PM Mottley: Barbados has overcome

As Barbados marked 58 years of independence and the third anniversary of becoming a republic, Prime Minister Mia Mottley blended her address to the nation with reflection and her vision for the nation’s future. 

Speaking during the annual Independence Day parade at Kensington Oval, she focused on the themes of resilience, self-reliance, and economic progress while paying tribute to Shirley Chisholm and welcoming a high-level U.S. congressional delegation. 

The event celebrated the country’s journey through historical struggles and triumphs while laying the groundwork for a brighter future. 

Mottley acknowledged the trials that Barbados has overcome throughout its history, from the scars of slavery and colonialism to contemporary challenges like climate change and economic crises. 

“We stand in the shadow of great people who came and sacrificed for us,” the prime minister said. “We have endured the worst aspects of slavery and colonialism, and today, as a nation, we continue to turn from cheek to cheek — from pandemics to cost-of-living crises, from climate to violence and instability.” 

She also stressed that resilience is not only a hallmark of Barbados’ past but also its future. “We must not allow petty things to colour our lives and stimulate them into vast proportions of evil. To dwell on every slight and catch it close to our breasts and nourish it will corrode our thinking,” she declared. 

Quoting Shirley Chisholm, she added, “Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith. And the first battle is won, my brothers and sisters, when we fight for belief in ourselves.” 

The Prime Minister highlighted the significant strides made to transform Barbados’ economy. Chief among these was the reduction in the national debt-to-GDP ratio, from a staggering 177 per cent to below 100 per cent, a feat she attributed to prudent financial management and a people-centred approach. 

“Six and a half years ago, we assumed the government as the third most indebted country in the world in terms of debt to GDP per capita,” Mottley said. “Today, we stand with those problems literally melting away behind us, and by next year, I fully anticipate that our debt-to-GDP ratio will be down to less than 100 per cent.”

She noted that this progress was achieved not merely through fiscal measures but through investments in people. “We’ve ensured that you have been able to go back to the University of the West Indies and all tertiary institutions free of charge because, without education, we have nothing.” 

Her government, she noted, had also invested in essential infrastructure, including buses, garbage trucks, and modernised social services. “We cannot fall into the habit of leaving things unattended for a decade as happened before,” she warned. 

A focal point of the celebrations was the tribute to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first woman to run for President of the United States. Born to Barbadian parents, Chisholm’s legacy was celebrated as an inspiration for Barbadians and women globally. 

“Today we chose to salute one great person, and her name is Shirley Anita Chisholm,” Mottley declared. “We can say she achieved mighty things and laid a pathway that still waits for the full fruition of its promise.” 

Encouraging young people to learn about Chisholm’s life, the prime minister said, “She told us that nobody’s going to do anything for us. That’s what we know as a country, and that’s why I say we must get up and prepare our own way.” 

The tribute coincided with the centenary of Chisholm’s birth, a milestone also highlighted by Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader and Leader of the House Democratic Caucus. “Shirley Chisholm would be proud that Barbados is now led by two groundbreaking, history-making, and trailblazing women, the president and the prime minister,” he said in his address. 

Jeffries is in Barbados along with a delegation that includes influential members like Representatives Maxine Waters and Barbara Lee. 

He lauded Barbados for its leadership on critical issues like climate change and economic development, referencing a recent agreement between the Export-Import Bank of the United States and Barbados to provide $500 million in funding for renewable energy, water infrastructure, and cybersecurity. 

“This historic agreement will bring thousands of good-paying jobs and tremendous economic development,” Jeffries stated. 

Meanwhile, as she addressed the existential threat of climate change, Mottley painted a stark picture of its impact on Barbados, including the devastation of Hurricane Beryl, which affected 90 per cent of the island’s fishing industry. 

“We now know that the first six months of the year bring drought and the next six months bring rain we can’t hide from,” she said. “But smallness makes us nimble, and we must remain agile in facing the world’s problems.” 

As part of her forward-looking vision, the prime minister announced “We Gathering 2025,” a year-long initiative to bring Barbadians from the diaspora back home to celebrate their heritage. 

“Come home, come home, come home,” she urged. “We will merge together as one people, recognising that we have a solemn duty to work not only to build this country but to make this planet a better place.” 

She also called for peace at all levels of society, emphasising the importance of respect, self-discipline, and non-violence. “Geography does not limit aspirations and never should,” she said. (RG)