The renaming of our country’s historic day on November 30 from Independence Day to Barbados National Day ironically begs some questions:
· What mirror image do we have of ourselves and our forefathers?
· Didn’t our brave forefathers sow the seed from which our pride is sprung?
· Are we still strict guardians of our heritage?
· Is there an attempt to erase what has been already written on history’s page?
· Are we firm craftsmen of our fate or is our fate being dictated to us?
Today at a Press Conference, made known minutes before it started, Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams announced that November 30 this year and on, will now be referred to as Barbados National Day. As was the case when we moved to become a Republic, Bajans heard for the first time that a committee or a single person decided to replace the name that has been dear to all of us for 56 years.
We were told, without consultation, that the title Independence Day was no more. We were told of this change one year after Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley herself told us that the day would remain as is.
From the time the announcement was made social media was abuzz. Generally, people are not happy about the name change as is their right. Some are so incensed by the change that they are demanding that it revert to Independence Day forthwith.
But, their vexation, annoyance and disgust are understandable.
After all, it was August last year that Barbadians were assured, by the Prime Minister, that there will be no change to the country’s name, flag, pledge, or the name of Independence Day.
The PM said then: “There is no change to the flag. There is no change to the name of Independence Day; there is no change to the name of Barbados. Barbados is Barbados. We’re not the Commonwealth of Barbados; we’re not the Republic of Barbados; Barbados is Barbados. We are also not changing our pledge.”
What happened to cause this change? Why didn’t the PM make this announcement herself before going off on holiday given that she is the one who gave the initial assurance? What kind of thinking went into erasing the name of a day that carries so much sentimentality, patriotism and significance for us as a people?
Teachers have taught us and continue to teach our children about the importance of Independence Day. The historic significance of what took place on that day is ingrained in us all. Our history books, our songs, our poems, our plays, folklore; our entire cultural fabric and norms speak to an Independence Day in November and that pride of nationhood.
From the time the Government earmarked November 30 as the day to transition to a Republic some were very concerned that this day would come. The day when Independence Day is no more. Clearly, the worry was warranted because here we are. A country that became Independent 56 years ago, with no Independence Day.
We have heard that Independence was the first step and becoming a Republic was the second step to full sovereignty. That’s all fine. But, there must have been a way to give full respect and credit to both days. It is very possible to celebrate both separately and distinctly as two separate and distinct events in Barbadian history. Trinidad currently celebrates Independence Day on August 31 and Republic Day on September 24.
From the time the decision was made to mark the two events on the same day, it was inevitable that we would end up here. Last year, the country was in an uproar because there was no consultation or input from the people of Barbados on if, how, or when to transition to a Republic. Now this year, no engagement and no national discussion as the day called Independence Day has been wiped clean from history’s page.
This is why some are asking: Is this an attempt to erase the hard work done on behalf of the people and the legacy of our forefathers and more directly the late Right Honourable Errol Walton Barrow and his team who led this country to Independence in 1966?
We rubbish the notion. This can’t be! The Government of the day simply cannot be playing political football with our country’s history and heritage.
The execution of good governance means we must see beyond party lines. There is an airport and secondary school in St Joseph that carries the name of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) founder, who is also the man who championed the cause of Adult Suffrage, long may his name be called and his work be recognised.
At every turn, our PM advocates and continually speaks about strengthening our ties with Africa. And of course, this has its place. But, how can you tout the importance of a history of over 300 years and yet in the same breath preside over the Government that has removed Independence Day?
How can our Government ask us to appreciate our outward history but then turn around and seek to lessen the magnitude of what took place at the Garrison Savannah 56 years ago? Is this who we are?
There are things in Barbados that “binds our hearts from coast to coast” and Independence Day is one such thing. To borrow some words from RPB’s 1997 winning song Issues of the Day: “It is fair, leave Independence Day – right day!”
