Barbados finds itself at a critical crossroads. Spiralling social dysfunction, the erosion of community values, and rising criminal activity have sparked a growing consensus: the time for cosmetic responses is over. At the recent Social Partnership meeting convened by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, a powerful message appeared to emerge — Barbados must rebuild its communities from the ground up. And this cannot be achieved by the government alone.
What is needed is nothing short of a national reset. Structured social activity, a renewed focus on youth development, and the re-establishment of values were among the most urgent priorities raised at the meeting.
We must acknowledge that these are not new issues. However, the gravity of the current situation makes them a priority. When the Prime Minister speaks of reclaiming communities, she is issuing a national call to action — one that involves the church, the private sector, educators, unions, the media, and every household across the island.
There was something significant about the diversity of voices present at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. From police to pastors, bankers to broadcasters, all seemed to echo the same refrain: our youth need more support, our communities need more structure, and our country needs more cohesion. It reminded all Barbadians of similar moments in our history when unity of purpose allowed us to navigate crises such as economic collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current challenge is more insidious. It is not just financial or viral; it is social and spiritual. It is the slow fraying of the societal bonds that once held communities together — things like respect for discipline and order. The erosion of those bonds has left space for disorder to take root, particularly among our young people.
Mottley’s proposal for mandatory participation in youth development groups — whether Scouts, Brownies, Pathfinders , or vocational apprenticeships — should be welcomed. It is not about controlling children, but about guiding them, grounding them, and giving them a positive identity. Too many of our young citizens are left without structure, without role models, and sometimes, without hope. When structure disappears, negatives fill the void.
And while anti-crime measures like wiretaps and increased surveillance were also discussed, the long-term solution to crime is not simply more policing. It is more than prevention. It is the presence of trusted adults who take responsibility not only for their own children but also for others around them.
Equally important is the mental and emotional well-being of our people. The reported presentation from Pastor Eliseus Joseph and the Ministry of People Empowerment underscored something we sometimes ignore. There are many in our society, particularly the young, who are suffering in silence. Whether due to family problems, economic strain, substance abuse, or mental health challenges, too many issues are not being addressed with urgency.
We cannot outsource the healing of this country to anyone else. It must be done from within. Government can lead, but it cannot do the work alone. The clean-up of derelict vehicles and properties, while important, is just symbolic of a deeper social clean-up required. We must address not only the physical neglect of our surroundings but also the social and moral neglect.
There, however, seems to be a sense of hope, at least coming from the Prime Minister. Her call for consensus and reminder of past successes through collective efforts — from saving the dollar to managing a pandemic — are powerful cues. It is a reminder of what is possible when Barbadians work together. The presence of the media at the meeting was also important — not just as reporters or media managers, but as stakeholders. The stories we tell, the values we promote, and the role models we elevate will shape public consciousness.
To bring about meaningful change in Barbados, it will take effort, empathy, and courage — the courage to rethink how we raise our children, and the empathy to support those silently suffering.
Now is the time not to blame, but to take bold action. The tone has been set from the Social Partnership meeting; let us see whether there will be genuine efforts at change or mere empty rhetoric.
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