SOME PEOPLE REFER to Caribbean countries disparagingly as “banana republics”. What they mean by that term is that in these countries the traditions and practices of mature democracies are either lacking or in minimal existence.
Sadly, by our own behaviour we often give credence to that label.
All of the countries of the (English-speaking) Caribbean are parliamentary democracies, with governments that profess to adhere to principles of individual freedom, including freedom of association, freedom of speech, and freedom of conscience (religion, et cetera).
Unlike what might happen in North Korea or China, or any of the countries with dictatorial governments, we in the Caribbean (are supposed to) respect the rights of our citizens. No citizen in our countries is (supposed to be) imprisoned or otherwise victimised because of their allegiances or views. We are proud of our democratic traditions, and we should be.
Reality check! The Emperor is wearing no clothes!
(Oh, how I love the metaphor in that story).
The president of the Road Safety Association, Sharmane Roland-Bowen, has been quite vocal in her advocacy of safer use of the roads. She and the very loquacious Sergeant Seibert Johnson have been making appearances on CBC television to get the message of safety over to Barbadians.
Vocal
Roland-Bowen has also been vocal about the number of potholes in our roads, and had a campaign to place warning signs for motorists. Apparently embarrassed by this, the authorities in the MTW pre-empted her on a few occasions by filling the holes before.
Shortly thereafter, the CBC road safety programme was dropped. When the action became public, the general manager denied it had anything to do with politics or victimisation of Roland Bowen; it was all because CBC was restructuring its programming, he said.
This restructuring, obviously, did not make any provision for a road safety programme – or so you would think. Well, guess what: couple weeks later and the road safety programme is back on – yes, you guessed it: Roland-Bowen is not there. She’s been replaced by Junior Jordan.
So what is the explanation now, Mr General Manager? It was not victimisation nor politics. Would it have been gender? Is it that you are restructuring to all-male panels on programmes?
Let’s not beat around the bush on this, Mr General Manager; your bananas are showing. The programme was cut because you wanted to get rid of Roland-Bowen.
The banana republic of Barbados is very much alive. We believe in freedom of conscience and expression – once it’s not critical of the ruling tribe.
– OLUTOYE WALROND
