As I have argued many times in the past, Caribbean countries have come a long way in their development since their independence. Many countries have been able to secure relatively strong economic growth performances, kept inflation reasonably low, created job opportunities for several of their citizens, and have also managed to provide a wide array of social services to their respective populations, for quite some time.
But changes in the global economy continue to create significant challenges for our small, open economies; forcing us as a people to re-examine the way we conduct business in and out of our own jurisdictions, the nature and content of our education, our strategies for economic growth and development, and our general approaches to building stronger nations.
Logically, financial and economic concerns usually dominate discussions in our countries and nothing is wrong with that. However, we have to recognise and accept that in order for our countries to progress beyond current achievement levels, other issues that are critical in building stronger nations must be addressed with similar dynamism.
Specifically, we have to be prepared to undergo serious changes when it comes to our approaches to politics, culture and heritage, sport, regionalism, and history, among others. For us, the important thing should not be the mechanisms and strategies we adopt in this holistic approach to nation-building. The key, instead, is that we ought to believe firmly that changes are necessary and be prepared to advocate for such changes.
With that thought in mind, let me illustrate my argument with two recent developments in the region. First, only a few weeks ago the chief executive officer of the National Cultural Foundation here in Barbados was reminding Barbadians of the importance of paying due respect to local artistes such as Red Plastic Bag and L’il Rick for not only their contributions to local music but also because of their achievements on the international circuit. That indeed is a noble call that ought to be extended to other national icons in all areas of life in the country. Admittedly, we have already done some work in this regard with the naming; for example, of a set of National Heroes, but we all would agree that there is still a long way to go with respect to honouring those among us who have and continue to contribute significantly towards nation building.
Second, there is news out of Trinidad and Tobago that the Prime Minister will soon be introducing legislation in the country’s Parliament to among other things recall Members of Parliament and set term limits for the Prime Minister. If the legislation passes, it would be a revolutionary experience for the country and one that this author hopes will be replicated by other Caribbean countries. Our politics and political systems badly need some adjustments for the better and this initiative will certainly ensure improvements if only in the area of accountability.
Clearly, the two examples cited are demonstrative of the kinds of issues that should be incorporated into our continuous deliberations as we seek to build stronger states. Financial and economic concerns are critically important but are not sufficient to make us stronger as small societies.
