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by Walter Edey
A nation whose leaders and citizens honour the vision of its founding fathers or mothers is likely to be prosperous and stable. Such a society respects tradition, and governance, and has the moral authority to assure the rule of law or amend the constitution. Moreover, the citizens of such a nation are empowered because their property, their vote, and the freedom to associate and peacefully dissent will be preserved.
That’s why, as Barbados considers the idea of a Republic, honouring the vision of The Right Excellent Errol Barrow should lead the process. Determining the kind of Barbados we want and repurposing that should foreshadow any amendments to the Barbados Constitution.
In 1966, Errol Barrow argued that Barbadians had fought for, and earned, their separation from Britain in 1651. He opined that Barbados had a long rich history, and offered the Treaty of Oistins in support of his sovereignty claim.
Barrow’s independence declaration faced many challenges –- a contentious January parliamentary debate, a multiplicity of political meetings and the advocacy of the under-forties, together with dissension within the party he led.
Despite these encounters and contests, the people of Barbados rallied around the cause and declared victory on November 30th, 1966, when in pouring rain, they cheered loudly, and celebrated the raising of their black-blue-and-gold flag of pride and industry.
Errol Barrow created a constitution which is still in effect today. He also established a government based on democracy and representation of the people.
He promoted the common good, fairness and justice in his speeches. His actions were focused on investing in education and infrastructure, encouraging foreign investment and promoting entrepreneurship.
By promoting education and economic development, cultural, social and community enterprises flourished. That provided opportunities for Barbadians to improve their standard of living and achieve their full potential. The consistency of his words and actions confirmed a moral ethos.
Fifty-six years later, Barbadians remain committed to protecting their sovereignty and territorial integrity without outside interference or controversy. Indeed, Barbados has remained free from outside interference or control. Many things of value exist.
Without question, the 2023 birthday of the Father of Independence craves more than the usual annual celebration. The moral climate and political participation that existed in 1966 have declined.
The voter turnout in 1966 was nearly 80 per cent. The 2022 election voter turnout was 42 per cent, of which the government received 79 per cent.
The 2022 results say that 29 per cent of eligible voters voted in favour of the BLP. However, the government has 100 per cent of the parliamentary seats, which is far different from when the independence idea was laid in parliament. The fly on the wall or bee in the syrup is moral authority. A vote in parliament will not ratify the will of the majority.
Errol Barrow was transformational, a person of integrity, wisdom and principle. His character revealed itself when he publicly confessed that his vision was incomplete. In 1986, in Independence Square he asked: “What is your mirror image?” and then offered the vision of the DLP.
Later, looking beyond day-to-day politics, he said, “One day you may wake up and find that they don’t have a country.” It is, therefore, mind-boggling that the 2023 celebration of Errol Barrow’s birthday includes a war of words and picnics, and not honour and repurposing.
The Bible verse “Honour your father and mother so that your days may be long,” is found in the book of Exodus. This verse is part of the Ten Commandments, which are a set of guidelines for living a moral life.
Integrating sayings and commandments into one’s way of life is difficult. Morals, like ethics, are never concrete– abstract and very hard to define. They are also influenced by social and other movements. Yet, sayings and the commandments teach you how to confront moral dilemmas through introspection and greater understanding of oneself and one’s beliefs.
In retrospect, the independence idea was a political and ideological Barbadian civil war. In 1966, the independence idea triumphed over the federal alternative. Clearly, the scars and wounds are still alive. Unresolved is an issue of “the parting of ways”. For some, independence is the separation from Britain.
However, if the speech in parliament of the founding father that laid bare his reasons for independence is any guide, Errol Barrow wanted separation from bigotry, injustice and plantation thinking.
Lest Barbadians forget, he saw independence as a time to lay bare one’s soul. He was a leader who said, “I do not want the children of my maid and driver growing up feeling inferior to my children.”
Walter Edey is a retired maths and science educator in Barbados and New York.
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