BARBADOS ADVOCATE – DENIS KELLMAN’S COLUMN- THE DEBATE

APRIL 1, 2005

Last weekend the public was invited to a panel discussion sponsored by the Coleridge and Parry in the interest of the public. The panelists were able to present arguments for and against the formation of a Republic at this time, with some believing that identity comes through the presidential style of government and would give them true independence.

I told the audience to understand the foreign policy as stated by the father of our independence, where he felt that Barbados should not be a pawn for any one country. Any change should be through the development of the country, taking all groups into consideration.

The present system pleases all, those who support the monarchial system and those who support the republican system, because of the hybrid developed by that great mind when we got independence. The population of this country must be praised for having a system of government that does not side with any country, but allows principle to guide its foreign policy.

It is clear that this country is divided over the proposed changes. With our economic situation as it is and World Cup 2007 on our doorsteps, we must unite and build the country instead of dividing and destroying it.

The present confusion surrounding our cricket is enough and we should do everything in our power to ensure that the Caribbean is a place where all views are appreciated. Self interest cannot be the focus and this present Government must be protected from destroying the restructuring that started in the 90s.

The focus cannot be the interest of too few. A country must be judged by the way it treats those persons who do not exercise their political power after elections and those who can change the economic power. Another point mentioned was the importance of the army to the President with a change of the system; and how at present if you had a problem with the Prime Minister you had the Governor General, but if the system changes, it will be the President. We also need to know whether we are going to have a ceremonial President that cannot do anything or an Executive one that has all the power that allows the holder to protect himself from the rest of the society.

I will support changes, but it must be better that the system we gave ourselves in the 60s where the country came before personality. I am proud that our great late leader felt free to have a relationship with President Castro while at the same time being able to maintain his friendship with the Prime Minister of England.

We should never allow ourselves to be judged by the over reaction of our army, who sometimes is so efficient that their reaction time is shorter than the police in matters where law and order is concerned. The army must be congratulated for their reaction to the prison uprising and the speed with which they got out their public announcements.

We the public are observing how they continue to create firsts in everything that is occurring in Barbados. Those persons who questioned the importance of the Governor General would have heard that he had to sign the decree to justify the actions of an over alert Army.

I have already written and spoken about creating a hybrid between the Army and the Police. It is clear that he police force needs some of the resources that the army has. Too often the police force seems to be helping the army.

One of the things a future DLP Government will have to look at is het creation of a stronger Coast Guard and a hybrid between the army and the police force. Our resources must be used effectively. No society should feel that its police force is not effective. Please let us give the police that respect and power that they had previously.  Let the m continue to rely on themselves.

Please remember, St. Lucy is no dumping ground!

(Denis Kellman is the Member of Parliament for St. Lucy, Barbados)