“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” – Psalm 133:1
Singapore’s rise from post-colonial struggle to first-world success under the stewardship of the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew has long fascinated development economists and leadership theorists.
His unflinching resolve, strategic vision and meticulous execution created a resilient, high-performing island nation with global relevance.
The question for us in the Caribbean — and for Barbados in particular — is this: Can Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s brand of leadership achieve a similar transformation?
While the two leaders operated in vastly different eras and geopolitical environments, both share characteristics of bold, decisive leadership.
Prime Minister Mottley has captured global attention for her fearless advocacy on climate change, her ability to galvanise national will during crises, and her eloquence on the world stage. She has positioned Barbados as a global moral compass for issues of justice, economic equality and environmental sustainability.
But beyond her international persona lies a leader trying to craft a new development pathway for Barbados.
Lee Kuan Yew’s success hinged not only on vision but also on an unwavering focus on execution, discipline and the cultivation of national pride.
The transformation of Barbados will require similar grit. It calls for a shift in mindset, where innovation, productivity and national cohesion are not just aspirations but norms. It demands public service excellence, educational reform and a realignment of national priorities to reflect future-ready sectors — green energy, digital economies and high-value tourism.
To realise this vision, Barbadians must embrace an ethos of collective responsibility. Leadership alone cannot deliver transformation; it must be met with a citizenry willing to change how we work, live and think. The seeds of resilience and innovation must be planted in every home, school and business and throughout civil society.
It’s time to start the conversation — not about whether Mia Mottley can be Barbados’ Lee Kuan Yew, but about how her leadership can spark the national awakening we so urgently need. Singapore’s trajectory may not be directly replicable, but its lessons are invaluable.
We must continue pursuing a politico-socio-economic solution that advances sustainability and resilience for all.
Let us plant the seeds today for a globally competitive Barbados for posterity — rooted in bold leadership, nurtured by strategic planning, and sustained by national unity.
If Barbados wins, we all win!
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