Societal decline: Restoring our reputation for kindness

The protection of this country’s elderly must never be viewed as a privilege they are fortunate to enjoy—it is a fundamental right to which they are undeniably entitled.

The recent daylight assault and robbery of retiree Jeffrey Barrow on a busy street in St Michael offered a disturbing glimpse into the erosion of respect for our senior citizens. Barrow, who had just withdrawn cash from an ATM, recounted how a young man attempted to lure him away from the financial institution before launching a violent attack. Even more troubling was Barrow’s tearful admission that no one came to his aid as he struggled with his assailant in plain sight of passers-by.

Now deeply cynical and emotionally scarred, Barrow spoke of the depression he has felt in the wake of the assault—a stark reminder of how vulnerable our elderly have become in a society where basic decency is increasingly in short supply.

There can be little doubt that the civility and kindness for which Barbadians have long been admired are fading at an alarming rate. This troubling decline in social standards is evident not only in the growing disrespect shown towards our elderly, but also in the increasingly poor levels of service experienced by both local consumers and visitors to our island.

Such erosion in basic decency and professionalism threatens the very fabric of our society—and, in a country so heavily reliant on tourism, it poses serious economic risks as well.

Addressing the lack of respect for our ageing population cannot be viewed in isolation—it is inextricably linked to a broader decline in societal standards and values. This erosion is evident in various aspects of everyday life: from the way many young people present themselves in public spaces, to the conduct of schoolchildren, to the behaviour of workers in the public transport system, and even to the degradation of our green spaces, such as gullies and parks.

It is becoming clear that these shifts reflect a deeper societal malaise, one that requires urgent introspection and a concrete, action plan from all

 sectors—government, private industry, and individuals alike. The latest exit survey from visitors to Barbados underscores the need for such a plan.

As Chief Executive Officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Ms Andrea Franklin pointed out, poor customer service was among the primary concerns flagged by visitors. She remarked, “We are hearing concerns about just general service, and I think locals are even seeing it as well. We have to address our service, because Barbados is not a cheap destination, and people are paying good money to visit.”

Barbados is no longer the only island offering an idyllic escape. There are numerous destinations providing equally—or in some cases, more—attractive features. We cannot afford to become complacent, believing that visitors will come regardless of our service standards. As Franklin stressed, “Visitors expect that when they pay that amount of money, the quality of service, the product, and the experience they receive will meet their expectations.”

It’s important to note that the complaints about declining service are not only coming from tourists. Barbadians themselves have voiced growing dissatisfaction with the quality of service across multiple sectors. Before we place blame on the hard-working employees in the tourism industry, we must recognise that this issue is much larger—it spans all facets of public life, and its resolution requires a collective effort.

The time has come for a collective reckoning. If we are to restore the respect and service standards that have long defined Barbadian hospitality, immediate action is required from all corners of society.

This is not just about protecting our elderly or improving customer service—it’s about safeguarding the values that make Barbados unique. Government, private sector, and citizens alike must engage in a concerted effort to revitalise our communities, elevate service standards, and nurture respect for all. Our future, both socially and economically, depends on it. Barbados cannot afford to wait for change—it must be the change.