Kemmerick ‘Bing Bong’ Harrison