No spirit of fear

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has called on Barbados Labour Party (BLP) supporters and Barbadians at large, to continue facing economic and social challenges with determination and focus.

Addressing the party’s 85th Founder’s Day Service at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, the Prime Minister stressed that though the island still faces testing times ahead, previous generations also had moments of difficulty that required them to face their fears head-on.

“In its very formation, if this party had a spirit of fear, it would have never been formed, for those who came together, fought the greatest of powers, and it was not easy. I say these things because for many of us, the world in which we live today is difficult and challenging… But, it is no more challenging to this generation than what was required of the Right Excellent Grantley Herbert Adams, and John Martineau, and Crissy Brathwaite.

“They faced a world that was gripped by totalitarianism and facism and in between two great wars, and revolutions and uprisings – almost similar to the world in which we live today. But the spirit, the power, the love and the sound mind that is captured in Paul’s letters to Timothy is still required of us today in a way that they had to summon it,” she explained.

Mottley also reminded party supporters of the impressive accomplishments the administration has had over recent years. She said the increase in the minimum wage in April 2021, saving the Barbadian dollar and addressing the island’s debt back in 2018, had not been done from a position of fear. Rather, she said, the measures took determination and focus.

“These things have not been the subject of a spirit of fear, but they were also the subject of cooperation, collaboration and solidarity. While that starts in this great party, and long may it always do so, it must always cut across every sector, every class, every group, every organisation.

“We learnt that if we were to win the battle to save the dollar, and if we were to win the battle against COVID, and if we were to win the battle to reunite this country as one as we seek to rebuild after COVID, then we as Barbadians must always act as one.”

While addressing the congregation which packed the church at Jemmott’s Lane, St Michael, the Prime Minister reminded the party that even with its many accomplishments, members must never lose their compassion for their fellow Barbadians.

“The world is not an easy world today, but I assure you that we are doing better than many, and we will continue to do so. We can only always succeed when we see each other, hear each other, and feel each other.”

She added: “It is important for those who must now come, to understand that while you live in a world with instantaneous communication and instantaneous gratification, that very often if you are going to labour in a great cause, it requires determination, commitment, perseverance, focus [and] innovation.” (SB)