Never a dull moment in Barbados

IT IS worth asking: if we are importing police from Barbados, why not consider what else we can bring?

The Prime Minister’s fiat to the Royal Barbados Police Force, in a sensitive probe implicating local police, invites reflection on TT’s history of turning to Barbados to bolster the police.

Bajan migration to this country has been a way of life since the 19th century in particular, so the perpetuation of this process in relation to the police in the 20th century was in some ways fitting. That did not stop past TT leaders from being accused of tinkering with the racial demographics of critical institutions for political ends.

These entanglements have left a bad taste and bred mistrust. This is more so given Barbados’s own reputation for being doggedly colonial in its mindset – as well as the aggravating factor of maritime disputes over flying fish.

But today, while this country is in many ways stagnating, “Little England” is changing. And changing for the better.

It used to be the case that when you thought of Barbados the first things that came to mind were sun, sea and sand. Nowadays, you are just as likely to think of trailblazers in business and leadership like Rihanna and Mia Mottley.

Ms Mottley, in particular, has used her tenure as prime minister to bring about major reforms. Under her leadership, Barbados is a country intent on taking steps to deal with the same colonial past that has held it back for so long.

Ms Mottley has supported moves to remove a statue of Lord Nelson from Heroes Square, Bridgetown, after islandwide consultations. She has also announced, through the governor-general, her resolve to make the island a republic.

The Barbados cabinet is also prepared to diverge from a history of homophobic colonial-era laws by acknowledging same-sex civil unions, though gay marriage would be a matter for a referendum.

On the economic front, given the role tourism is to play in our economic restructuring, this country could learn a thing or two from a nation that has depended largely on that industry.

Barbados has kept its borders open, subject to restrictions, and, at the same time, managed to keep its covid19 numbers relatively low.

And while tourism itself is imbued with neo-colonial overtones, the island has found ways to chart its own course forward. It has embraced innovative ideas such as a special visa scheme designed to draw foreigners to the island in the medium term, during the pandemic, as a base for remote work.

Ms Mottley’s role as a champion of regional integration, including her spirited tenure as Caricom chairman, has won plaudits from no less than Dr Rowley.

So while there are only about 300,000 Bajans, Barbados is not little any more.